Innovation called to assist structural change in transition economies

Geneva, 15 April 2003 - Hundreds of uncompetitive, energy-intensive and polluting enterprises have been inherited by countries of Eastern, Central and Southern Europe, and the CIS from the past. Their transformation has become one of the challenges for Governments striving to modernize and transform their economies to competitive market-based economies. Opportunities inherent in new rapidly developing sectors, modern technologies and new business models can assist transition economies in this endeavour.

Innovative solutions to problems of industrial restructuring will be discussed by experts from developed market and transition economies at a Conference entitled "Innovation as a Vehicle for Industrial Restructuring" organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on 24 April. The objective of the Conference is to provide a platform for Governments, international organizations, private companies and labour unions to exchange views on best practices of restructuring based on modern technologies and business solutions.

The Conference will discuss several types of issues, relating to the role of new emerging sectors and industries in industrial restructuring, the use of new technologies as a means of enhancing competitiveness of enterprises and the scope for new business models emerging as a result of globalization of production and distribution.

The Conference is organized by the UNECE Team of Specialists on Industrial Restructuring, which is mandated to assist transition economies in handling this issue.

For additional information on the Conference and registration, please contact:

Ref: ECE/IREEDD/03/P07