Brussels, 24/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner Erkki Liikanen has invited the main stakeholders in EU shipbuilding to participate in the High Level Advisory Group for the "LeaderSHIP 2015" initiative. The group, which is to meet for the first time on 28 January, will bring together European Commissioners, industry CEOs, MEPs and a trade union representative. The EU shipbuilding industry launched the "LeaderSHIP 2015" initiative with a view to developing, with the main political decision-makers, a strategy that would guarantee EU shipbuilders' long-term competitiveness and technological leadership in world shipbuilding. Romano Prodi welcomed the initiative and offered the Commission's full support.
Work of the Advisory Group will be based on a roadmap established by the EU shipbuilding sector, which defines five key objectives: - improve leadership in selected market segments; - continue to drive and protect innovation; - strengthen customer focus; - improve industry structure and implement a network-driven operating model; - and emphasise production optimisation and shift towards knowledge-based production. The Advisory Group should identify the key problems and ensure rapid implementation of appropriate measures, and will present a final report in the autumn. Erkki Liikanen states: "European shipyards and their suppliers are truly high-tech undertakings, constantly introducing new products and technologies, which I could personally witness in many shipyards. Our yards have what it takes to succeed in the global market. They have re-invented themselves time and again in the face of adversity. But for a successful future this must be complemented with decisive political support, based on appropriate policy targets and a longer term vision". His colleague responsible for research, Philippe Busquin, considers for his part that "the future of European shipbuilding is critically dependent upon the investments the industry devotes to research. By producing hi-tech ships commanding added value and launching ships on the market which fulfil the most rigorous safety requirements, the European shipbuilding industry can become the most competitive of its kind on a world-wide scale".