1. A new start for the Lisbon Strategy By Francesco Bernardini Slides 2-3-4-5: the Executive Summary Slide 6: Step 3.1 Slide 7: Step 3.2 Slide 8: Step 3.2.1 Slide 9: Step 3.2.2

2. The Executive Summary An Executive Summary may consist of 1-10 pages and should include at least a first degree of attention to key matters as business concept, financing needs, marketing plan and financial statements, especially cash flow, income projection and balance sheet. It can also be useful as a valuable prelude to a full-length plan later on.

3. Aspects that are treated in this one Renewing Lisbon Strategy programme; Extending the single market; Expanding and improving European infrastructures; Creating better and more competitive jobs; A renewed partnership for growth and jobs; Powering research and innovation; Facing social and cultural problems such as unemployment and immigration; Developing professional qualification through better education and skills; Eco-innovation; Powering the economic growth and increasing the industrial output

4. Main function Its main function is to explain at the beginning of the reading what the topics discussed in the document are and to introduce the reader to the general issue. A particular attention is given to the changes operated on the Lisbon Strategy programme and on the synthesis of the next steps for economy and social problems (employment).

5. Usefulness for students Students that are going to find a job should immediately understand that traditional working methods does not suffice anymore: now a new concept of co-operation is necessary to organize an economy that should also include knowledge, technical skills and social cohesion.

6. Step 3.1 The renewing of the Lisbon Strategy has got three main goals: Making Europe a more attractive place to invest and work, Knowledge and innovation for growth, Creating more and better jobs In particular the European Commission will play a fundamental role in the actuation of the Programme. Its function of coordinating the actions of the other European institutions is going to be very precious for the good working of the reform.

7. Step 3.2 In Europe small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) constitute the 99% of the total businesses and they give occupation to the 66% of the workforce. There are too many obstacles to becoming an entrepreneur or starting a business, and, therefore, Europe is missing opportunities. Encouraging more entrepreneurial proposals includes promoting more entrepreneurial attitudes. This kind of businesses should be encourage; in effect it represents a point of strength in Europe’s economy.

8. Step 3.2.1 Completing the single market and deepen its working is essential for the Union; only by a free circulation of goods, people and ideas the Union can increase its economical and cultural capital. Removing remaining barriers will create new opportunities for market entrants and the resulting competition will encourage investments and innovation. In achieving this goal Member States will have to adapt their laws and economy to the free circulation; in particular the management of taxes at barriers will be relevant. Some measures has been taken at European level, in the first part of the Lisbon Strategy, to encourage the free circulation and the liberalization of the market; they have been a real success.

9. Step 3.2.2 EU competition policy has played a key role in shaping European competitive markets, which have contributed to increasing productivity. But Europe can’t survive only with internal trade, it has to expand at global level. Only at that level know-how-produced goods can find a good market to the countries that don’t have such skills. Ensuring that economic standards converge at international level – taking as major trading partners the USA or fastest growing markets such as China, India and other countries in the EU neighborhood – generates a significant cost reductions and productivity growth.