The modern world puts emphasis on better use of knowledge and rapid innovation. There is a need for skills and competences that enable people to embrace change as an opportunity and to be open to new ideas in a culturally diverse, knowledge-based society. Europe needs to boost its capacity for creativity and innovation to respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities of globalisation.

With the slogan "Imagine. Create. Innovate", the European Year of Creativity and Innovation aims to raise awareness of the importance of creativity and innovation as key competences for personal, social and economic development. The EU will offer a framework for raising awareness of the issues concerned and promoting a policy debate on how to increase Europe's creative and innovative potential. As for previous European Years, measures will include promotion campaigns, events and initiatives at European, national, regional and local levels.

Key Press Releases

• 18/12/09 - “Innovation is global”

• 17/12/09 - Teachers in Europe believe that creativity is fundamentally important at school and that ICT can help enhance it

• 16/12/09 - Commission awards Golden Stars to citizens' projects

• 16/12/09 - Create. Innovate. Grow: Closing Conference of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation

• 16/12/09 - “Creativity must constantly be encouraged”

• 09/12/09 - Manifesto for creativity and innovation in Europe

• 01/12/09 - Press invitation: Creativity and innovation in the EU – closing conference 16–17 December

• 26/11/09 - Young people and the future of Europe's education systems: creative solutions found in 24h

• 24/11/09 - Students compete in marathon 24-hour challenge set by the European Commission

• 19/11/09 - Brussels debate - Towards a creative Europe: What role for the creative industries?

News feed

Audiovisual material

Thematic videos - European Year of Creativity and Innovation Thematic videos - Education and culture Thematic photos - European Year of Creativity and Innovation Thematic photos - Education and culture Thematic audio files - Education and culture

Contact

• European Parliament

  Committee on culture and education press officer

  François ARNAUD
  Tel: +32 (0)2 283 23 79 / +33 (0)388 1 74005
  GSM: +32 (0)498 98 32 83
  cult-press@europarl.europa.eu

• European Commission

  Education, training and culture

  Spokesperson
  John MACDONALD
  Tel: +32 (0)2 295 52 67
  GSM: +32 (0)498 98 3729
  Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 00
  john.macdonald@ec.europa.eu

  Press officer
  Sophie ANDERSSON
  Tel: +32 (0)2 295 02 08
  GSM: +32 (0)498 95 02 08
  Fax: +32 (0)2 296 30 00
  sophie.andersson@ec.europa.eu