University Open Days is one of the news that caught the
attention of participants at the 2009 edition of the European Week
of Regions and Cities that took place in Brussels, Belgium, between
5-8 October. Open Days 2009's motto was "Global Challenges,
European Responses" and attracted thousands of national and
regional policymakers, experts and representatives from business,
civil society and academia. Discussions focused around four main
topics but the pride of place was the perspectives that can offer
creativity and innovation. That's because the field of RDI
(Research, Development and Innovation) is a matter of high priority
for European regions. These were the topics that we addressed in a
discussion with Luc Van den
Brande, Committee of the Regions' (CoR) President.
Dr. Luc Van den Brande, speaking on climate change you mentioned
the multilevel approaches. Do you think science can provide
suggestions for regional policy?
"For me it is evident that
science is the input, it is our main resource. I am absolute
convinced that in the actual circumstances overcoming the economic
crisis, that we have to go for what I call' an anticyclic approach.
Just at this moment we have to invest more in research and
development, we have to take on board science and that is one of
the new ideas of the Open Days, to also organise Open Days
Universities. So, I think that speaking in terms of multilevel
approach, multipolar approach, there we can take on board our
science centres, our universities, our think tanks and so on, and
that will be the part for the future."
What do you think is the relationship between science and power,
between science and policy?
"Well, we have always to face that science has its unique and
own finality. Speaking in terms of in depth research people are
always saying it has to be useful from one day to another. No, the
knowledge of mankind is important for the future of all our people.
Even when the results are just coming up one week or ten years
later. And that is the important politics. We have to give room and
space to researchers and to science because one day it can be a
contribution to our prospect and our future. And that is the reason
why when I overlook the Union we are investing now 1.84 per cent of
our GDP towards research and development. Compared to the United
States 2.8 and Japan even 3.3 percent there is a big lack. I have
to say that only 27 regions in Europe are above this average. You
know that probably 70% of the products we will use in 2025 we even
not know at this moment what about. So, that is the wonderful
thinking on science, mankind, evolution and of course looking into
the future. So, we have to invest in the human potential. Even
sometimes people are saying the 'P' of place is important, that's
true; but the 'P' of people is the most important", answered Dr.
Luc Van den Brande.
OPEN DAYS 2009 seminars focused on four main issues: restoring
economic growth: innovation in Europe's cities and regions; regions
and climate change: Europe's way to sustainable regional
development; territorial cooperation: working together across
borders; achieving results, looking ahead: EU Cohesion Policy's
evaluation and future prospects.
As a general idea, we can say that global problems have
solutions that depend on the actions that are developed at regional
level. Territorial cooperation can boost the quality of life of
each of us.
Open Days in 2009 aimed at sharing ideas in a wide spectrum of
issues. They range from boosting economic development and
counteracting the current recession to the long-term challenges of
climate change.
The event is organized annually by the European Commission and
the EU Committee of Regions. More details
here.