A catalyst for regional development
The mission of the European Knowledge Economy Platform is to support regional governments who have a knowledge economy vision, but encounter challenges in the process of turning ideas into concrete actions and tangible results.
An action focussed approach to unleash Europe’s potential
To tackle Europe’s knowledge paradox, EUKEP builds unexpected bridges between governments, business, universities and research centres. The hidden potential of EU-regions will be unleashed through IMPACT Initiatives. Open networks that foster innovation are brought together and facilitated through a group of inter-disciplinary and result oriented consultants. The approach is targeted at rapid result projects as well as sustainable growth by applying methodologies to monitor and manage progress.
Focus on where we can have the biggest impact
EUKEP focuses its support capabilities on the following areas:
- Energy and Sustainability
- Creative Industries
- Healthcare
Examples of projects in the creative industries are the support of the Secretary of State in the Netherlands to evaluate the level of playing field and supporting the Game Academy to bring the benefits of serious gaming to business environments.
EUKEP supported the Province of Brabant to develop the potential of the manufacturing skills in the region in the context of solar energy. The province Fryslan wants to achieve its renewable energy targets partially with solar energy. EUKEP has lead the way to show how this can be achieved on the Afsluitdijk with the support of all major stake holders.
Smart solutions for healthcare are vital in a society where the number of people requiring support increases drastic. EUKEP is putting research in this area in order to identify pragmatic solutions that make a difference. This includes care robots.
Connecting people and visions to actions
Many EU-regions have ‘Think’-Tanks that created awareness as well as a vision for its regional knowledge economy. However, the translation of that vision into actions remains a challenging task. EUKEP is a ‘Do’-tank that builds alliances between stakeholders in the European community based on tangible projects.
Example of EUKEP engagement
EFA is an alliance of regional European parties. They believe the potential of renewable energy is not deployed in an optimal way. EUKEP is advising EFA and made a proposal for an approach ( Download LEAFLET Your contribution-sustainable-energy conference) to explore the options for improvement.
In the press
EUKEP stimulates discussion on options to promote regional economies. Chairman Henk de Vries on old versus new development models at June 15th in the Leeuwarder Courant: Oud denken.