Istanbul (TR), 12 November 2010.

As the newly adopted Europe 2020 strategy sets high objectives in terms of competitiveness and sustainable development, 500 representatives from 150 European regions gathered in Istanbul to adopt a Declaration on innovation, Research and Development (R&D), further cementing the AER as a key actor in building new models of growth for post-crisis Europe.

“Whereas the Europe 2020 Strategy focuses on the general guidelines of tomorrow’s growth models, we at AER stress the mechanisms whereby such growth is made possible. We believe that through our involvement and collective effort, growth can be dynamic yet sustainable and inclusive. Whether we are speaking about clusters, R&D effort or public-private partnerships, it so happens that it all begins at the local level, through synergies, dialogue, and strong policies towards small and medium enterprises” commented Mrs Michèle Sabban, the newly re-elected President of the AER.

When it comes to research and innovation, the latest AER Surveys and Studies have indeed proved that regions are in the best position to bring about favourable conditions for the creation of clusters. It is in regions that innovative ideas are able to find real opportunities in terms of business and projects, as well as increase the competitiveness of territories. Moreover, regions are key to fostering the cooperation of all R&D actors: higher education, research and industrial innovation. In order to use this great potential, regions need however to be provided with the means to carry on such cluster policies, finance business start-ups as well as creating the conditions for a better market for private and venture capital.

“European regions take on the challenge of catching up to the United States and Japan in terms of dynamism, but also to build a more inclusive and socially responsible growth for tomorrow’s Europe” concluded Ms Sabban.

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