On Wednesday 14th July 2010, the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU hosted a seminar on Innovation & Green Economy. This afternoon event under the auspices of the Czech Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Milena Vicenová, brought together international experts and well as prominent Czech figures from the business and research sectors.

The conference co-organized by CEBRE (the Czech Business Representation to the EU) and the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU presented fourteen dinstinguished speakers from European institutions, the business sector and the research environment.Czech Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU Jana Reinišová opened the conference, reminding the audience that “it is much easier to support research than innovation, thus we have to keep trying to invest in innovation and find suitable benchmarks”. Notably, this can be achieved through the Europe 2020 strategy. Innovation in this context will be one of the key topics for the EU in the second half of 2010, with the discussion culminating at the European Council in December.

A discussion pannel about innovation in international markets followed the introductory remarks, with focus on energy efficiency and application of research through the untapped potential of the business sector. The participants and speakers continued a lively discussion even during the coffee break.

Consequently, they had an opportunity to consider innovation from a different viewpoint during the second panel, focusing on innovative solutions in the environment. Ladislav Miko, Director for Nature at DG Environment and former Czech Minister for the Environment, delivered a key adress elaborating an ecosystem-based approach to green infrastructure. The event was completed by a third panel on regional priorities and the transfer of knowledge, and topped by a small reception.

Despite taking place during the holiday season, the seminar attracted a considerable level of interest with over fifty participants including DG Research representatives and CZELO (Czech Liaison Office for Research and Development). Among other things, innovation was defined as “successful exploitation of new ideas” by Arnaldo Abruzzini from Eurochambres and conceptualized as “wise use of what nature could provide to the humankind” by Ladislav Miko. Along with the worldwide trend towards greener economy, pioneer business initiatives matched by a favourable institutional environment can truly mean a step in the right direction and place the EU member states in the forefront of innovation efforts.

More information:

• Conference programme and speakers’ presentations

Text and photos: Jana Bauerová