"We will launch a local innovation fund to support start-ups with an initial budget of Euro 600,000 to give local innovators the opportunity to develop their own businesses. Our objective is to switch from 'made in Cluj Napoca' to 'invented in Cluj Napoca'. We want to become the city where companies can invent – to become a centre of innovation where we create IT, digital and artificial intelligence solutions." Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca made these remarks during an online EPP Local Dialogue with the theme 'New Normal in cities - Using innovation and resilience to tackle the impact of COVID19 on the local economy of cities' moderated by Dan Cărbunaru from Calea Europeană.
Boc said that the The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), an EPP initiative, will serve as a direct response of the EU to the crisis. He added that it will successfully provide better jobs, connectivity and address brain drain. "Free movement is vital, but people should not be forced to leave for economic reasons. The RRF gives us a new opportunity to close gaps between regions and through innovation by creating better jobs at home."
Boc emphasised that in terms of innovation no one should be left behind. "We have to make sure that the gap in innovation is reduced by offering new opportunities to regions lagging behind to catch up. The digital and innovation divide needs to be addressed if we want a more cohesive, stronger and resilient Europe."
Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region and Chair of the Espoo City Board who was invited as a guest speaker said that cities and regions are ready to use the recovery fund. "In our region we had several meetings to discuss how to combine measures and actions on green and digital transitions. We must share proposals on how we plan to use the recovery fund and learn from each other."
Markkula added that future will be 'a new normal'. "We should not try to return to the old. For this to happen in all parts of Europe, we need to support innovative solutions and promote sustainability as a new normal for all communities, businesses, and individuals." Supporting his statement Boc said "We must not go back to normal, but move towards the new normal. eHealth, digitalisation, innovation have to become our new normal." He added that local and regional authorities that understand that an innovative, green and digital ecosystem must be created, will succeed in creating a better life for their citizens whilst adapting faster to the new normality that has already started in Europe."
With respect to the cultural sector which suffered extensively since the pandemic reached Europe Boc said that Cluj is a vibrant cultural city and pointed out that investments in the cultural sector did not stop.
Speaking on the role of EPP-led cities and regions in the recovery process, Boc said "Our purpose as mayors is to inspire our citizens and the business community, to create an ecosystem that creates talent, jobs, ideas and a better life for our citizens in every way. The essence of EPP local and regional leaders is to create and provide prosperity and solidarity for our citizens."