Cohesion policy

The European Commission has presented the European regional innovation award to Saarland, Extremadura and Styria, in Brussels on 22 April.

 

The award is organised by DG Regional Policy of the European Commission. It aims at identifying innovative projects and best practice. It also aims at encouraging other European regions to include innovation in their regional development strategy.
 

Three awards : Economy, Information society and sustainable development

 

In the "Knowledge-based economy" category, the award went to Saarland, Germany, for its "German center of excellence in the field of nanobiotechonology". The center helps relevant partners, either private or public, collaborate in order to put Saarland at the forefront of this new technology.

The project

 

The "Information society" award went to Extremadura, in Spain. Its GNULINEX project aimed at raising the number of computers in primary and secondary schools, as well as helping schools gaining access to cheaper software. Its success showed it is possible to reduce costs in other areas of public administration.

The project

 

Styria, Austria, won the "Regional identity and sustainable development" award. Its Tanno meets Gemini project brings together companies to build low-cost energy-efficient houses, using natural wood and local resources.

The project

 

72 candidates entered the competition. The winners were chosen by an independent experts panel chaired by former Portuguese Prime minister, Antonio Guterres.

 

The awards were presented at the Committee of the Regions' plenary session.