Scotland Europa - Regional & Innovation

Regional and Innovation

Scotland Europa’s regional and innovation focus includes work on regional economic development, social, health, and innovation policy.

Our work in this field is by in large driven by the European Union’s strategic objective: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustained economic growth with higher employment, better job opportunities and greater social cohesion. This 10-year strategic objective, also known as the Lisbon strategy, was agreed by EU leaders in 2000, and replacement is currently being debated at EU level.

The possibility of achieving the objectives set by the Lisbon strategy was negatively influenced as European countries began to experience economic downturn from the end of 2008.

The challenge now for EU regional and innovation policy is arguably greater than it has been for many years: achieving the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy by refocusing on activity in key areas to ensure the downturn is not prolonged, while simultaneously seeking opportunities from the recession (e.g. potential economic reorientation towards ‘green’ and innovative products).

For more information contact: Sarah English