Major innovation conference closes in Dublin

The 2014 Open Innovation 2.0 conference has closed in Dublin with the city’s Deputy Lord Mayor calling for a focus on the societal challenges.

In the closing address to delegates, Larry O’Toole said: “Technology is great but only if it serves the needs of human beings. We have real and serious challenges in our cities and our world. We need to tackle isolation, homelessness, the creation of jobs, health and the environment. Innovation and innovators can find solutions that solve these challenges and improve lives.”

The one-day conference was held The Convention Centre Dublin and brought together 300 high-level decision makers, leading innovation experts and practitioners from across the globe with the purpose of encouraging innovation adoption to improve society as a whole.

“Make things happen that change lives and society,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said. “My message is simple:  Innovate with purpose. Innovate with values. Innovate for people.”

The event marks the second year the event has been held in Dublin and was attended by Horizon 2020 Projects. Special coverage of the conference will be available in the summer editor of Portal, due to be published in July.