Competitiveness of Europe = Commerce + Innovation

To what extent is now Europe's competitiveness in the global economic crisis, and what steps should be taken community now so that in 5-10 years do not give up their positions? These It was discussed at last week in Prague, at the informal meeting of the Council on Competitiveness of the EU.

Increased competitiveness is one of the main priorities of the EU. Council on Competitiveness emerged in 2002 through the merger of the Council of the EU internal market, Council for Industry and the Council for Scientific Research. Key aspects of EU policy in the field of competitiveness are listed in the 'Lisbon Strategy', adopted in March 2000. That it was declared an ambitious goal to achieve a leading position in the world economy.

In the Prague Congress Center of the ministers met for two days. The first of these was devoted to science and education, the second - for purely economic. Word of the European Commissioner for Science and Research Janes Potocnik:

'It should be noted that the world has changed. Instead of the economy of raw materials came to knowledge economy. In Europe, a strong tradition in science and innovation. At this should make the biggest bet. We emphasize the importance of cooperation and acceptance of what we are all different. This unification of forces and can produce useful results'.

What states are the major competitors of the European Community?

'You know that the whole world is in terms of rivalry between them. Global competitors are the United States, Japan and many other economies such as China, India or Brazil. However, there are many issues that we have to solve together. Therefore, we see our competitors as allies. That questions of natural resources, energy, pandemic, migration, food, water. Today you can find a lot in common, such as environmental protection or energy supplies. But competition for space is enough.

Thus, the European business should be based on the results of European research. In turn, the commercial sector should be more likely to embrace science. Is there enough financial support in this area?

'You say that Obama plans to invest in science 3% of GDP. We have an objective that was a long time. But today it is only 1,8%. Should be improved and the quality of investment in this area. Adheres to this policy and China. Europe needs to pay attention to it. It is a definite priority. "

Europe needs highly qualified specialists. What is being done in order to prevent 'brain drain'?

'We must create the conditions for scientists, engage in science and more young women. If this happens, it is not surprising that the best minds leave for the border '.

On the second day of the meeting of Ministers decides the mechanisms that exist at the internal single European market.

What is the impact of economic crisis on the competitiveness of Europe? According to European Commissioner Gunter Verheygena:

'The situation we are concerned, very much so. First, in Europe, a decrease in industrial production. The estimated drop in growth is from 3 to 5%, an average of 4% compared to last year. Secondly, and this is worse, while unemployment is growing. We expect that in 2010 it will be 11% '.

What do you think of the supporters of protectionism?

'We are against the creation of new inequalities. On the contrary, we should fight protectionism, not to sabotage the long-term goals. Lifting the industry to the highest level of values and creating conditions for the industry in other parts of the world. Further, we do not believe that there is a connection between the expansion of the European Union and the crisis, on the contrary, the expansion of Europe's efforts both in terms of political and economic '.

Along with the summit attended by politicians and businessmen. Among them - is probably the most high-ranking Czech top manager Ian Myunflayt, head of the company 'Microsoft' in Europe.

'I talked about the difference in the competitiveness of Europe 10 years ago and today. 'Lisbon' positioned Europe toward the United States and Japan. Today we must take into account, and China. It is not just cheap labor. Recently I was in Silicon Valley. Most of the projects started here in the last 10 years, Chinese people started living here in the first or second generation '.

Then Ian Myunflayt drew attention to the demographic aspect: While in Europe the average fertility rate is low enough, in India for 20 years at 1 pensioner will account for 4-bodied person.

On the positive side, for example, in the Czech Republic was, in sloam Myunflayta, reducing the administrative burden, for example, registration of the company: 'Previously, this required unrepresentative set of papers. Today it can be done via the Internet. "

As a state, success in terms of reforms aimed at increasing competitiveness, Mr Myunflayt called the experience of Finland.

At the summit, said about the full implementation of the directive on services. This will use the economic potential of this sector, which creates the bulk of EU's GDP. Czech Republic as chairman of the EU drew attention to the role of small and medium enterprises for the EU internal market. Experience has shown that it can cope better with the impact of the crisis. In this case the attention of Governments to continue to focus on large international companies, despite the fact that most of the jobs created small and medium enterprises.