The EU Member States and Europe's regions must do more to exploit synergies between the EU's regional policies and research and innovation programmes, according to a new Commission communication on using research and innovation to boost regional competitiveness.

'By harnessing their potential for knowledge, regions can make a considerable contribution to increasing growth and jobs and improving the quality of life of all Europeans,' said Janez Potocnik, European Science and Research Commissioner. 'This needs a change in emphasis in how we use the funds at our disposal. By putting the principles we are proposing into practice, I am sure that national and regional authorities will be building a solid base for future development.'

'Many key drivers of research and innovation are most effectively addressed at the regional level,' added Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner, citing the poles of excellence and the growing numbers of small, regional universities as examples of what is possible. However, while some regions are already investing heavily in research and innovation, others are investing nothing.

In the communication, the Commission points out that ultimately, the EU's research and regional policies have a common goal, namely creating jobs and growth. Linking the two policies will also be made easier by the fact that they now run for the same period.

In the latest round of programming for the Cohesion Policy, which covers the period 2007 to 2013, Member States are required to allocate between 60 and 75% of the available resources to Lisbon-related activities, such as research and innovation.

For its part, the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) includes initiatives designed to boost the research capacity of Europe's regions. For example, the 'Regions of knowledge' initiative encourages the development of regional 'research-driven clusters', which bring together universities, research centres, businesses and regional authorities. Meanwhile the 'Research potential of Convergence Regions' programme aims to strengthen the capacity of researchers in Europe's least developed regions to participate in the EU research programmes.

According to Commissioner Potocnik, the whole of Europe will benefit from the strengthening of the link between the two programmes. 'It will lead to better use of European money, it will increase Europe's science base and it will improve our chances for growth,' he said. 'Member States and regions will also benefit, as research has an important role to play in reaching economic growth targets.'

The European Commission is now planning a series of actions to help Member States and regions make better use of funding. By the end of the year, the Commission will produce a guide to help research organisations and businesses identify the most appropriate source of funding.

The Commission will also work to ensure that national and regional authorities know which organisations are receiving research and innovation funding from the EU so that they can consider topping this up with regional, national or other European funds.

Finally, the Commission will hold regular events bringing together the relevant stakeholders in research, innovation and regional development to share ideas and exchange best practice.

'Innovation can enhance regional development and a regional approach can foster good innovation,' said Commissioner Hübner. 'The capacity of those making decisions about their regions to turn knowledge into growth will have a decisive impact on the future. So we need to use all means that we have to make this positive relationship between regions and research flourish.'

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