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The role of research and space sector in EU competitiveness discussed at COMPET Council

ielmatzoglou — Mon, 26 May 2014 16:40:27 +0000

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The Competitiveness Council (Research and Space part) chaired by Dr. Christos Vasilakos, Secretary General for Research and Technology of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, was held today, Monday 26 May 2014 in Brussels.

The main items included the adoption of two sets of Conclusions entitled “Towards a shared EU-ESA vision for space fostering Competitiveness”, and “The implementation of the roadmap for the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures” as well as a policy debate on the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation for research and innovation.

The conclusions on the shared EU-ESA vision for space fostering competitiveness constitute the Council’s response to the progress report adopted by the Commission on 6 February and following a constructive political exchange of views during the Competitiveness Council meeting on 21 February 2014. The relations between the Union and ESA should be seen in the broader space policy context and Europe's long-term strategic vision, including high-level political objectives for autonomy and industrial competitiveness. The Conclusions focus on the further steps, which need to be taken in order to provide proposals on improving the current relations between EU and ESA taking into account this political guidance.

The conclusions on the roadmap implementation of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures emphasize the need for renewing and adapting the mandate of the ESFRI to adequately address the ever emerging societal challenges as well as the need to ensure the follow-up of implementation of already on-going ESFRI projects. The conclusions stem from the report adopted by the ESFRI’s Board in April 2014.

The policy debate on the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in research and innovation was based on the constructive outcome of the recent informal Council meeting organized by the Greek Presidency in Athens, on 13 May. That meeting demonstrated that the technical work developed by the PRIMA initiative (Partnership in Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) is mature enough, which can allow proceeding with the preparation of a dedicated programme. The meeting also marked strong and wide political support for a long-term structured cooperation in research and innovation in the Mediterranean area on equal footing, that is, in line with the principles of co-ownership, mutual interest and shared benefits, building on the multiple bilateral and multilateral research and innovation activities in the region. There was also support regarding the immediate next steps. It was argued that time is ripe for Member States to consolidate all findings and to prepare a comprehensive proposal for a dedicated programme in 2014. The incoming Italian Presidency indicated its strong political will to organise the next steps. Moreover, this process built on previous initiatives such as the informal Council meeting during the Cypriot Presidency, resulting in the Limassol Declaration in July 2012 and the Barcelona Conference in April 2012.

A number of information items were also on today’s agenda. During the space part, the Council was informed of the recent launch and Earth observation images of the first Copernicus satellite (Sentinel 1A). During the research part, the items included the state-of-play with the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP’s), the approach for public sector innovation and the recent adoption of the Innovation Investment Package. Last, the annual report of the Strategic Forum on International Cooperation (SFIC) was presented.

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Meeting of the Competitiveness Council (COMPET) - Brussels, 26.05.2014

COMPET Council concludes in Brussels (26.05.2014)

ekampaki — Mon, 26 May 2014 07:30:09 +0000

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A ministerial meeting of the EU Council on Competitiveness, chaired by Deputy Minister of Competitiveness and Development, Notis Mitarachi, was held in Brussels today (26.05.2014). The meeting discusses issues related to Internal Market and Industry.

The Council approved the following texts: a) a draft decision and b) a draft regulation of the Council for the establishment of implementing measures for the system of own resources of the EU, an issue of particular significance for the ratification of the budget of the European Union, as own resources must correspond to expenses.

The ministers agreed on a general approach in so far as the regulation proposal is concerned, which has as its aim the introduction, on a European level, of standard requirements for the incorporation of an eCall device system in new vehicle models and in light commercial vehicles. The European eCall system is designed in such a way as to facilitate and accelerate the provision of first aid services and the job of emergency crew in cases of road accidents.

The ministers also agreed on a general approach in relation to new regulations for the protection of commercial confidentiality. The aim of the directive proposal is to facilitate national courts to deal with the misappropriation of confidential business information, remove the trade secret infringing products from the market and make it easier for victims to receive compensation for illegal actions.

The Council was informed on the progress made to date on the examination of a series of proposals for the revision of the framework which concerns the registered trade marks in order to improve the conditions for business to innovate. The modernization of the framework will make the European System of registered trade marks more accessible to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and will render the protection of trade marks more efficient.

The ministers took note, in addition, of the progress report by the Presidency concerning the revision of the directive on package travel, aiming at the modernization of the operational framework of this specific market, which has been deeply transformed, primarily due to the internet, and no longer fully satisfies the needs of consumers and businesses.

The Commission was represented by Vice-President, responsible for Competitiveness, Joaquín Almunia, Vice-President responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, Michel Barnier, and the Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht.

