Hackathon Presentation to European Commission DG CONNECT in Brussels by Richard Kastelein on November 26, 2013 at "How to foster ICT and web enterprises in Europe: learning from practice". The event was a think tank session to help foster ideas and feedback on the new Startup Manifesto initiative. Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission and her team have created the manifesto for entrepreneurship & innovation to power growth in the EU.
See http://startupmanifesto.eu/
We need to do hackathons at the EU level. Here are my suggestions and presentation.
SUGGESTED RECOMMENDATION FOR FUTURE ACTIONS
Form an EU hackathon task force to utilise this new phenomenon to tackle problems and find solutions – from civic issues to entertainment, health to environment. Blend international cooperation and competition (gamification) to help facilitate innovation.
Possible marketing strategy could also include a partnership with TV production company to shoot reality show or competition-driven format around Hackathon and/or Bootcamp. Long term vision could also include a TV format similar to Eurovision Song Festival with another angle. Eurovation Startup Festival with the best hackers in Europe vying for most innovative country.
See http://www.eurovation.org/