1. Supporting SMEs in the Region The Implementation of the Lisbon Agenda in the Regions Cllr David Parsons Chair, East Midlands Regional Assembly Member, Committee of the Regions

2. Common Values, Common Goals Mutually beneficial priorities Implementation is key! CoR should contribute – role of Lisbon Monitoring Platform Better use of Cohesion Policy Better monitoring of implementation

3. Future Challenges Single Market – deliver on our vision! Role of Local and Regional Authorities Economic and social dimension Importance of governance and leadership, co-ordination and consultation in delivering on Lisbon Agenda

4. Key Issues (1) Global economic competition Skills development and lifelong learning Social dimension, including demographic change

5. Key Issues (2) Better engagement with EU citizens The role of regions and localities Supporting SMEs key to competitiveness