1.

Disseminate 2007 Knowledge Economy Study Volume II on “Knowledge Absorption and Innovation in ECA: Links to Trade, FDI and Knowledge Flows ”, and the preliminary findings of Volume III on “Exit of Research and Development Institutions and the Entry of Modern Commercialization Institutions”, being prepared under the guidance of the World Bank Regional Chief Economist.

Examine the importance of public-private sector cooperation for the growth of the innovative SME sector, discuss how governments in ECA countries can learn from this experience and devise and implement stronger policies to support SMEs.

Stimulate an exchange of experiences on these issues among ECA country representatives, in the public and private sectors, and the research community; as well as exchanges between the new EU member states and other ECA countries will be particularly encouraged, on issues related to the role of knowledge and networks, competition policy, private sector role in technology transfer, innovation and productivity growth;

Strengthen the dialogue between representatives of ECA countries and the multilateral donor agencies participating in the event   - other than the World Bank, notably the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – as well as the European Commission and OECD, to improve the relevance and quality of technical assistance (TA) and operational support, and facilitate coordination among the agencies on all initiatives aimed at improving innovation driven growth in the region for the benefit of, especially, the SME sector.