Communication within our knowledge-based economy
Communication about science, technology and innovation is indispensable for the development of our knowledge-based economy. Knowledge is a crucial production factor for the economy: it has a positive effect on society's productivity, competitive position and innovative power.

When the heads of states of the European Union formulated the strategic objective to become "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world", each Member State was fully aware of the need to combine forces, not only with regard to reinforcing R&D and innovation systems but also as regards bringing science closer to people in everyday society.

Knowledge communication in science events
Science has generated a great many worthwhile things. Consider, for example, the progress made in healthcare. A large number of Europeans therefore have considerable faith in science. However, in addition to positive developments there are also new risks, for example in the field of safety and the environment. Moreover, science has raised ethical issues such as those related to genetic modification. A larger basis of support in society for science and technology is desirable, precisely to enable current and future problems to be tackled.

Science events are a low-threshold way of bringing science and society into contact with each other. Science events are festivals, weeks and days during which science is presented in an attractive way to a lay audience. A lot of science events consist of open days at knowledge institutes, universities, companies and science centres. However, science events take place at least as frequently at 'unusual usual' places like shopping centres, in market squares and station concourses.

Science events are organized all over the world. Some are small-scale and local, while others are on a national scale. In the new Europe, with its 25 Member States, all the science events currently being organised together reach more than three million people.

European Science Events United
It is very encouraging to observe that all European science events have joined forces within the framework of the European Science Events Association, EUSCEA. By doing so they are acknowledging the importance of knowledge sharing and the combining of forces in relation to science and technology communication, as described in the Science and Society Action Plan.

In general, the more people are aware of something, the more enthusiastic they become. I am convinced that science events make a substantial contribution to the accessibility of science and technology. The often young audiences enjoy themselves to the full and the enormous enthusiasm among the many researchers taking part in the events is catching. Science events leave an indelible impression on visitors.

Benchmark as a source of inspiration and information
With support from the European Union, members of EUSCEA started a benchmark study in 2003 into the organization of science events. I would hereby like to present you with this study's first interim report, which comprises a close examination of nine countries. All these countries were very keen to cooperate as regards providing information that could be used by the project team. The study is being continued in 2004, with new countries and new science events.

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