Growth Engine Research and Innovation:
How Market-Based Solutions Secure Prosperity in Europe

Conference – Wednesday, 19 February, from 19:00 - 22:00 CET
Admission and registration from 18:30 CET

Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union (Rue Wiertz 77, 1000 Brussels)
Conference languages: German and English with simultaneous interpretation.
Research and development of innovations, as well as successful business ideas, are the foundation on which new companies are built. They are also the basis for tomorrow's prosperity. This is true for Europe as well!
Start-ups typically begin with only a few new jobs. However, as these companies succeed in the market and grow, the multiplier effect in terms of job creation becomes significantly greater. Even global players like Apple, Amazon, Google, HP, Meta, and Microsoft once started small. None of these companies originated in Europe. Currently, China and the US lead the way in successful start-ups. Yet, Europe holds great potential. According to the European Patent Office, a record of nearly 200,000 patent applications was filed in 2023. Business-friendly conditions for research and development are therefore key factors for the successful implementation of patents in Europe.
This event, organized by Taxpayers Association of Europe (TAE), will address core questions about securing our economic future in Europe: How can we strengthen research and development? How do we retain technological innovation and start-ups in Europe? How can we improve the framework conditions for technological innovations?
This event is in partnership with SME Connect, European Economic Senate (EES), Wirtschaftsbeirat Bayern, Hanns Seidel Foundation, and SME Europe of the European People's Party.

  • 19:00 Welcome and Introduction

    Eric BEIßWENGER, MdL

    Minister of State for European Affairs and International Relations in Bavaria

  • Greeting

    Dipl.-Kfm. Michael JÄGER

    President of the European Taxpayers‘ Association (TAE)

  • Keynote

    Andreas SCHWARZ

    Head of Cabinet at the EU Commission for Start-ups, Research, and Innovation

  • Panel Discussion

    Eric BEIßWENGER, MdL

    Minister of State for European Affairs and International Relations in Bavaria

    Andreas SCHWARZ

    Head of Cabinet at the EU Commission for Start-ups, Research, and Innovation

    Niels Flemming HANSEN, MEP

    Vice-President SME Europe, Co-Chair SME Circle, Member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), European Parliament

    Frank OBRIST

    Founder and Chairman of the Obrist Group

    Richard BEYER

    Scientific Director of the European Institute for Public Finance (EIPF)

  • Moderation

    Ralf SCHNEIDER

    President of the Association of European Journalists (VEJ)

  • Closing remarks

    Ingo FRIEDRICH

    President of the European Economic Senate (EES), Vice President of the European Parliament ret. and Head of the European Policy Committee of the Bavarian Economic Advisory Council; Member of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Honorable President of SME Europe of the EPP

  • 20:30 End of the Event and Reception

Register