Institute of the Regions of Europe

Transcription

1 Institute of the Regions of Europe Mission Statement Where Economy meets Politics Best-Practice for your location

2 Our Motivation The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) was founded in 2004 by Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger, former President of the Land Salzburg. His main aim was to create a platform on which municipalities, regions and enterprises from all over Europe could bring attention to their increasingly important role in European politics and economic development. With its activities and initiatives, the IRE supports decentralization and regionalization while providing professional expertise to further strengthen these respective processes. A small but competent team based in Salzburg offers consulting for many of these regions, municipalities, enterprises and institutions. With its impartial and non-profit character, the IRE wishes to minimize informational deficits and foster the economic potentials of European regions. Cross-border cooperation is upheld as a fundamental instrument for supporting social cohesion and sustainable economic development. Currently, our network is comprised of more than 130 member regions, municipalities, cities and towns, as well as enterprises from 23 European countries. Our Prinicples ~ Europe and Regions Our activities focus on the European regional level. We work in close contact with important political and economic decision-makers, including civil and governmental groups from around Europe. As supporters of the European integration process, we adhere to the European principles of tolerance, international understanding, and subsidiarity. ~ Credibility and Professionalism Credibility and sophistication are our first priorities. We communicate regularly with diplomats, representatives of politics, and the European Union every day. We are obliged to work professionally in order to reach our goals and to fulfil the expectations and requirements of our members. ~ Science and Pratice At the intersection of many different interests we combine both scientific and practical methodologies. We pursue an interdisciplinary approach and combine expertise from all aspects of politics, economics and law.

3 ~ Sustainability and Success More than 130 regions, municipalities, cities, towns and companies have become members of the IRE network. They are connected by an interest to turn their ideas into actions and to strengthen the importance of the regional and local levels of the political process. The IRE helps by providing them with a robust network of information and important decision makers, and by offering its expertise in the areas of regionalization and decentralization of different political regions. To Regions, Municipalities and Cities we offer ~ Expertise and Expert Conferences Within the frame of increasing political decentralization, regions, municipalities and cities are facing more challenges when it comes to offering efficient services and securing the quality of life of their citizens. Against this background, we are committed to offering necessary expertise to political decision makers. Through practical examples as well as the introduction of new trends and technologies, we aim to create a new impetus for the development of regions, municipalities, cities and towns. The IRE has recognized the importance of this from an early stage and has become a prime contact for the organisation of expert conferences and symposiums on regionally relevant political topics, such as interregional cooperation, EU funds, energy supply, tourism, health management, transport and traffic. Events focusing on these topics are key elements of successful networking. ~ Networking A strong, cross-border network is a key for decision makers to foster and build momentum for regional and local development. The IRE network encompasses contacts from several European institutions, national ministries and regional and local administrations, as well as executive boards of companies. We report on regional news and developments, maintaining an up-to-date and communicative environment. ~ Location representation A successful location policy is of utmost importance in regions, municipalities, cities and towns. We offer an integration of members locations into our network and privileged access to many European companies. You can get in touch with potential investors at one of our events, or we can organise individual meetings with them as well.

4 ~ Interest-driven policy The IRE observes current trends in European politics closely. As a part of this, we pay attention to actions and measures affecting the interests and competences of regions, municipalities, cities and towns. We put our evaluations and consultation at the disposal of our members. To Enterprises we offer ~ A plus factory for corporate identity Membership to the IRE corresponds with an added value to the corporate identity of member companies. It is not only an instrument for the long-term positioning of business, but also a chance to support the activities of an NPO. ~ Location and poduction site analysis An enlarged Europe offers high potential to enterprises: new markets, new partners and new locations. However, it is not always easy to calculate potential chances and risks. The IRE offers a competent advisory service though its network as well as answers to your questions on political and economic general conditions. We create studies on different topics upon request. ~ Information Platform We can help enterprises obtain access to networks of decision makers at local, regional, state and European levels. Personal contacts to the new markets of Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Western Balkans are essential for establishing successful cooperation.

5 Groundwork ~ Café d Europe Régional Coffee houses have a longstanding tradition in Central Europe as being places to meet, discuss and exchange different opinions. As a testament to this social heritage, the IRE has started an event series called Café d Europe Régional. The main aim of these events is to use the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional coffee house in order to discuss EU topics such as the integration process and the participation of civil society in decision making. Top-class representatives, leaders, and thinkers from the areas of politics, diplomacy and economy, as well as audiences are invited to discuss and offer ideas. ~ IRE-Monograph Series The IRE monograph series consists of research papers on the topics of regional and local election analysis, political systems, regional location development, EU regional policy and other areas focusing on regionalisation and decentralisation. They are written by external associates, within the frame of a one-month-long internship at the IRE office in Salzburg. A selection of papers as well as other publications is published annually in our Yearbook of Regionalism in Salzburg. A selection of papers as well as other publications is published annually in our Yearbook of Regionalism. ~ Internship Program To young people, the IRE offers a one-month-long internship at our office in Salzburg. Interns work on a research paper on a topic related to European or regional policy. The results are published within the frame of the IRE monograph series. Furthermore, they are included in the daily IRE activities and they help in organisational processes. To be an intern, the candidate must be an undergraduate or have a recently completed a graduate degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD) in the field of politics, law, history, geography, economics or European studies, and possess at least a basic knowledge of the European Union and its institutions. Students receive pocket money in return.

6 We are looking forward to your contact: Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) Nonntaler Hauptstraße Salzburg Austria Tel: Follow us online