The importance of innovation to Europe's future prosperity is undisputed and has been recognised in the EU's re-launched Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs, as well as in the recent Communication of the European Commission on "Reviewing Community innovation in a changing world", published on 2 September 2009.

Innovation and creativity are becoming all the more important as the world's economies move towards a knowledge-based, low-carbon economy. But it is now time to step up a gear as we approach the Lisbon deadline of 2010 and to look ahead to the post-2010 reform agenda.

Innovation is of critical importance for Europe’s economies as well as its social and environmental progress. In their conclusions of the Prague roundtable, the Ambassadors of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 emphasised "the fundamental importance of creativity and innovation for Europe’s future", noting that "it is the responsibility of European decision-makers to ensure that creativity and innovation takes a central role in all future policies. While progress has been made in some areas, more needs to be done."

The following speakers will give their view on the challenging topic:

• Vice-President Günter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry
• Luc Hendrickx, Director "Enterprise Policy " at UEAPME (European Association of Skilled Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises)
• Erik Spiekermann, Managing Partner and Creative Director of Edenspiekermann and Ambassador of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation
• Ulrika Stuart Hamilton, Vice-President, Swedish Foundation for Small Business Research
• Ian McCoull, Director of Innovation Support, Scottish Enterprise

The debate will take place on Tuesday, 22 September, in the Résidence Palace in Brussels.

To participate in the debate, please contact info@epc.eu