The conference

Europe 25: A new chance? is a major conference, organised by forum maastricht, with top international academics, politicians and business leaders, focusing on the need for progress in European co-operation, the EU convention and enlargement, Lisbon objectives and the role of universities in a knowledge-based economy. It marks the starting point of the Dutch presidency of the European Union in 2004.

Themes and objectives:

1. Globalisation, enlargement and governance
This topic focuses on questions such as: What are the expectations of new EU members? Will the constitutional structure work after the enlargement? How does the EU envisage its role as a global player? What are the views on the EU outside Europe? (Statements and conclusions)

2. The Lisbon strategy: will it succeed?
The Lisbon strategy is a commitment to achieve economic, social and environmental renewal in the EU, and to turn the EU into the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. Are these goals feasible or is the EU too ambitious? How can we compete with the US or Asia if we are already dealing with shrinking resources in science and technology? (Statements and conclusions)

3. Universities in a knowledge-based economy: desperately seeking resources
With reference to the Lisbon objectives, what is expected of universities and how can they prepare for global competition? This topic will make a contribution by identifying and exploring new educational initiatives and research trajectories and by improving communication on science with European citizens in industry, including partnerships with the industry. (Statements and conclusions)

4. Europe 25: a new chance?
(Conclusions)


Summary conclusion

It might be useful to think about an innovation pact in which EU member states commit to the Lisbon goals with measurable performance indicators.

 
   
 
  Last updated: July 12, 2004