FITUG e.V.

Förderverein Informationstechnik und Gesellschaft

Towards a Europe of innovation and knowledge

http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=CES/00/16|0|RAPID&lg=EN

DN: CES/00/16 Date: 2000-03-06

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CES/00/16

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Brussels, 2 March 2000

Towards a Europe of innovation and knowledge

The European Economic and Social Committee has just adopted an own- initiative opinion on "Employment, economic reform and social cohesion - Towards a Europe of Innovation and Knowledge". The rapporteur was Peter MORGAN (UK) and the co-rapporteur Ursula ENGELEN- KEFER (Germany).

Looking ahead to the Lisbon Summit on 23/24 March next, and as part of the European Employment Pact (EEP) process, the Portuguese presidency has stressed the emergence of a new paradigm, that of the economy of innovation and knowledge.

The Committee intends to help step up the dialogue on a European employment strategy. It is convinced that Europe does have the necessary innovation, creativity, knowledge and enterprise, and that these capabilities must be encouraged. With this in mind, the Portuguese presidency's strategic objective - to make the EU the world's most dynamic and competitive economic area, with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion - is feasible over the next ten years.

The Committee proposes the following agenda for the Lisbon Summit:

adapt the social models to the new paradigm (removal of barriers to employment, more flexible working hours, reform of financing structures, avoid social exclusion and reinforce equal opportunities);

achieve mass training in Information Society Technologies, in the process of becoming basic life skills and opening up new opportunities. Private and public initiatives, involving different age groups, are needed;

popularise and facilitate the growth of the enterprise culture (make the enterprise culture appealing to young people, fiscal changes, cut red tape, create an environment conducive to the formation and development of new companies);

help companies to convert to the new paradigm. Innovation must apply in all areas of business operation. Enterprises must be more flexible and adaptable, less hierarchical. Companies, trade unions and public authorities must help workers to re-train for new jobs;

adapt education and training to the new paradigm. Promote the knowledge society, in particular by prioritising a new approach to teaching and learning science and technology and by forging a closer link between theory and its industrial application;

harness sustainable development for innovation and growth.

A new paradigm, the Committee concludes, might be need for government itself, bearing in mind that the public expects not only that rules and regulations are observed, but also that services are provided properly and efficiently.

For the full text of the opinion and any further information contact Mrs Lindahl,

Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship

(tel.: 546.92.54 - e.mail: katarina.lindahl@ces.be)

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