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Janez Potocnik, the EU Commissioner for Science and Research, visits South West England and provides a great opportunity to showcase the region's strengths in science, research and innovation. Commissioner Potocnik came to the South West on a two day fact finding mission at the invitation of South West of England MEP Graham Watson. The Commissioner is responsible for setting out the European priorities for science and research and providing the necessary political advice and guidance. He visited the Airbus Composite Centre in Filton and attended a round table discussion with South West of England Regional Development Agency Chairman Juliet Williams, along with representatives from the region's Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and business. The discussion, hosted by the Higher Education Regional Development Association (HERDA-SW) South West, highlighted the strides being made in the south west to improve the transfer of knowledge between HEIs and business. Graham Watson MEP said Commissioner Potocnik is one of the stars of the new European Commission and is responsible for scientific research which is hugely important to the South West. I am very pleased he accepted my invitation to make this visit." Juliet Williams added "This is an excellent chance for the South West of England to show Europe what it is doing to encourage businesses to become more innovative through the application of science and research. The Commissioner will hear first hand of what a creative and enterprising region we are and of the excellent work our partners are doing to improve links between Higher Education and the region's businesses. There can be few greater contributors to the future of the region's economy." Professor Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor University of Exeter & Chair of the HERDA-SW Strategy Board said "South West England is home to a diverse and dynamic Higher Education research base which is being further developed through innovative partnerships between the region's Higher Education Institutions and business as a key driver of regional economic development. The visit of Commissioner Potocnik will allow the region to showcase its research excellence, highlight its strong partnerships and collaborative activities, and demonstrate its commitment to developing the kind of society and knowledge based economy at a regional and EU level which is it to the benefit of all." The European Commission provides financial resources for research projects that span over several countries inside and outside the European Union. The current Sixth Framework Programme was originally allocated a budget of Euro17.5 billion for the period 2002-2006. With the addition of the new member states in May 2004 this has now risen to some Euro20 billion. With a new Research Programme currently being negotiated to start in 2007, it is hope that as a result of the Commissioner's visit more of these funds will be made accessible to the South West. About the Commissioner Janez Potocnik became an EU Commissioner in 2004, when Slovenia joined the Union. Previously he was Minister for European Affairs in his native country and head of the negotiating team for the accession of Slovenia to the EU. Contact Steve Schofield T: 01322 454100 E: info@herda-sw.ac.uk