Slovensko
Mission
EREF is a Brussels-based, informal network of European regions and countries interested in translating knowledge society principles into productive policies and effective performance in the fields of R&D, innovation, education and business. It also serves as a bridge between EU and Western Balkans.
Bringing together primarily the regional Triple Helix policy-makers and stakeholders, encouraging their constructive collaboration, and combining the macro and micro perspective, network members study good practice cases, and facilitate productive collaboration at European and international levels. Efforts to achieve higher knowledge & innovation based competitiveness are positioned into the context of sustainable development and socially responsible entrepreneurship. The Network stands for a healthy balance between efficiency and solidarity, competencies and values, economic growth and human happiness.
Besides providing an open platform for debate and exchange of experience among its members, the Network also communicates interactively with EU bodies, and European associations and networks – particularly those bringing together European regions. The Network disseminates its recommendations very widely around Europe and beyond – in order to raise the awareness, influence policy-making, and supply stakeholders with relevant information on EU policies and good practice in their implementation.
The yearly 1½ day EREF Forum, held in Nova Gorica, Slovenia in early June, is the central event focussing on various aspects of the role of human capital in strengthening European competitiveness. Each year different aspects and specific issues are covered.
In the framework of the Forum, since 2007, a meeting of regional Lisbon Agenda Coordinators is organized.
The Forum is also preceded by several preparatory workshops organized by EREF members and partners – bringing the experience and involving representatives of their own environment into the EREF Network activities. A special Western Balkans EREF Network has been developed since 2007, and each year 4-5 regional workshops are organized in these countries.
