Documentation from the " Regional Changes – a challenge! " seminar
The seminar in Brussels on December 8th was arranged by the Swedish Foundation for Small Business Research (FSF), the Swedish Agency for Econimic and Regional Growth (NUTEK) and the Swedish Institute for Growth Policy Studies (ITPS). Mr Lars Nyberg from NUTEK, Sweden was moderator.
Senior Analyst Christina Skantze, ITPS Sweden, has been responsible for a recent study called ”Differences and Common Factors – Contribution to Renewal and Growth”. The study consists of twelve case studies divided into four categories. The cases are geographically located in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, USA, and Sweden. In the study, the following key factors for growth have been identified:
- capital: human, social, tangible;
- innovation capacity;
- commercial terms and conditions, and institutional relationships; and
- internationalisations.
Measures are required to face regional changes caused by industrial restructuring, and clarity is needed on what to do, who should do it, and how to do it. (Powerpoint: skantze.ppt )
Christina Skantze is talking to Mattias Levin.
More in-depth information and comments on three of the cases followed. Hildegard Mai presented actions taken in Dortmund, focusing among other things on young people, technology, and the quality of living. And with the World Cup in football coming up next summer, on a brand new arena, Dortmund surely will be in focus. Leonardo Piccinetti presented the Emilia Romagna case, and a regional programme for industrial research, innovation, and technology transfer. 130 M€ will be spent over three years. Desmond Clifford gave us the Welsh approach, with the strategy of attracting foreign direct investments, developing the SME sector and the domestic entrepreneurial culture, trying to bring entrepreneurial Welshmen back home, collaboration with British Petroleum (BP) and government agencies, and collaboration between universities and private sector companies. His concluding piece of advice was ”Face the future and start planning now!”
(Powerpoint: piccinetti.ppt ), (Word: clifford.doc )If you want Mai's powerpoints please send an e-mail to helena.ericsson@fsf.se .
Mattias Levin from the Bureau of European Policy Advisers at the European Commission presented the outlines of a coming report on EU competitiveness and industrial location. To this matter, the audience was given evidence, challenges for the EU, and policy implications. And yes, we Europeans do need to be concerned because of several reasons. And what are the policy objectives on the EU level to face this challenge? A twin track can be envisaged: A) Provide framework conditions on which Europe can strengthen its position, and B) Facilitate transition and adjustment to shocks. The road ahead may be a bit bumpy.
(Powerpoint: levin.ppt )
Pamela Mueller from the Max Planck Institute of Economics in Germany pointed out the role of entrepreneurship for growth, the role of university and industry relationships, and the role of [entrepreneurial] environment. She concluded that we need a lot of firms and we need firms that survive. (Powerpoint: mueller.ppt )
