Hungary proudly presents: Budapest for the Headquarters of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Gordon Bajnai Minister for National Development and Economy 22 May 2008

Ambitious reform agenda Minister in charge of R&D&I 33.6% of the funds of the Economic Development Operational Programme are dedicated to R&D&I HUNGARY – TURNING TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Metropolis in the heart of Europe Known for its brilliant minds, creativity Successful for centuries BUDAPEST – AS ALL KNOW IT

The city of knowledge and science Numerous international schools 15 universities Number of students – 105,000 per year 38 research institutes and 79 research groups at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Successful collaboration with the business sector BUDAPEST – AS FEW KNOW IT

As the Davos of science and innovation World Science Forum 17th Annual Congress of the European Business & Innovation Centre Network Innovative Reliance Forum BUDAPEST – AS WE WANT ALL TO KNOW IT

Easy to reach – Excellent position in the international transport network – Budapest Airport is the second largest airport in the new EU member states The quality of life indicators are among the highest in the new member states BUDAPEST – BASIC FACTS

„The twentieth century was made in Budapest” Hungary is among the leaders in opening up the European Research Area First member from CEE in EUREKA Successful participation in European efforts The Hungarian Academy of Sciences is the most trustworthy organization in Hungary BUDAPEST – A SCIENTIFIC CAPITAL IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE FUTURE

The highest FDI stock per capita rate in the CEE region Budapest absorbs nearly half of FDI Foreign owned firms account for about 70% of BERD in Hungary BUDAPEST – A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Midterm national STI strategy fully meets EIT concept Several knowledge centers have been established to strengthen the Knowledge Triangle Introduction of the Innovation Act in 2004 by consensus: transparent and modern legal environment to utilize research and development results Innovation Fund provides a reliable national funding system R&D&I Minister personally responsible for EIT HQ - government relations BUDAPEST – GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT

Hungary fully covers the office rent costs of EIT headquarters for 20 years Hungary will cover the wage costs of 20 employees of the EIT for 5 years BUDAPEST – FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

One of the greatest science parks in Budapest Friendly working environment, prestigious location 50% green area Landscaped central park Universities are located next door Only minutes from Budapest Airport Only few kilometers far from the city center Architectural Niveau Prize 2007 BUDAPEST – THE PROPOSED LOCATION: INFOPARK

Budapest, the bridging city is – as of today – without an EU body Choosing Budapest as the headquarters of EIT = The road to the European future through science and technology BUDAPEST – THE IDEAL CITY

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