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IHEPI 2009IHEPI 2009 Introduction: Topics covered:
*details included in the final programme.doc INNOVATION SHOULD BECOME THE PRIORITY FOR EUROPE IHEPI - International conference on Higher Education, Partnership and Innovation, in Budapest The Budapest College of Communication and Business (BKF) has organized an international conference in our capital. The event took place between 7-9th September, and it’s apropos was that the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) will start it’s work before end of this year in Budapest. The importance of the three day conference and workshop is, that with the setting of European Institute of Technology & Innovation (EIT) in Budapest, the Visegrád Countries, and especially Hungary has stepped up as an important actor on the European research and development palette. Taking a role is important, because – as dr. Tataj from Governing Board of EIT ponted out – Europe does not exist on the map of research, in front of the US and Asia. Thus the aim of the conference was to attract attention on the importance of research, partnership, scientific colloquy, and innovation. Dr. Daria Tataj (EIT) said that one of the biggest challenges of the European community is that the best researchers migrate (400-500 thousand person per year). Only 30% of them intends to go back to it’s native country. The research culture is much worst than in USA, research in Europe is often not acknowledged. On the top of this a lot less money goes into research than needed. If nothing rapidly change, Europe will loose the scientific battle with the USA and Asia. The aim of the EIT, to establish knowledge and innovation centers (KIC-s) under it’s umbrella will help to deep dialogue between actors of higher education, research, business and innovation that will lead to development. Innovation itself is not just a technical term, not just finding the solutions, it’s a kind of attitude, an aspiration for a new point of view. Higher education institutions have to become the centers for knowledge and innovation to support the catching up process by acting as a catalyst. Dr. Sohail Luka from Universities & Researchers Unit of European Commission highlighted the importance of finding the balance between shortage of researchers and encouraging “brain circulation”. There is shortage of qualified researchers, due to the rising competition. The pressure has never been so high on higher education, there is a constant fight for students and researchers for the survival. Abroad experience is important for the researchers, there aim can only be to perform a world standard, internationally comparable labor. The conditions have to be established for the free workflow, but also make it possible for the researchers to return to their native country later. To achieve this open and transparent recruitment, portability of social security and pension rights, attractive employment and working conditions are needed. To emphasize the importance of the conference and its topic, BKF and Visegrád Fund have established the IHEPI2009 Awards. The recognition was given out in a competition for the best research papers (more information on: http://ihepi.net/Budapest.htm). Participants found the conference useful, and worth continuating. Most of are willing to co-operate in the future under IHEPI frame, thus the event truly acted as a catalyst for shaping international partnerships. Dr. Daria Tataj drew attention on the results of the conference, on the grounds of these, the participants were able to compose new concepts and models, that can help partnership on the level of the European Union. |
