Putting regions in the hi-tech loop

A new type of regional policy initiative is blurring the line between public and private efforts with the aim of boosting regional competitiveness.

The European Enterprise Platform pairs regional authorities with hi-tech companies to tackle the challenge of regional competitiveness, particularly as it relates to productivity and the uptake of information and communication technology (ICT).

The platform grew out of a review of the EU’s internal market put together by David Parsons, leader of Leicestershire County Council in the UK and a member of the EU’s Committee of the Regions. The report, marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the EU, identified a number of challenges that regions face in becoming more productive and competitive on the international market.

The platform organizes networking sessions between regional and EU authorities and companies and identifies joint projects to enhance competitiveness. Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, head of governmental affairs for Hewlett Packard, calls the platform a "win win win" as it offers benefits to regions, companies, and the EU as a whole. By promoting a wider uptake of ICT, companies like HP and Microsoft - another member of the platform - stand to gain a firmer footing in European markets. At the same time, increased uptake of ICT benefits both the regional economies and, according to Scheijgrond, the environment.

"Increased productivity is about doing more with less," said Scheijgrond, arguing that increased productivity from ICT could lower energy bills by 40%. ICT also undoubtedly helps economic growth - although by how much is hotly debated. Half of the increases in productivity in Europe over the last decade have been attributed to ICT.

In the US, the corresponding figure is 70% and poorer uptake of ICT is seen as one of the reasons that European productivity has lagged behind as US productivity has taken off.

The enterprise platform is meant to be a sounding board, allowing European regions and blue-chip companies to formulate regional policy goals. According to Richard Woods, a senior policy advisor for the UK’s East Midlands region, who chairs the platform, it is something of a cross between a think-tank and lobbying group. Woods said that a major purpose of the platform was to influence EU legislation so that it had the maximum benefit for ICT uptake and economic competitiveness.

In a speech last month, Danuta Hübner, the European commissioner for regional policy, pointed to the platform as one of the initiatives that will help Europe reach its Lisbon Agenda goals to boost jobs and growth by "exploring how public-private collaboration can enhance regional competitiveness".

On 10 September the Enterprise Platform will be holding an invitational seminar in Brussels, open to other regions and industry sectors. Another workshop is planned for 10 October, to include Hübner and Commission officials.

A new type of regional policy initiative is blurring the line between public and private efforts with the aim of boosting regional competitiveness.