This article is from page 72 of the 2009-10-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 72 JPG
AN insightful EU survey carried out in 24 regions from 13 countries shows that regions have a crucial role to play in economic recovery. “We need long-term solutions to the economic crisis, and national gov- ernments must work closely with re- gions to maximise economic growth potential,’ says Christina Diegel- mann, Senior Policy Coordinator for the Assembly of European Regions (AER).
The AER survey found that a coun- try’s economic performance can be improved with more influence from its regions at national level, more in- dependence of the regions from the national level, financial competences and resources for the regions, as well as more competences in recreation and culture, infrastructure, educa- tion and research, and health care.
“While national recovery plans mainly target large companies and the financial system, regions focus primarily on supporting entrepre- neurship, SME’s and innovation capacity. Regional actions can con- tribute to turning this crisis into an opportunity to strengthen regional economies and _ safeguard jobs. Working together with all relevant stakeholders, regions are close to businesses and can take appropriate measures. While national support plans mainly target larger mostly international firms, regions focus on regional clusters and support busi- ness start-ups and SME’s that make up the important part of Europe’s companies and employers,’ says Ms Dyer
Ms. Diegelmann is due to speak in Limerick at a national Shannon Development conference titled ‘Dy- namic Regions — Future Directions in Regional Development’. An expert panel of national and international speakers, leaders in their fields, has been assembled by Shannon Devel- opment for their forthcoming confer- ence which will take place on the 6th November at Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick City.
The conference will be chaired by broadcaster John Bowman, and addressed by Mary Coughlan TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Enter- prise, Trade & Employment, and Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, Ireland’s only regional development company.
“We have gathered an outstanding panel of national and international experts for our Conference and we hope it will pave the way for a wider national debate on the importance of regional action. It will include inter- national case studies from the As- sembly of European Regions, Lon- don Development Agency and the Basque Region of Spain. We see it as a key opportunity to share and learn, and we have assembled some of the leading experts in the field of region- al development to reflect its growing importance on the economic world stage. Our speakers will tackle a number of important topics that will provide the lead in new areas of re- gional action,” said Dr. Cunnane an- nouncing the conference.