Eurochambres Position Paper on the European Institute of Technology (extract)

Brussels, 12 Oct 2006

• EUROCHAMBRES agrees on the need to focus great efforts of the European policy on improving the innovation capacity and performance of Europe.

• The notion of excellence is important for the EIT and especially the selection and evaluation of Knowledge Communities. In our view, success must be measured in terms of innovation capital or potential.

• Provided that the Governing Board has a very large autonomy in identifying strategic domains, establishing Knowledge Communities and in monitoring, it is essential for it to have clear and transparent governance and to be representative of an innovative Europe.

Introduction As the concept of European Institute of Technology (EIT) is becoming clearer after the publication by the European Commission (EC) of two Communications1 and the support provided by the March 2006 European Council, EUROCHAMBRES is in a position to publish an updated opinion on the initiative.

EUROCHAMBRES' updated position is published in advance of the Special Summit that will take place on 19 and 20 October at Lathi where the Commission will present a draft legal instrument together with accompanying documents including the Impact assessment2.

EUROCHAMBRES particularly appreciates the successive rounds of information and consultation that have been taking place on a regular basis for one year. We are pleased to see that the main concerns expressed throughout the maturation process have been addressed and we therefore continue to contribute with additional observations/recommendations… and optimism.

Principles for the establishment of the EIT

1. Objectives

EUROCHAMBRES agrees on the need to focus great efforts of the European policy on improving the innovation capacity and performance of Europe. The integration of education, research and entrepreneurship is vital for achieving innovation as well as creating growth and jobs. Setting up a new instrument, the EIT, is a symbol of integration of this Knowledge Triangle at European level. As a symbol, it must be a success model of excellence in innovation. This symbol must in turn spark ideas in the whole research, business and teaching European community. It is only in its multiplier potential that the instrument find its "raison d'être".

[...]

Full text

Eurochambres