Conclusions
II REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM. LA RIOJA ECONOMIC FORUM
LOGROÑO, 11 MAY 2006
CONCLUSIONS
1. Globalisation is an unstoppable phenomenon which should not be feared. Every problem can also be seen as an opportunity. We must adapt to the constantly evolving environment and find a way to break down barriers. In this context the ability to find common ground is crucial and the European Union has an essential role to play in the defence of our common interests.
2. The role of the World Trade Organisation in this process should go beyond the traditional areas of debate, enabling it to act as a point of reference in the structuring of world trade relations. It should stop penalising those committed to the future and instead promote sustainable practices which make harmonious, fair and equitable development possible.
3. Following the enlargement of the European Union, the current distribution of EU funds should be accepted as part of the new work environment, with the limitations and opportunities this entails. Discrimination should be eliminated and member states’ interests in international organisations defended, discarding practices which restrict competition and seeking alliances with the US and other emerging countries such as China, India or those in Southeast Asia.
4. The competitiveness of European countries is generally declining, making the need for convergence, in which the role of regions is fundamental, increasingly important. Clear rules must be established, as the EU is today more necessary than ever. In any case, the Community funds earmarked for Spain are insufficient.
5. There are several areas which are fundamental to improving the competitiveness of EU member states: training, quality job creation, infrastructures and capacity for innovation, and exports. All these areas should be developed without being drawn into excessive protectionism, interventionism, over-theorising different approaches or the constant growth of the welfare state. The key may lie in the improvements being developed in the aforementioned areas, which are being implemented in companies.
6. The current situation of the Spanish economy suggests a need for caution and the analysis of aspects such as inflation, the public deficit, balance of trade, property overvaluation, immigration, innovation delays and educational quality, in order to anticipate potential problems. Instability in the regional financing system caused by the breakdown of the principle of solidarity has put equality at risk, restricting growth and causing unnecessary uncertainty.
7. Innovation is the main challenge faced by European and regional economies. We need to adapt our active policies in order to achieve results as quickly as possible, and a change of culture is necessary for this to happen. Everything from education, research and the changing role of universities, to infrastructures and financing policies should be aimed at combining our intellectual and technological capital. However, companies have a major role to play in this change and must be prepared to accept their responsibilities. They should understand that innovation means the opportunity to make the most of the capacity for permanent improvement of production processes, management systems or market variables. It is therefore essential to provide the necessary conditions for enabling ideas to become reality. The idea of making a career in business should also be promoted, particularly among young people.
8. The internationalisation of business activities means breaking down cultural barriers, promoting the competitiveness of products and services and establishing clear and fair rules, thereby adding value to our companies. There is no reason for everyone to move into foreign markets, but sooner or later companies that avoid this challenge will be left out in the cold. That is why continuous improvement of management teams is crucial. The loss of competitiveness of the Spanish economy, which directly affects our exports, must be overcome through a clear commitment to developing the aforementioned aspects, and not just reducing the inflation differential with other EU countries and liberalising the labour market.
9. Regions must prove that they can attract new businesses in order to recover their competitiveness in the EU. Their revitalising role should be understood not only as adapting current policies relating to small and medium sized companies, but also as making a decisive contribution to a new set of rules based on fair competition. In Spanish regions the positive effect of joining the European Union has been obvious, with a noticeably higher rate of growth than in the other older member states. However, the capacity to lead the globalisation process by developing innovative policies and thus enabling the differentiation and export of their products and services has yet to become established.
10. La Rioja has become a leading region in the European Union on account of its ability to consolidate its comparative advantages, with the help of employers and unions. The action taken by the region in economic growth, job creation, internationalisation of activities, innovative processes, commitment to quality and sustainability, and the inclusion of immigrant groups has set an example to many other European regions. La Rioja offers a very interesting range of experience in the process of adapting to economic globalisation.