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Meeting of the Competitiveness Council (COMPET) - Brussels, 26.05.2014

Internal market and industry, research and space policies to be discussed at COMPET Council (Brussels, 26.05.2014)

ekampaki — Mon, 26 May 2014 05:49:57 +0000

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A COMPET Council meeting is taking place in Brussels today (26.05.2014). The meeting will be chaired by Greece’s Deputy Minister of Competitiveness and Development, Notis Mitarachi and Secretary General for Research and Technology, Christos Vasilakos.

The morning session of the Council will discuss internal market and industry issues, such as a proposal on the requirements for fitting eCall devices in new models of vehicles; a general approach on new rules for the protection of trade secrets; a progress report on the review of the framework of trade marks; a progress report on updating the EU package travel directive aimed at modernising the travel market.

The afternoon session will be devoted to research, innovation and space policies. The Council is expected to approve conclusions on the roadmap for implementation of pan-European research infrastructures, as well as conclusions on how to better develop a shared vision for space fostering competitiveness by the EU and the European Space Agency.

Finally, ministers will discuss how to reinforce and further develop scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean partner countries with a view
to creating an area of shared prosperity and to jointly tackling society’s greatest challenges.

Euro-Mediterranean cooperation for research and innovation and EIPs at the Informal COMPET Council/Research

mvaroucha — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:38:26 +0000

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The Informal Competitiveness Council/Research Meeting was convened in Athens, today (13 May 2014) chaired by Constantinos Arvanitopoulos, Minister of Education and Religious Affairs. The meeting was also attended by Stefania Giannini, Italian Minister for Education and Research, Màire Geoghegan–Quinn, Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Christos Vasilakos, Secretary General for Research and Technology and Robert-Jan Smits, Director General for Research and Innovation.

The meeting focused on three items: the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation for Research and Innovation, the European Innovation Partnerships(EIPs) and the Commission Communication adopted on 8^th May 2014 on “Innovation in the Blue Economy: Realising the potential of our seas and oceans”.

The Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation for Research and Innovation was discussed during morning session and the ministers stressed that research and innovation offer significant opportunities for Mediterranean countries to develop and exploit their human, natural and technological assets to tackle regional and global challenges for the benefit of people in the region.

The session started with the introductory remarks of Minister Arvanitopoulos who confirmed the political commitment of the Greek Presidency to the PRIMA initiative, while Minister Giannini also confirmed the political commitment of Italy. In the same context, Mr Vasilakos underlined the importance of the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in R&T&I as one of the most important policy tools for peaceful co-existence and growth. The importance of the action, the importance of thematic priorities for food and water, as well as the importance for the Southern Mediterranean countries were presented respectively by: the coordinator of the initiative, rector of Siena University Angelo Riccaboni, the president of the Greek Centre for Oceanographic Research Vassilios Lykousis and the advisor to the research minister of Egypt El-Zoheiry. A wide support for the initiative was expressed during the roundtable discussion that followed and the participants agreed that it is time to proceed with the implementation of this initiative on the basis of Article 185, TFEU.

The outcome of this discussion will be the basis for debate at the Competitiveness Council on 26^th May.

The afternoon session started with a presentation by Commissioner Maria Damanaki of the Commission Communication on “Innovation in the Blue Economy: Realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth”. The Commissioner presented the action plan proposed which, among others, will promote in the near future (by 2020) free exchange and access to oceanographic data.

Subsequently, the afternoon session focused on the European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs). Since 2011, five EIPs have been launched in order to accelerate research, development and innovation to tackle major social challenges, pool expertise and resources and boost the competitiveness of EU industry. The session started with a presentation by Esko AHO, ex-Prime Minister of Finland and Chair of the independent Expert Group, tasked by the Commission to perform the evaluation of the current EIPs. An exchange of views regarding current EIPs followed.

Competitiveness (COMPET)

Research and Innovation on the second day of the Informal COMPET (Athens, 13.5.2014)

ekampaki — Tue, 13 May 2014 05:54:42 +0000

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Research and Innovation will be at the centre of discussions today, on the second day (13.5), of the Informal Competitiveness Council (Research) chaired by Konstantinos Arvanitopoulos, Greek Minister of Education and Religious Affairs.

During the morning session, Ministers will focus on the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation for Research and Innovation and the opportunities offered for Mediterranean countries to develop their human, natural and technological capital.

In the afternoon session, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, will present a Commission Communication on “Innovation in the Blue Economy: Realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth”. In addition, Esko Aho, Chair of the European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs) Evaluation expert group will deliver a key-note speech on “Outriders for European Competitiveness –European Innovation Partnerships as a Tool for Systemic Change”.

A press conference and conclusive remarks by Greek Minister, K. Arvatinopoulos will be held at the end of the meeting.

