22-11-2006

The reform of EU cohesion policy is currently in its final stage. Member States are finalising their national strategies and programmes for the new programming period 2007-2013. The resources of cohesion policy account for about one third of the EU budget for the forthcoming financing period. These resources will be allocated more directly to promoting competitiveness, growth and employment in the Community as set out in the renewed Lisbon strategy.

"Strengthening competitiveness through innovation policy is a key priority for Finland during its Presidency. Promoting innovation is also important to realise the Lisbon objectives," said Mr Manninen. The Commission's observations about the national strategies for cohesion policy are encouraging: the promotion of innovation plays a stronger role than before. "The challenge now is to translate these strategic objectives into practical measures in regions," Mr Manninen emphasised.

According to Mr Manninen, it is essential to the development of regions that innovations are transformed into commercial products. Investing in research and development is simply not enough; there is also a clear need for close cooperation between enterprises, research and development organisations, and public sector actors. "National policies need to be backed up by a local operating environment where innovation potential can be developed," Mr Manninen pointed out.

Regional-level measures are crucial in achieving the EU's competitiveness objectives. In his speech, Mr Manninen stressed that all regions in the enlarged EU should be able to keep pace with development. "The competitiveness of regions in the global economy must be supported by improving the exchange of knowledge and best practice between regions," added Mr Manninen.