J. Potočnik, European Commission, Brussels (B)
Plenary Lecture at ACHEMA
Tuesday May 12,2009, 1.30 p.m.
CMF, Harmonie 2
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More and better efforts in research and innovation are necessary to enable our society to emerge stronger from the current economic crisis and to address global challenges such as climate change, energy and health. A knowledge-based bio-economy will be part of this solution: Novel therapies, biomaterials, biofuels and eco-efficient processes that are currently being developed can contribute to a more competitive and sustainable economy - for the benefit of all. Europe needs to better coordinate its research and innovation efforts and policies to address these challenges effectively.
Janez Potočnik is the European Commissioner responsible for Science and Research. Before joining the European Commission in 2004, he held several research and governmental positions in Slovenia, among them Director at the Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development in Ljubljana, Minister Councillor at the Slovenian Prime Minister’s Cabinet, and Minister for European Affairs for Slovenia. He was also the Head of the Negotiating Team for the Accession of Slovenia to the EU.
ACHEMA – International Exhibition-Congress on Chemical Engineering, Environmental Protection and Biotechnology is held every 3 years (since 1920) in Frankfurt am Main/Germany. Over 4,000 exhibitors and 180,000 visitors from all over the world use this major international event for equipment suppliers of the chemical industry and all branches of the processing industry to exchange ideas and experience and to forge new contacts.
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