Conference on “European Research after the Crisis – Chances and challenges for European Citizens, Enterprises and Researchers”

On Tuesday, 18th of June, the SME Europe of the EPP organized in cooperation with Belgian-German Club and CSU Brussels a joint Conference on “European Research after the Crisis – Chances and challenges for European Citizens, Enterprises and Researchers”: The event took place at Association de la Noblesse du Royaume de Belgique.

The event was opened by a welcome speech addressed by H.E. Eckart Cuntz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Belgium. The ambassador specified that European research after crisis helps us to reflect on finding better way for the future role of the SMEs.

Nadezhda Neynsky MEP, Committee on Budget and President of SME Europe introduced the topic, mentioning we need to ensure the funding for the creation of knowledge, develop new processes and support the innovative capacity for SMEs. Policy makers need to ensure the procedure that will allow SMEs to access the right incentives in order to close the gaps between the research and innovation.

In the keynote speech, Rudolf Strohmeier, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, European Commission Deputy Director-General presented the HORIZON 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe’s global competitiveness. Running from 2014 to 2020 with an €80 billion budget, the EU’s new programme for research and innovation is part of the drive to create new growth and jobs in Europe. In his address Rudolf Strohmeier stated the proposed support for research and innovation under Horizon 2020 will

• Strengthen the EU’s position in science with a dedicated budget of € 24 598 million. This will provide a boost to top-level research in Europe, including an increase in funding of 77% for the very successful European Research Council (ERC).
• Strengthen industrial leadership in innovation € 17 938 million. This includes major investment in key technologies, greater access to capital and support for SMEs.
• Provide € 31 748 million to help address major concerns shared by all Europeans such as climate change, developing sustainable transport and mobility, making renewable energy more affordable, ensuring food safety and security, or coping with the challenge of an ageing population.

The Conference continued with a panel discussion between Didier Hellin, Relations with the Parliament and European Directives, Federal Ministry of the Kingdom of Belgium responsible for the Self-employed, SMEs and Agriculture, Guy della Faille, Vice President of the Young Friends of the Countryside (YFCS), Philip von Eberhardt, Managing Partner N2S Group, Spain, Philippe de Marchant et d’Ansembourg, Founder & President of TERMICO, Nivelles, Belgium moderated by Udo Bux – President CSU party (Brussels branch) and  David Chmelik – President of the Belgian-German Club asbl

They discussed the chances, challenges and the role of European – applied research in the context of the last financial crisis and the consequences for the European SMEs and Industry, but also for ordinary citizens, consumers and the research community.

The event ended with a musical moment and a cocktail.

Downloads
  Speech Neynsky
  Speech European Commission

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