Brussels, 02/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - “Excellence for innovation” was the motto chosen by the European Commission delegation to inaugurate a conference dedicated to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) at the World Expo which will run in Shanghai until 31 October. Discussion at the conference focused on the importance of innovation in a knowledge economy. Under the theme “Intelligent Europe”, the European Union showcased some of its most important activities in innovation and technology, especially the new EIT. Vice-Chairman of the EIT Anders Flodström explained why the EIT was such a fine example of an innovative Europe: “The EIT is a European initiative with a clear international vocation. We want to be world-class in innovation - and you cannot be world class by just looking inward”. Jan Truszczyñski, Director General for Education and Culture at the European Commission, stressed the novelty of the EIT as the first European initiative to fully integrate actors from innovation, research and education. “With the EIT's Knowledge and Innovation Communities we want to be pioneers for changing the innovation landscape in Europe. They will be hubs of innovation with attractive conditions for working, studying and doing business,” he said.
Organised at the EU-Belgian pavilion, since Belgium currently holds the rotating Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, the EIT thematic day attracted participants from Chinese higher education institutions, research centres, businesses and associations in the field of science and technology as well as public authorities.
Discussions focused on the role of innovation in a knowledge society and on how innovation can be better promoted. Chinese and European interlocutors also exchanged best practice examples in key areas where the EIT currently operates: climate change, sustainable energy and future information and communication society. (I.L/transl.rt)