RESEARCH & INNOVATION : EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHES THREE KICS.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) launched, on 16 December 2009, its first three Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). KICs are integrated partnerships, bringing together excellent higher education, research and business around three key topics: climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable energy and the future information and communication society.

"I am looking forward to the KICs to become innovation hotspots that attract the brightest talents from Europe and beyond. They should develop into the places to be' for those students, researchers, and entrepreneurs who want to work together in areas of high relevance for our common future," said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

The launch of these three communities, which will be equipped with a total start-up grant of three million euro, will facilitate a rapid and smooth start for this institute. The EIT's role is to stimulate innovation within the European Union and therefore contribute to the post-2020 Lisbon strategy. "The KICs will help to bridge those gaps that are still too often hindering effective cooperation within the knowledge triangle of higher education, research and innovation," stressed Maros Sefcovi, the EU's Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth.

The mission of the first community, Climate-KIC, is to accelerate and stimulate innovation in the area of the global economy in accordance with climate...