Busquin attends presentation of Italy's 'city of science'
EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin attended a presentation of the 'città della scienza' - the city of science located in Bagnoli, Italy, in Brussels on 30 January. The city of science is described as 'a new springboard for innovation and development in the Mediterranean area.' Its aim is to create a fertile ground for embracing scientific culture and innovation in order to contribute to overcoming the economic and productive difficulties prevalent in southern Italy. The centre seeks to bring science to the people, promote informal learning and the gender dimension in science education, implement life-long learning, and encourage innovation and technology transfer to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It should also stimulate the creation of new enterprises, promote sustainable development at a local level and bring the benefits of information technologies to society. It comprises a science centre, a business innovation centre, a training centre and an events space. The city of science has proved a success, with over 350,000 visitors in December 2002, a result that Mr Busquin attributed to the centre's interactive nature and humans 'quest for knowledge'. 'Science and knowledge upgrade human well being,' added the Commissioner. Antonio Bassolino, Chairman of the Campania region in which Bagnoli is situated, explained how the project will regenerate the region, as companies will set up in the region, develop and then produce nearby. Regeneration is necessitated by the de-industrialisation that has hit the region, explained Vittorio Silvestrini, Chairman of the city of science IDIS foundation. 'People moved out and left a vacuum in the area and the economy,' he said. 'But the problem was also a major opportunity. It freed up the area so that we could construct a future different from the past,' he added. The project aims to stimulate curiosity about science whilst cultivating scientific knowledge so that growth can be assured in the area. At the same time, Mr Silvestrini hopes to see the stimulation of new businesses. Director-General of the Commission's Information Society DG, Fabio Colasanti, also present at the event, called for a redoubling of efforts and the establishment of other cities of science.
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