"An integrated industrial policy in the time of globalisation"
![](http://www.eutrio.be/files/bveu/imagecache/node_main_img/media/images/CP/Divers/J-C_Marcourt_2_Presidence_Belge.jpg ""An integrated industrial policy in the time of globalisation"")
Minister Jean-Claude Marcourt, currently President of the Competitiveness Council for industry, is very pleased with the publication by the Commission of the Communication on Industrial Policy. The Minister intends to lead the Council to conclusions on this flagship Union initiative.
The Communication on Industrial Policy is a central element of the EU 2020 Strategy which is targeting sustainable, inclusive and smart growth. It meets the wish expressed by a majority of Member States for the implementation of a truly European industrial policy. Jean-Claude Marcourt has pointed out that industry is still the foundation of the European economy. He has also emphasised the fact that it makes a significant contribution to the external competitiveness of the European Union. It is also of primary importance to both the Belgian and Walloon economies and includes innovation as an engine for green growth.
Three major items have renewed the policy’s approach:
- The linking of a horizontal (transversal) dimension and of a sector-based approach
- The inclusion of complete value chains
- The publication on a regular basis of status reports on industrial policies and Member State competitiveness including the tracking of legislation implemented to promote entrepreneurship.
The Communication has several chapters dedicated to access to financing, the links between industrial policy and the Single Market Act, the development of infrastructure and product standardisation. The document also has several chapters on innovation and on the adaptation of skills to changing industries.
Industrial transformation is one of Minister Jean-Claude Marcourt’s main concerns. As part of his presidency, conclusions will be adopted on this specific topic at the next Council of Ministers for Industry. The conclusions will focus on industrial transformation and, to prepare them, the Minister has initiated a conference on industrial change to be held in Seraing next November 15th and 16th. The conference will bring together actors from the business world and unions as well as representatives of institutions such as the OECD, the Globalisation Adjustment Fund and the International Labour Organisation. The Communication on Industrial Policy will be presented by Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the Commission.
