27 May 2011, Hamburg, Germany

Creativity and innovation are central to the social and economic development of Europe. The creative sector, which encompasses the music branch, films, the arts, television/radio, software and games among others, is responsible for over 1 million jobs across the EU and is vital to the cultural life of European cities. The innovation sector, another pillar of  the European economy, has greatly supported the economic growth of European countries by creating new products, developing new approaches or methods, which were dreams yesterday (e.g. mobile phones, wireless connections or wind energy) but which are reality today.

The Lisbon Strategy agreed in the year 2000, the EU's overarching programme focusing on growth and jobs, recognised that knowledge, and the innovation it sparks, are the EU's most valuable assets, particularly in light of increasing global competition. Together, the creativity and innovation sectors are among the main determinants of European competitiveness and economic growth.

There are various creativity and innovation projects being undertaken in Europe today and it is believed that much could be gained by providing  a Platform via which information about approaches, methods and project activities could be exchanged and more synergies and inter-project partnerships between Interreg-funded projects could be achieved. It is for this reason that the specialist Seminar “Creativity and Innovation in Europe: towards synergies and partnerships” is being organized.

The event is organized as an activity of the “European Creativity and Innovation Day”, initiative of the Interreg IVB (North Sea) Project “Creative City Challenge” and is meant to foster more transnational cooperation across Europe.

More information: European Creativity and Innovation Day 2011