Live broadcasting will be available here from 08:00 (CET)

Competitiveness (COMPET)

The need for a new European industrial policy (COMPET, 12.5.2014)

pmastroperrou — Mon, 12 May 2014 13:44:12 +0000

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The need to draft a new European Industrial policy was highlighted during the first day of the informal Competitiveness ministerial council meeting, organised by the Ministry for Development and Competitiveness, in the context of the Greek presidency of the Council of the EU.

More than 20 Ministers and deputy ministers from the 28 EU Member-States, high ranking European Commission officials as well as representatives of European stakeholders of the Industry contributed to the meeting.

Daniel Calleja, Director General of DG Enterprise and Industry, Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BUSINESSEUROPE, Dimitris Daskalopoulos, president of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises addressed the council on the topic of “Drivers for Industrial Competitiveness”.

During the Informal Ministerial Meeting, two distinct aspects were thoroughly discussed as core challenges of the European Industry:

a) innovation and key enabling Technologies of general application, focusing on bridging the “innovation gap” and b) the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries, with emphasis on mitigating the grim consequences of the rise in energy cost. Relevant to these were the contributions of Hubert Mandery, Director General of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), and Adrian Harris, Director General of the European Engineering Industries’ Association (Orgalime).

The working lunch, upon the recommendation of Italian Development Minister Frederica Guidi, was devoted to the elaboration of the mechanisms that can secure the most effective incorporation of Industrial Competitiveness in all relevant policy sectors on the European level.

Greek Development and Competitiveness minister, Kostas Hatzidakis, pointed out that: “the Greek Presidency has set as a priority to bring Industrial Policy at the top of the agenda of European public debate. The Competitiveness Council in March, the Spring European Council, today’s informal Competitiveness Council as well as a series of actions, upon initiative of the Ministry for Development and Competitiveness were focused on Industry and its main challenges. The European Union neglected Industry and is now paying the cost: de-industrialisation, fewer jobs, fewer investments, competitiveness deficit. The next European Commission has to work in a coordinated and horizontal way, mainstreaming its policies with the view to reviving European Industry, lifting bureaucratic barriers, improving legislation. The Greek Presidency is laying the foundations and I’m certain this policy will definitely continue in this light.”

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Informal Meeting of Ministers for Competitiveness (COMPET) - Day one, Athens 12.5.2014

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Identifying the major drivers for Industrial Competitiveness on the first Day of the Informal COMPET (Athens, 12.5.2014)

ielmatzoglou — Mon, 12 May 2014 05:44:50 +0000

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Identifying the major drivers for Industrial Competitiveness and addressing key challenges for the future of European Industry will be at the centre of discussions today (12.5) on the first day of the Informal Competitiveness Council (Industry) chaired by the Greek Minister of Development and Competitiveness, Kostis Hatzidakis.

Ministers will review the latest developments and challenges and set the framework for a possible action roadmap, following the decisions of the spring European Council.

During working lunch Ministers will have the opportunity to discuss mechanisms to ensure the efficient and coherent mainstreaming of industrial competitiveness across all policy areas at EU and national level.

The Presidency will hold a press conference at the end of the meeting.

Bridging the gap in e-skills: Back to work people!

ekampaki — Fri, 02 May 2014 08:44:34 +0000

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Don’t call us, we will...definitely call you

Back in the ‘80s, a famous British newsmagazine bragged about its appeal on the world’s most infuential people by launching an ad featuring a 42-year old management trainee admitting he/she had never read the newsmagazine. Two decades later, young people realise that when it comes to job hunting, it takes a lot more than subscribing to a publication, no matter how prestigious and informative that is.

Flipping discs instead of burgers

Here is a paradox: at a time when Europe faces massive unemployment, technology companies face a critical shortfall of talented ICT experts. This contradictory picture reveals a mismatch between the skills on offer and those in demand in today's fast developing technology market. As a result Europe might face a shortage of up to 900,000 ICT professionals by 2020, risking its potential for growth and digital competitiveness.

Back to school?

In a constantly evolving environment, as the one of the ICT sector, it is difficult to provide definitions. By and large, e-skills are divided into three categories:

ICT user skills required by individuals in order to apply systems and use devices.
ICT practitioner skills required for researching, developing, designing, managing, and supporting.
E-business skills needed to exploit opportunities provided by ICT, notably the Internet, in order to increase performance or do business.

Grand Coalition for Digital Jobs

In March 2013, the European Commission began taking decisive steps towards bridging the gap between the skills people have and the skills the labour market needs. It launched the Grand coalition for digital jobs, which attempts to attract young people into ICT education.

