Brussels, 09/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - Europe's future competitiveness will depend to a large extent on its ability to produce enough qualified people, an objective that will not be achieved without development of the universities. The task of universities is to create new knowledge and to educate people to be creative in their personal development. On 3 February, the European University Association (EUA) published a statement highlighting the key role of universities in the EU's flagship initiative, the Innovation Union. It delivers a number of messages. It highlights the importance of research work carried out in universities, with contributions across the full spectrum of study areas, which forms the basis for innovation. Planned European budgets will have to be increased and public spending on university research must be more ambitious and consider the long-term positive impact that it will bring in terms of training, skills development and research and innovation activities needed to lead Europe out of economic crisis and towards a truly “Innovation Union”. “Our global regional competitors are not waiting for us, they are investing heavily in universities and the next generation of young people who will be the innovators of tomorrow!” the EUA says. (I.L./transl.rt)