1. HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION TOWARDS KNOWLEDGE ORIENTED REGIONS? Lambert van Nistelrooij Member of the European Parliament Warsaw, 13 February 2006 “Research and Innovation- an Opportunity for Convergence Regions” Lambert van Nistelrooij Member of the European Parliament Warsaw, 13 February 2006 “Research and Innovation- an Opportunity for Convergence Regions”

2. 1. The New Agenda (1) -”Earmarking” cohesion policy to the Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs -Supported by President Barroso and European Council -Finalising debate on Financial regulation and European regulations for 2007-2013 in the European Parliament.

3. 2. The New Agenda (2) -Optional Lisbon linkage 60% for programmes under convergence objective and 75% under objective 2 regions (obligation) -Lisbon agenda target of all European regions -Combining the 7th Framework programme and regional policy

4. 3. Reshaping the Regional policy (1) -Dutch approach “Pieken in de Delta” -”Hot spots” competing on an international level with regions (valleys) Technology valley, Health valley, Food valley, Energy valley -Unique combination of top-down (7FP) and bottom-up (Regional policy)

5. Cohesion 1990 2004 2007 7FP Cohesion Combining targets for the full chain of innovation and production (with both funds)

7. 4. Reshaping the Regional policy (2) The results of Southeast Brabant -Eindhoven, Leuven, Aachen triangle -R&D intensity -a university among the top 10 in the EU -a structured approach to innovation (Horizon action plan) in the region -reaches 3% of R&D expenditure 4. Reshaping the Regional policy (2) The results of Southeast Brabant -Eindhoven, Leuven, Aachen triangle -R&D intensity -a university among the top 10 in the EU -a structured approach to innovation (Horizon action plan) in the region -reaches 3% of R&D expenditure

8. Successful programmes like: High Tech Campus Eindhoven, Sports and Technology, Incubator 3+, International community Eindhoven, Embedded House, Business and Technology Communities, Evoluon, etc.

9. Cross-border regions (NL, BE, BRD)

11. 5. Our experience: - C ombining and using Regional funds and funds for R&D -Use of “open innovation” to exchange best practices and create mass -Creating Technological hotspots

14. 6.T ransition towards knowledge oriented regions: - No need for a “double speed” Europe -Focus on capacities, research and infrastructure gives the best opportunities for convergence regions. -Regions of knowledge exchange promising practices throughout Europe. -Balance between cohesion policy and competitiveness on a global scale -2007-2013 is the period of delivery

15. Thank you for your attention! Lambert van Nistelrooij Member of the European Parliament Warsaw, 13 February 2006 “Research and Innovation- an Opportunity for Convergence Regions”