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Moving Towards a Knowledge-Based Moving Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy:Economy:

Progress Made Since the Lisbon EU Progress Made Since the Lisbon EU SummitSummit

Knowledge Economy Forum IIIBudapest, March 23-26, 2004

Franz Kaps, Senior Partnership Advisor Europe and Central Asia Region, The World Bank

(Fkaps@worldbank.org)

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Lisbon EU Summit, March 2000:

”Our aim is for the European Union to

become the most competitive

knowledge-based society in the world

by 2010.”

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The Lisbon Strategy Objectives

Main Themes:

1. Sustainable Growth

2. Social Cohesion

3. Environmental Protection

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To review progress achieved since 2000, almost midway to 2010:

European Commission’s Assessment as Endorsed by Irish Presidency:

• Implementation is Lagging Behind.

• Lack of Ownership by the Member States.

Spring European Council, March 25-26, 2004

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1. Improve Investments in Knowledge and Networks

2. Strengthen Competitiveness of EU Enterprises

3. Promote Active Aging

Priorities for 2004

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1. Quick Start Program: • to promote investments in transport, energy,

telecommunications, research, innovation and

development.

2. Action for Growth Program:• Increased investment in physical and human capital to

complement structural reforms.

Improve Investments in Knowledge and Networks

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• Relative Weakness of Private Sector Investment in R&D.

• To Enhance Synergies between Research and Industries.

Strengthen Competitiveness of EU Enterprises

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• Encourage Older Workers to Remain in the Workforce.

• Priority to be given to training, retention and mobility of workers.

Promote Active Aging

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• More Emphasis on Poverty Eradication and Social Inclusion.

• Protecting the Most Vulnerable Social Groups (gender equality).

Social Inclusion

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More Investments Needed in Knowledge Sectors:

• Research

• Innovation

• Education

• Training

Summary

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Report from the Commission to the Spring European Council

Delivering Lisbon

Reforms for the Enlarged Union, 02/20/2004http://europa.eu.int/comm/lisbon_strategy/pdf/COM2004_029_en.pdf

Draft Presidency Conclusions

European Council 25/26 March 2004

Meeting the Lisbon Challenge

http://www.eu2004.ie/templates/standard.asp?sNavlocator=5,11,240

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