|
|
|
|
Forum Background
|
|
|
Knowledge Economy Forum III
The World Bank and the Government of Hungary
In Collaboration with the Open Society Institute
Improving Competitiveness Through a Knowledge-Based Economy
Budapest, March 23-26, 2004
CONCEPT NOTE
. | .
I. Background
.. | .
The first milestone in the World Bank's effort to support the transition to knowledge economies in its client countries in Central and Eastern Europe was the Paris Knowledge Economy Forum in February 2002: Building Knowledge Economies—Opportunities and Challenges for EU Accession Countries. As a follow-up, the World Bank and the Government of Finland co-sponsored the Helsinki Knowledge Economy Forum, Implementing Knowledge Economy Strategies: Innovation, lifelong learning, partnerships, networks and inclusion,in March 2003. While the emphasis of the Paris Forum was on formulating knowledge economy strategies for EU Accession countries, the goal of the Helsinki Forum was to move from theory to action. Participating countries and invited speakers demonstrated in Helsinki, primarily through the presentation of case studies, how countries can speed up the transition to Knowledge Economies through well-designed and implemented programs and policies, private/public/NGO partnerships and community action. | | . | .
II. Objectives of the Conference
. | .
The Third Knowledge Economy Forum is organized together by the Hungarian Government and the World Bank, in collaboration with the Open Society Institute.
.
Knowledge Economy Forum III (KEFIII) seeks to maintain that momentum and to build upon the lessons learned and experiences shared in Paris and Helsinki. KEF III will focus on the competitiveness agenda and on how a more dynamic Knowledge intensive economic context can support innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth.
KEF III has the following objectives:
- Sensitize policy makers and key constituencies from participating countries to the importance of a strong knowledge-based economy as a tool to enhance economic competitiveness and growth. In this context, also discuss the competitive performance of participating countries and identify common determinants.
. - Focus on specific challenges for both EU accession and non-EU accession countries, and build on case studies from participating countries in areas such as university-industry relations, financing of innovation, tertiary education and innovation in traditional industries and local development.
. - Engage participants in a dialogue with the World Bank and with other institutions participating in the Forum, on specific advisory and lending products in the field of Knowledge for development.
| | .. | ..
III. Participation
. | .
This is a working conference, and participants and speakers will be selected based on their knowledge of and connection to KE themes. The estimated number of the participants and speakers is around 200. Delegates should be in key positions to set and implement policies and programs to advance the KE in their countries and will include representatives from government, industry, academia, and NGOs.
Delegations will be attending from the following countries and institutions:
Primary Target Audience: - Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Turkey;
- Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Serbia & Montenegro;
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine.
Hungary: as host country and case study/site visits
In addition: Country delegations from the following EU Accession Countries: Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Representatives of the World Bank, the EU Commission, OECD, EBRD, EIB, ETF, WEF and of other international institutions. | | . | .
IV. Conference Structure
. | .
A. Structure
The Forum structure will consist of the following components:
Global Distant Learning Sessions. Through the existing World Bank supported network of distant learning centers, the Forum will engage delegations on the themes of the Forum before the event, in three sessions specifically designed to inform and support the preparation of case studies by participants.
Speakers delivering initial presentations/ keynote speeches. These speakers will be high profile experts who will bring weight to the conference and set the stage by providing a clear and engaging overview of the KE challenge, and on the competitive position of selected Eastern European and Central Asia countries.
Speakers presenting case studies. These case studies will serve as an illustration of international best practices. Participants will be asked to offer their reactions to the presentations in break-out groups and to provide insight about how practices outlined in the case studies could be adapted to help countries in their innovation and modernization agenda. Country delegations will also be asked to prepare a country case study on one of the major KE themes covered at the conference.
Speakers presenting results of breakout groups sessions. These presentations will summarize the discussions of case studies and key KE issues taking place in breakout groups based on papers presented by country delegations.
Site visits. A half-day to day of the conference would be devoted to site visits. All participants of the conference will have the opportunity to visit an institution or facility actively involved in one of the main themes being discussed at the Forum.
Discussion and Networking Sessions. Participants will have many opportunities throughout the duration of the conference to react to presentations/case-studies and to share their own thoughts and experiences on the key themes discussed. This will be made possible in both formal (break-out and discussion groups) and informal settings (coffee breaks, lunches, etc.).
B. Key Themes
A. From Research to Industry and Markets
B. Financing of Innovation
C. Tertiary Education and Skills for the Knowledge Economy
D. Innovation in Traditional Sectors and Local Development | | . | .
V. Forum Organizers and Contacts
. | .
The World Bank Contacts (Washington)
Giuseppe Zampaglione.....1-202-473-0955.....gzampaglione@worldbank.org
Task Manager
Severin Kodderitzsch..... 1-202-458-2164..... skodderitzsch@worldbank.org
Head of KE Unit
Vladimir Hrkac.....1-202-458-1239.....vhrkac@worldbank.org
Natasha Kapil.....1-202-458-9587.....nkapil@worldbank.org
The World Bank Contacts (Budapest)
Franz Kaps.....361-374-9516.....fkaps@worldbank.org
Vivien Gyuris.....361-374-9514.....vgyuris@worldbank.org
The Prime Minister's Office of Hungary
Zsofia Czoma.....361-441-3217.....zsofia.czoma@meh.hu
. |
|
|
|
|
|
RSS