February 28, 2017 Brussels, Belgium

Cumulus underlined the importance of dialogue of education& research and higher education with industry and enterprises, as well as raised the voice in need for the development of agile tools for EU research funding in art, design and media.

The nature of industry is changing, driven by rapid technological change. The evolution of industrial activity is characterized by digitalization, clean and circular technologies, and a higher reliance on services. Nothing new to Cumulusians. We were proud of the invitation to shape the industrial agenda of tomorrow at this event on 28 February in Brussels where 400 participants, key industrial players, global trend shapers and high-level policy makers inspired debate on the future of European industry. The event was opened with a video message from Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. High-level policy makers, including Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, and Commissioners Elżbieta Bieńkowska (Internal Market, Industry, SMEs and Entrepreneurship) and Carlos Moedas (Research and Innovation) contributed to the discussion in the event.

Representatives of traditional and new, disruptive sectors presented their views on the future of their business. Entrepreneurs, innovators, start-ups and the tech community shared the stage with key EU political leaders. There was also speakers from the Committee of Regions, the European Investment Bank, the European Parliament, Business Europe and the European Trade Union Confederation.

The Commission fully supports its industry and makes a strong contribution to jobs and growth in Europe. It has acted by establishing industrial competitiveness into all our major policy initiatives from the Investment Plan and Horizon 2020 to the Single Market Strategy, from circular economy to Digitising European Industry. EU´s strategic approach to industrial competitiveness aims to empower businesses, citizens and entire regions to be fit for the future. With this in mind, the 1st European Industry Day took stock of existing actions and stimulated debate on a joint vision for the long-term future of European industry.

What has been achieved by mainstreaming industrial competitiveness into EU policy?
How will people find their place in the new industrial revolution?
What is the role of regional ecosystems for industrial transformation?
What are the key technologies for the future of industry?

During the event we will also identify gaps to make further progress towards smart, clean and innovative industry that creates employment and high living standards for our citizens.

Education is part of the agenda with research. In the event was pinpointed the skills, and reskilling and upskilling the European workforce. Education and training methods are to be modernized to equip for the jobs of the future. A Blueprint for the Sectoral Cooperation on Skills will help and be piloted in the six sectors e.g. to mention textile-clothing-leather-footwear, green technologies and automotive industry as for the disciplines in the creative fields. Universities and Higher Education play a crucial role. It is a success that creativity was a slot in the day´s agenda. Cumulus was able to underline the importance of dialogue of education and research and higher education also directly with industry and enterprises as well as especially raise the voice to the need for the development of agile tools for EU research funding in art, design and media. The issue of the role of design playing a role in the whole package was part of the voice. As a sum-up, the education and research in creative fields were recognized in the summary at the end of the day.

The day was a start for more opportunities within change in art, design and media education and research. Let us intensify dialogue and development during the coming REDO Cumulus conference in Kolding Denmark 30 May – 2 June 2017 where shall also hear Comissioner on Competition Margrethe Vestager; https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2014-2019/vestager_en
http://sites.aalto.fi/cumulus/cumulus-conference-redo-in-kolding-denmark/

If interested more, please contact; Eija Salmi eija.salmi@aalto.fi