Brussels – Anguilla and the Falklands are geographically apart but their representatives are among 15 from the European Union’s Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) gathering in Sint Maarten 5-7 October to brainstorm the same challenge: diversifying economies with innovation. Prime Minister of St Maarten, Marcel F.A. Gumbs, will open the event along with Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications Ernest Sams.
The three-day workshop is part of the European Union- funded project, ‘Territorial Strategies for Innovation’ (April 2014-April 2018). It is finding innovative solutions for economic diversification and improved regional and global competitiveness in 20 of the EU’s inhabited OCTs.*
Innovation Managers appointed by the governments in Anguilla, Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, Greenland, Montserrat, Saba, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Helena, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Turks and Caicos Islands will lead discussions with the project’s Brussels-based Team Leader, Milan Jezic von Gesseneck. Emil Lee President of the Caribbean Hospitallity and Trade Assocation is one of key speakers.
“The process of enhancement of the innovation for sustainable islands’ growth is led in each OCT by the OCT’s Innovation Manager. It is starting the process with the assessment of the innovation situation, and in developing a vision for growth, identifying competitive advantages and setting strategic priorities. OCTA Innovation brings all stakeholders together, both from public and from the private sector to develop economies of the EU Overseas Countries and Territories,” says Milan Jezic von Gesseneck.
The scope for innovation in both the green and blue economies will be a major focus of discussion. An expert from Trinidad & Tobago in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises will share best practices in the Caribbean’s green economy.
Further development of the renewable energy sector: solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels and hydropower is also on the agenda as well as the expanding niche market sectors in the Caribbean: marine/yachting, medical tourism, sports, boutique hotels, gastronomy and entertainment. Emil Lee President of the Caribbean Hospitallity and Trade Assocation is one of key speakers.
“We take a broad view on innovation. It is not only about high-tech, it is the ability of a system and society as a whole to bring and apply new ideas. And, more importantly, bring them into market, translating them into economic growth and prosperity,” says Milan von Gesseneck.
Contact: milan.vongesseneck@octa-innovation.eu