In the current climate of economic crisis, it is crucial to enable creativity and innovation to thrive so that new and innovative solutions to our problems can emerge. Fostering creativity and innovation contributes to the richness and diversity of Europe’s culture, as well as creating new opportunities for economic growth in the framework of the knowledge economy.

The first Brussels Debate will focus on the knowledge society and on how Europe’s creative potential can be channelled towards finding innovative solutions, products and services that can boost economic growth. Special focus will be placed on the nascent European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT).

Date:   16 February 2009
Venue: Résidence Palace, Polak Room, 
             Rue de la Loi 155, 1040 Brussels
Time:    18:00 - 20:00 (Registration starts at 17:30)

Speakers:

• Ján Figeľ, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth 
• Martin Schuurmans, Chairman of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology 
• Reino Paasilinna MEP, Member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, European Parliament (to be confirmed) 
• Bengt-Åke Lundvall, Professor at the Department of Business Studies, Aalborg University, Denmark 
• Jan Muehlfeit, Chairman Europe, Microsoft Corporation 
• Maria João Rodrigues, Professor of Economics, University of Lisbon

To participate in the debate, please contact info@epc.eu

Download the background paper of the first Brussels Debate (PDF, 45KB)

Download the report of the first Brussels Debate (PDF, 317KB)