Brussels, 10/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - The Commission is still encouraging the development of synergies between research and regional policy. Speaking on Monday as he presented a communication adopted in mid-August to the press (EUROPE 9493), Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, said “We must avoid fragmentation in our policies. We must combine research with regional policy”. Danuta Hübner, Regional Policy Commissioner, who had been actively involved in preparing the communication, had an opportunity at the press conference to set out the details of regional policy (see related article). In his speech, Mr Potocnik briefly gave the reasons why the Commission wants to bring the two policies closer together. “Firstly, it is in Europe's interest - it will lead to better use of European money, it will increase Europe's science base and it will improve our chances of growth”, the commissioner said. “Secondly, it is in the interest of member states and their regions. (…) All the National Reform Programmes submitted in the last round of the Growth and Jobs Cycle emphasised the role of research in reaching our economic growth targets”, he went on. The commissioner noted the need, thirdly, for a “joined up approach to research and innovation”, mainly for state aid, public procurement, tax incentives, the labour market, financial markets, intellectual property, etc. So that the Union is able to develop the European Area of Research, Mr Potocnik believes it is necessary to resolve a “priority problem”. It is necessary to ensure that “all member states and all regions feel that they can fully participate and share the potential benefits of the framework programme (…) and ... not compromise the principle of excellence” inscribed therein. The Commission pointed out that his services would be publishing a practical guide by the end of 2007 on financing possibilities, from the point of view of a research institute or a company wishing to use EU funding to undertake research and innovation. In spring 2009, the Commission will also publish a report on progress accomplished at national and regional level in the coordinated use of Community instruments and on examples of best practice at national and regional level. (bc)