Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISIEvaluation of the Funding Programme "Falling Walls Conference and Circle"
Since 2009, the Falling Walls Conference has been held annually on the day the Berlin Wall fell (09.11.). The target group are renowned scientists from all over the world whose research targets socially significant issues and who develop solutions for "grand challenges".
Other formats of the Falling Walls are associated with the conference: Circle (global forum for selected scientific strategists and visionaries), Venture (competition for science-based start-ups), Lab (promotion of young scientists) and Engage (competition for dialogue-oriented projects).
The two formats Falling Walls Conference and Falling Walls Circle are the subject of this evaluation. In addition to summative questions on the achievement of objectives, impact, cost-effectiveness and positioning in the national and international environment, the evaluation also addresses recommendations for the further development of the formats, specifically for programme implementation in 2020 (Phase 1). There is a possibility for funding a second phase with a focus on implementation in 2021.