It did so because statistics prove that Europe's skills gap is a determining factor in unemployment and because surveys have forecasted that by 2025, 44% of employed people in the EU will be in a highly-skilled job, while only 11% of jobs are expected to be low-skilled.

Tell us, how do you imagine yourself in 5 years from now?

The European Commission has set out a roadmap for 2020. The target is to reverse the decline by 2015, so as to ensure a sufficient number of ICT practitioners by 2020. The coalition aims to mobilise companies, associations, employment agencies, the education and training sector as well as regional actors to make sure that recruitment barriers are lifted and that the message for constant training gets across.

‘E-skills for jobs’ in Athens

Throughout 2014, a special campaign under the Coalition’s umbrella will be running in the EU, as well as Israel, Norway and Turkey. It is called e-Skills for jobs and it’s coordinated by Digital Europe and the European Schoolnet, in conjunction with hundreds of national and pan-European partners.

Both 2014 EU Council presidencies will host events raising awareness on the matter. On May 6, the Greek presidency, together with the Federation of Hellenic ICT Enterprises will hold, on 6 May, its grand event: E-skills for jobs 2014 - Mobilising to support job creation and upskilling of the workforce. The objective is to engage EU officials and high profile national authorities, raise awareness among young people in search of a job and finally, mainstream the issue of e-skills in European policies.

Boosting the competitiveness of SMEs, facilitating their access to financing

ekampaki — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:21:55 +0000

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Improving the competitiveness of European SMEs and, in particular, facilitating their access to financing was the focal point of discussions at the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy, which was hosted by the Ministry of Development and Competitiveness in Athens on 24-25 April.

Pierluigi Gilibert, Chief Executive of the European Investment Fund, Jeffrey Anderson, Senior Director for European Affairs and Peter Faross, Secretary General of the European Craft and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME), presented their views on the subject in the course the meeting.

The Council discussed the need to adapt the new NSRF (2014-2020) actions with a view to meeting the needs of SMEs and their individual characteristics (development level, regional and national economic situation etc.), as well as the further utilization of financial instruments to facilitate the access of SMEs to grants, loans, loan guarantees etc. During 2014-2020, funds for SMEs have doubled (from € 70 bn in 2007-2013 to € 140 bn) in order to boost growth and job creation.

What was also highlighted was the need to focus on innovation and its positive impact on SMEs’ productivity, the encouragement of business partnerships on a transnational level so as to enable the expansion of enterprises to new markets and the investment in human resources allowing the SMEs access to highly educated personnel.

Commissioner responsible for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, presented the state-of-play in the submission of Partnership Agreements by the Member States (Partnership Agreements have replaced the NSRF, for the programming period 2014-2020) and the operational programmes. According to the latest data, 27 out of 28 official partnership agreements have already been submitted.

One of the topics on the agenda was Urban Development, in keeping with the conclusions of the conference on the “Cities of Tomorrow”, organized by the European Commission in February 2014, in Brussels. Given that the majority of the population in Europe, as well as internationally, resides in urban areas and that more than 50% of Cohesion Funds will be distributed to urban areas, the discussion centred on:

-Better allocation of funds in order to tackle problems arising from urban development (environmental pollution, poverty, social exclusion etc)
-Better cooperation among EU, national and local governments, with a view to addressing urban challenges.
-The prospects for formulating a European Agenda on Urban Development.

Development and Competitiveness Minister, Kostas Hatzidakis, noted “the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy coincides with the beginning of the New Programming Period 2014-2020; it also comes at a time when the economies of the countries severely hit by the crisis are at a turning point on the way to recovery. The adoption of financing programmes for SMEs, tailored to the needs of each country’s economy, especially for those countries that have been affected by the crisis, should be allowed.

It is inconceivable, especially now, to ignore the unique problems faced by SMEs in these countries. Where necessary, we should be prepared to make the changes required in the application of competition rules so as not to further undermine the position of enterprises of weaker countries, to support innovative and outward-looking entrepreneurial ventures with flexible financial products, as well as to maximize the efficiency of community funds.

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Informal Council for Cohesion Policy (Athens, 24-25.4.2014)

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SMEs and cities of the future: Informal Council for Cohesion Policy (Athens, 24-25.4.2014)

ekampaki — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 06:30:41 +0000

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An Informal Meeting of EU Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy, is taking place in Athens, on 24-25 April, organised by the Ministry of Development and Competitiveness.

The main topic on the agenda is support to SMEs. In particular, discussions will focus on liquidity and access to financing for SMEs, simplification of their access to public funds, as well as improvement of the business environment in which they operate with the support of Structural funds and other instruments.

The meeting begins on 24 April with a working dinner, during which the Commission’s proposal for a European urban agenda and the role of cities in delivering EU policy objectives will be discussed.