Verheugen presents four 'key concepts' for meeting Lisbon objectives
As Commissioner for Industry and Enterprise, Günter Verheugen will be one of the key drivers of the Lisbon process. Commentators are waiting to see what his and the rest of the Commission's strategy will be, and on 29 November he provided a few answers. Mr Verheugen claimed that, as things stand, Europe has no chance of meeting the Lisbon objectives of making the continent's economy the most competitive in the world by 2010, and that Europe is, in fact, falling behind in terms of global competitiveness. A host of factors are responsible for this situation, including the high number of indicators and the fact that only some of them are measurable, claimed the Commissioner. The solution, at least in part, is four 'key concepts' outlined by Mr Verheugen, which will help the EU to increase growth, competitiveness and productivity: regulation; industrial policy; small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs); and innovation. 'Innovation is not a discovery by the modern world,' said Mr Verheugen. 'The whole development is closely tied to curiosity, creativity, scientific curiosity and striving to take the path to the unknown and to reach new shores.' This 'pioneering spirit' led to the birth of railways, aeroplanes and the Internet, he reminded listeners at the Confederation of German Industry. The Commissioner called for innovation to be pursued with new energy. 'Europe has found it hard in recent years to keep up with the tempo of others,' he said, adding that EU enlargement has provided a breath of fresh air and an opportunity for change. 'This is a chance that we must not dismiss,' said Mr Verheugen. Innovation needs visionaries, as well as an open mind and the will to pursue new paths, not only among individuals, but in society as a whole, said Mr Verheugen, emphasising that the teamwork necessary for innovation requires societal backing. On SMEs, the Commissioner called for a new sensibility towards their needs, and for policy makers, as a reflex action, to consider the impact that every proposal will have on them. Europe can meet the Lisbon objectives, but it requires courage, concluded Mr Verheugen - 'Courage for change and courage for more Europe. It is therefore worthwhile viewing European integration from this angle [...]. Europe is strong when it works together.'