Annual conference of the Chair 'Leo Tindemans'

Innovation and Creativity, the Driving Force of Europe’s Future Economy

Annual conference of the Chair 'Leo Tindemans' February 25th, 2010 at Lessius University College, Antwerp, Belgium.

Introduction

Lessius University College and the Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies are pleased to inform you that they will organize the next Chair 'Leo Tindemans' on innovation and creativity, which will take place on February 25, 2010 in Antwerp, Belgium. The deadline for submission of abstracts is November 12, 2009.

Topic

The theme of the annual conference of the Chair 'Leo Tindemans' has been inspired by the European Year of Creativity and Innovation and by the upcoming Lisbon Agenda in 2010. The Lisbon Agenda was launched in 2000, and had a set time-period of ten years. The purpose of the Lisbon Agenda was to make the EU the most competitive, knowledge-based economy in the world. The Lisbon Agenda had a large number of goals, in both quantified and qualified measures, in different areas. In 2005, the results that so far had been reached were evaluated in mid-term reviews. Due to the disappointing results, the Lisbon Agenda was forced to change some of the implementation processes. The many quantitative goals were reduced, and only the goal to dedicate three percent of GDP to R&D was kept. The main goals were now on growth and jobs. The member states were to formulate national reform programs, and use these as their main instrument in order to reach the goals.

The conference aims to provide a forum in which academics, public policy makers, business leaders and policy analysts can exchange knowledge and experience on the place of creativity and innovation in the European and global economy and share their insights on how to promote and develop innovation and creativity in Europe. Innovation and creativity form a fundamental basis for the future of Europe’s economy. Recent studies show that the 'creative industry' is a booming industry with high growth rates in terms of employment and value added. Can innovation and creativity be the driving forces behind a competitive European economy?

The forthcoming Lisbon Agenda in 2010 will certainly need new approaches, and new instruments. Innovation policy instruments are diversified and are integrated in many areas and levels of an economy, which make them ideal for the next Lisbon Agenda. If the EU wants to reclaim some of its lost ground, there is no time to waste, especially given the current economic recession. Creativity and innovation can be of key importance for a successful turn in economic development.

Program

The program will consist of two parts. The morning and afternoon will consist of interactive sessions in which research papers will be presented and discussed. The evening session will consist of two keynote speakers who will address innovation and creativity as a way forward.

Practical information

Date | Thursday February 25, 2010
Location | Lessius University, College Department of Business Studies | +32 3 201 18 40 | leerstoeltindemans@lessius.eu
Language | English
Route | Our Campus is situated in the heart of Antwerp.
We recommend to use the public transport system if possible.
Parking facilities in the Korte Nieuwstraat are limited: Parking 'Groenplaats' or Parking 'Meir'. Please use the route planner function at our website.