CEBR at EuroBio 2008
October 7-9th 2008, Paris

CEBR is pleased to be involved in EuroBio 2008, with two roles for its members across the conference:

1. CEBR Members’ meeting

Tuesday 7th October, 0830-1100

This is a closed meeting, free of charge for members to attend (delegates may come into EuroBio free of charge for this meeting and should they wish to attend the full conference, they may do so at a 25% discount to the standard price).

We may use this time slot we wish. As this is your network, I am pleased to ask for YOUR comments on how we should use the time, whether it is for SIG meetings (perhaps all SIGs, discussed briefly or parallel, fuller meetings), or an informal AGM where we discuss the network and its direction for 2009.

The decision is yours – find out more, register your interest for the meeting and put forward all ideas for use of the time – we look forward to seeing you.

2. CEBR Chaired workshop – the Cluster manifesto

Wednesday 8th October, 1100-1230

CEBR has been asked to Chair a workshop about clustering in Europe and we are pleased to present 'The cluster manifesto'.

The workshop intends to shout loudly about what makes life hard in supporting companies and clusters and how it could easily be made better by policy makers and decision making authorities at little or no additional cost.

Examples include:

• Lack of direct funding for biotechs using the state aid rules as a defence – deliberate misinterpretation
• Geographical limits to company support – if a company will grow faster elsewhere, support it elsewhere
• Little accountability or obligation in the exploitation of publicly funded research – feeling the benefit of Europe’s high class research
• Fund excellent start ups well or not at all – too little funding spread between too few companies

The workshop brings together cluster support organisations from across Europe to present, debate and vote for articles in a cluster manifesto. The resulting manifesto will be promoted by CEBR and its partners to decision makers across Europe.

All CEBR Members should be involved either as presenters or an active audience. Get full information about the workshop, register an interest and get involved.

Let the clusters be heard!