Friday, 11 May 2012

Creativity  and  innovation  are central to the social and economic development of Europe. The creative  sector,  which  encompasses the music industry, 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 only   dreams   yesterday   (e.g. mobile  phones,  wireless  connections  or  wind  energy)  but which are reality today.

In 2000, the Lisbon Strategy, the EU's overarching programme focussing 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.

Despite  the  value  of  creativity and  innovation  to  Europe  and towards its attempts to meet the goals  set  in  the  Lisbon  and Gothenburg strategies, there is a perceived need to further raise awareness about the relevance of and the need for creativity and innovation in Europe. It is for this reason that the »European Creativity and Innovation Day« is being organised, as an activity of the Interreg IVB (North Sea) Project »Creative City Challenge« and involving institutions, organisations and projects from across Europe.

More information about European Creativity and Innovation Day 2012