"The role of Regions in creating the European Research Area", Perugia (Italy), 27-28 March 2002

Brussels, 04 March 2002

The Conference on "The role of Regions in creating the European Research Area", to be held in Perugia, is part of the initiatives aimed at examining the European Commission's Sixth Framework Programme for research, which represents the most important instrument in the creation of a European Research Area.

If we are to increase the exchange of knowledge and ideas among the various countries of the European Union we need better cooperation and more extensive collaboration between the various interested parties, as well as coordination and integration of research policies and programmes both nationally and at a community level. The current fragmentation of the actions carried out and the available resources can also be overcome within a European research system.

The implementation of integrated projects, the identification and networking of the most important centres of excellence, and the construction of large infrastructures shared by the countries of Europe, are vital to meeting a complex, yet fundamental, challenge for the competitiveness of Europe and the quality of European life.

In this context, the main topic discussed at the conference in Perugia represents an additional and significant element in the creation of the European Research Area. In fact, the regions can be dynamic elements in developing a knowledge-based economy in Europe. Defining and strengthening the regional dimension of national policies regarding research and innovation will, on the one hand, align these policies with local needs, while, on the other hand, developing the ability of local institutions to stimulate the creation of a European system of economic and technological development.

This international conference, which will also take a close look at questions concerning the contribution of biotechnologies to the quality of life, and the protection and appreciation of cultural assets, will include well-known speakers from the worlds of science, culture and industry - including Nobel Prize winners Yuan T. Lee, Rita Levi Montalcini and Carlo Rubbia, the European research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin, and the President of the CNR, Lucio Bianco - along with members of local institutions, and national and European governments.

The final programme of the Conference will be available by the first week of March.

For further information please send an e-mail to uffpresid@regione.umbria.it

Source: Research DG http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/ index_en.html