Smart specialization for Regional development
This discussion is of major importance because it aids in determining how Smart Specialization Platform aids EU countries in coming up with innovation and research strategies. Currently one of the conditions for obtaining funds from the European Regional Development fund (ERDF) is by first developing innovation and research strategy for Smart Specialization. The services offered by smart specialization include giving practical examples and guidance materials, arranging information sessions during conferences concerned with policy making, enhancing peer- reviews, supporting relevant data access and taking part in research projects (Dorminique Foray, 2014, 98).
A discussion worth pursuing with regards to this post is whether the smart specialization has really been instrumental in enhancing the economic progress in the field of innovations and research. What are some of the measures put in place by smart specialization towards reducing the differences between regions and how does this help to achieve growth? Finally, what is the main link between the regional policy and smart specialization?
There are various measures taken by smart specialization to realize homogeneity of productivity. This comes out very clearly in how smart specialization fight to bridge the gap in productivity between the member countries. Smart specialization was developed by the Knowledge for growth expert group (K4G) following a gap that had emanated between USA and Europe productivity notably in 1995 (Theissein et al. 2013, 45). The productivity difference is attributed to managerial skills, labor market, and the employees working hours, structural organization of industries amongst other factors. The K4G group designed smart specialization with a dual purpose intention. The first reason was to reduce duplicative regional associates in order to expedite the process of agglomeration. Secondly smart specialization was intended to reinforce regional players such as the governance of the region to streamline themselves in generation and stimulation of innovation and research in achieve growth in productivity. In this way, it triggers the regions towards a path of increased focus on innovation and research
The principles of smart specialization are based on the regional policy which is designed on relational and territorial farms (Theissein et al, 2013, 34). This principles include; Enhancing conducive atmosphere for entrepreneur discoveries, adopting an inclusive criteria which ensures equity, evaluation and assessment of exposits progress, establishing an exit criteria after a given timeframe by use of sunset clause and finally addressing challenges due to ineffective conditions likely to hinder new innovation (Dorminique, 2014, 34). By achieving this, the smart specialization provides platform for giving more power to the local buyers.
The link between smart specialization and regional policy development is well articulated. Smart specialization platform (S3P) aims at development of regional policy makers through giving them information, strategies and expertise advice. In doing this they ensure that, the member are well informed on suitable development strategies thereby enforcing formation good policies and plans that will enhance Europe's growth (McCann, 2015, 42). Still on the regional development, smart specialization has enhanced digital development otherwise referred to as Global Value Chains (GVCs) which currently dominates the service sector and manufacturing mode of governance. (Dorminique, 2014, 96). This has been instrumental in coordinating production across regions.
Bibliography
Dorminique Foray (2014).Smart Specialisation: Opportunities and Challenges for Regional Innovation.Switzerland: Routledge publishers
Mark Theissein, Frank Van, Dario Diooat (2013). Regional competitiveness and smart specialization in Europe. UK: Edward Elday Publisher
McCann, P. (2015). The regional and urban policy of the European Union: Cohesion, results-orientation and smart specialisation. Cheltenham, U.K. ; Northampton,
EU Educational Links with Asia
Europe has shown a lot of diplomacy to the Asian countries as far as education is concerned; consequently, I view this post as of much importance since it gives a light regarding the implication of the relationship existing between Europe and Asia. The question arising in line with the topic include: Could it be that the European Union is aiming at enforcing European studies in Asia (Euroupeanization of Asian studies)? To what extent do you think that the education link is going to lead to economic growth? Are there any challenges that are likely to emerge as a result of this link? What are some of the factors that can be put in place to ensure maximum productivity of the educational link?
The European Union Foreign policies address various international relations and development. EU views education and research as the main pillars towards Asian cooperation and development as it plays a significant role in economic growth. To enhance this EU has enabled exchange of students with Asian countries, cross- fertilization of inventive ideas and academic exchange (Andersen, 2007). Europe is a very well established in the sector of higher education and therefore has much to offer the Asian countries. Globally Europe still remains the lead as far as research and innovations are concerned. With this two advantages Europe is able to initiate and enhance joint approaches with institutions in Asia.
Higher Education regionalism is a crucial part of the 2020 strategy of Europe and Horizon 2020. The exchange of knowledge has imperative effects in fostering innovation and improving socio- economic outcome. Innovation and Economic enhancement is very important to the European Union.
European Commission set up the Asian link in 2002 in order to promote multilateral and regional networking for Europe and Asian countries. Asian link Chose 175 projects through the annual proposal initiative between 2002 and 2006. This Asian projects acquired grants amounting to €65 million. In 2007 the European links with Asia was included in the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Windows. Between 2006- 2008 Asian link funded European Higher Education Fairs (EHEF) in several Asian Countries. The European higher education institutions are also allowed to do promotions of their study programs by EHEF (European Commision, 2006, 354).
The European commission through Regional Strategy Paper for EU-Asia cooperation allocated €44 Million in 2007-2013 to cater for the educational and research expense of the first four years. The commission is currently funding three programs one of which is known as Erusmus Mundus Partnership. The remaining two are related to development of research.
The programs that are supported include institutional and system development which takes a period of between 6 months and 36 months (European Commission, 2006, 46). This program is aimed at enhancing higher education management through sharing knowledge. Some of the activities did include training of international officers and senior university officials, organizing and facilitating joint seminars and workshops and making arrangements for peer reviews.
Curriculum development is the other project legible to receive funding. The projects under this group are required to be innovative in nature and to enhance preparation of course materials and co- curricular activities. Lastly but not least there is the human resource development programs which are aimed at initiating co- operative projects for upgrading higher education teaching staff. This is achieved through short training missions in either Europe or Asia, short intensive workshops, split study programs for Post Graduate programs and offering internship programs which are based on university-industry memorandum of understanding (Thissen & Edward, 2013, 89).
Through grants and funding of the European and Asian education and research programs the EU- Asia tie has been strengthened. There has been a lot of cultural exchange which has ensured that multinational corporations thrive well in either of these countries. Discoveries and innovations have flourished which has ensured that the countries don’t lug behind in the rapidly changing globe. It is however important to note that not all countries in Asia are liable to this EU links and grants. Some countries like Bangladesh for example are still in suspense.
The discussion about EU Educational Links with Asia informs me about the importance of establishing a strong relationship with other countries. This is of major importance in enhancing trade while also enforcing diplomatic ties; besides, the developing countries can obtain grants from the developed countries.
Bibliography
Anderson, p. J., & Wiessala, G. (2007). The European Union and Asia: reflections and re-orientations. Amsterdam, Rodopi.
Thissen, M., & Edward Elgar Publishing. (2013). Regional competitiveness and smart specialization in Europe: Place-based development in international economic networks. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Pub. Ltd.
