The Six Countries Programme (6CP) is an international network of public policy-makers, business leaders, academics, and other experts working in the field of innovation and meeting periodically to discuss the latest developments in innovation research, policy and practice.
Established in 1975 by research organizations from the Netherlands, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, the group was soon joined by organizations from Ireland and Canada - hence the name Six Countries Programme. The network has since expanded its geographic coverage to include organizations from Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Hungary and South Africa. Each country is represented by one or two organizations. Though technically no longer a 'six' countries programme, the name has become so familiar among innovation policy experts that it has been retained.
The 6CP provides a platform for open discussion and analysis of innovation policy issues and exchanges of experiences and best practices in the field. Its primary objectives are to contribute to a broader understanding of innovation processes and their impact on economies and societies, to anticipate future needs, and to foster greater cooperation among policy researchers and decision-makers from both government and business sectors.
International Workshops are organized biannually, attracting representatives from various sectors and policy communities with a special interest in the topics around which these events are organized. The workshops cover a wide range of themes, including new research into innovation processes, the implementation of new policies, governance structures, interactions between institutions, challenges facing the innovation policy community, and more. Characterized by frank and open exchanges of information and reflections about theories, approaches and practical applications of innovation policy, the workshops are the cornerstone of the 6CP innovation policy network. The results of these deliberations are frequently published in policy journals and other relevant publications.
The proceedings of Past Workshops and related materials, including participant presentations and background papers, may be consulted and downloaded on this website.
The 6CP is overseen by a Steering Committee composed of representatives from each member organization. It convenes twice a year, generally in the spring and autumn, to coincide with the 6CP workshops. The Committee is responsible for the overall direction and management of the network. As such, it initiates and coordinates all network activities, liaises with other experts in the field, and proposes and appoints new members. The Committee is supported by a Secretariat based at TNO in the Netherlands, which handles the day-to-day activities of the 6CP, including general correspondence, information gathering and dissemination, management of accounts and expenses, distribution of a quarterly Newsletter, and assistance with the practical organization of workshops and other activities.
6CP Steering Committee members
| Country | Member(s) |
|---|---|
| Austria | Mr. Georg Panholzer, Mr. Wolfgang Polt |
| Belgium | Mr. Paul Zeeuwts (Chairperson), Ms. Danielle Raspoet |
| Canada | Mr. Duff Mitchell |
| Finland | Mr. Torsti Loikkanen |
| Germany | Dr. Steffen Kinkel |
| Hungary | Mr. Jozsef Imre |
| Ireland | Ms. Helena Acheson |
| The Netherlands | Ms. Rosa van der Linden, Mr. Jos Leyten |
| South Africa | Mr. Neville Arendse |
| Sweden | Mr. Lennart Elg |
| United Kingdom | Ms. Caroline Jacobs |
For a short biography and contact details of each member, CLICK HERE.