28.01.06
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly achieving EU growth aims

The European Commission has this week published its new Annual Progress Report on the Lisbon Strategy and identified four priorities for action - investment in education, research and innovation; unlocking the potential of small businesses; employment policies to get people into work; and promoting secure and sustainable energy.

The ambition of the European Union is to become one of the most productive and competitive world economies, rivalling that of the USA. This ambition is laid out in the Lisbon Strategy which influences government policy and structural fund programmes such as Objective One and the forthcoming Convergence.

On delivering the report on Wednesday January 25th Commission President José Manuel Barroso, said: "My overall message is clear, it is time to move up a gear. Our ambition is clear. We are aiming for top-class universities, highly trained and educated workforces, strong social security and pensions systems, the most competitive industries and the cleanest environment."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: "The analysis by the European Commission confirms the start made by Objective One in regenerating the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

"Objective One investment has helped to create the Combined Universities in Cornwall and support businesses with advice, investment, IT infrastructure and the creation of environmentally friendly workspace, and encourages people into work via training and other support."

'Education, research and innovation' is one of the top priorities for Objective One in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The Combined Universities in Cornwall, a partnership of Cornwall's colleges as well as the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, has been cited as an exemplar across the EU. Alongside the university come business incubation units (at Tremough and the Knowledge Spa), research facilities and schemes to ensure graduates work with the region's businesses.

Objective One also champions new ways of working including The Core at Eden which is home to Eden's visitor interpretation and burgeoning schools education initiatives; and actnow the innovative public private broadband IT partnership.

Business expansion with greater productivity and therefore higher salaries are being encouraged through initiatives including the CUC research fund for businesses, Business Link, South West Investment Group (SWIG) and Finance Cornwall.

The Education Business Partnership (EBP) encourages entrepreneurship from an early age. EBP is part of Cornwall County Council's Children, Young People and Families Service and works with schools and colleges to stay at the forefront of developments in delivering vocational education, work related learning and enterprise education. Business, enterprise, and work is used as a focus for learning.

This work also includes the essential skills and qualities needed to support lifelong learning, employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship and innovation.

David Smith, EBP spokesman, said: "This approach provides the foundation and means for young people, and Cornwall to succeed in a rapidly changing, high skill, knowledge based economy in which we live."

Securing sustainable energy has been a key part of the quality agenda for built development. This includes workspace at Callington and Tolvaddon Energy Park as well as community-led developments at Pendeen and Blisland.

The environmentally smart features at Callington workshops include an earth energy ducted air heating and cooling system; a wind-dam electricity generator; energy efficient lighting with movement and daylight sensors and carpets made from recycled materials.

For further information please contact Clare Morgan on 01872 223439 or email: cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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