The winter 2012 edition of Panorama magazine entitled "Smart Specialisation" is now online. The centrepiece is a 6 page feature on Smart Specialisation strategies as drivers of regional economic growth, which analyses the definitions and possibilities for smart specialisation, the support provided by the S3 Platform, and reports from the European Commission workshop in Bari in September 2012 which helped Italian regions prepare to use these strategies in the 2014-2020 programming period.
The other main highlight is an exclusive interview with Polish Minister for Regional Development Elżbieta Bieńkowska, who describes the progress made by Poland since accession in 2004 in developing its infrastructure, creating jobs and increasing GDP. She also looks to the future and anticipates increasing investment in research & innovation and sustainable energy and transport solutions in the next programming period.
Elsewhere the latest Eurobarometer survey "A view from the regions" is analysed showing some surprisingly positive results regarding quality of life and outlook for the future, and the winners of the Europe In My Region photo competition are featured, along with a pull-out mosaic poster of some of the many entries.
There is also a preview of Regiostars 2014 and another selection of profiles of successful projects from regions across the EU.