The "Horizon 2020 Eastern Partnership (EaP) Information Day 2015 - Research & Innovation in Information and Communication Technologies" is co-organised by the European Commission – DG CNECT, the Georgian Research and Educational Networking Association (GRENA), the International Centre for Advancement of Research Technology and Innovation (ICARTI), the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and the EECA Cluster, while it was financially supported by the Eastern Partnership (EaP) Platform IV, and the Multilateral Part of the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI).

The event, gathered more than 80 participants from both the public and the private sector, and focused on the improvement of European and EECA regional cooperation under the Horizon 2020 programme. The agenda of the info day included useful information concerning the H2020 programme and the participation of EECA countries in it, with special emphasis on the subject of Digital economy and harmonization of digital markets in EECA region.

The event started with the presentation of cluster activities in the EECA region and the opportunities they create for the EECA countries to enhance collaboration and networking capabilities.

The issue of the digital economy in the region was highlighted by Mr Vassilis Kopanas, of Unit D1 "International Relations", DG CNECT, European Commission, who through video-link presented the importance of the European Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy and the opportunities it is expected to create. Discussions on digital economy continued with the presentations of two EECA representatives on Harmonization of the Digital Market Initiative in the region, its progress and results so far.

The second part of the info day, presented by Mr Morten Moller, Head of Unit F3 "Programme Coordination", DG CNECT, European Commission, focused on the next H2020 Workprogramme (2016-2017) and the way experts of the EECA countries can be involved.

Enhancement of collaboration between the EECA and EU under Horizon 2020 was thoroughly discussed during a panel session with the participation of European and EECA experts. The participants of the panel noted the progress achieved in the region while highlighting existing obstacles and proposing ways to overcome them.

Finally the day included presentations on proposal writing and participation in H2020 as well as ways that local Contact Points can assist potential participants by guiding them through the process of networking and collaborating.

Agenda and presentations