TRANSATLANTIC WEEK 

Visit - Washington DC

From 26 to 28 April 2010

EIF made a major contribution to the success of TA Week, organised by the Transatlantic Policy Network. The full TA week programme benefitted from strong participation by Members of European Parliament, led by EP President Jerzy Buzek, and Members of the US Congress. All TA roundtables took place in the new Capitol Hill Visitors Center, made available to us by US congressional members of the Transatlantic Policy Network. 

- Welcome reception:

On Sunday evening Angelos Pangratis, Acting Head of the EU Delegation in Washington, hosted an informal reception at the residence for President Buzek and European TA Week participants.

- Opening session:

President Buzek and European visitors were jointly welcomed on Monday afternoon by House majority leader Steny Hoyer and minority leader John Boehner, who both emphasised the growing importance for the U.S. of transatlantic partnership for engagement in global issues. 

To see the full TA Week programme click here.

'Digital' highlights over the three days included:

- Scene Setting Session I:  The Great Transformation - Adapting to the Global Shift of Economic and Political Power:

Panellists left no doubt that the rapid development and spread of digital communications and capabilities is the primary enabling force for globalisation and economic transformation around the world.

Chairmen: The Honorable Jim Costa, US House of Representatives, and James Elles MEP

Speakers:
Craig Mundie, Chief Research and Strategy Officer, Microsoft

Ziga Turk, Secretary General, Reflection Group on the Future of Europe, European Council

Ashraf Ghani, Chairman, Institute for State Effectiveness

Professor Jun Murai, Keio University ('the father of the Japanese Internet')

- White House briefing for EIF political members:

On Tuesday afternoon, EIF MEPs were received by White House CTO Aneesh Chopra and Deputy CTO Andrew McLaughlin for a wide-ranging exchange of views on citizens & human rights and digital technologies. The Director for Human Rights of the White House National Security Council staff was also present.

- EIF Reception & dinner:

AT&T most graciously put their Washington Innovation Center at our disposal on Tuesday evening, featuring Live demos of innovative applications and integrated solutions for businesses and consumers in particular in the areas of e-Health, Smart Grids, and the Digital Home. During the evening, EIF conducted a discussion around the theme, “Research & Innovation: the importance of IT”, moderated by Richard Hudson, CEO and Editor of Science and Business, with panellists Bridget Cosgrave, Director General, DIGITALEUROPE, and Greg Morrisett, Associate Dean, Computer Department, Harvard University.

- A Transatlantic Digital Agenda: The next 5 years:

The digital highlight of TA Week was our Wednesday morning Roundtable featuring key players for the digital agendas from the US, EU and Japan:

Chair: Pilar del Castillo MEP, EP Rapporteur Digital Agenda

Speakers:
Aneesh Chopra, Chief Technology Officer, White House

Comments:
The Honorable Bob Goodlatte, US House of Representatives, Co-chair US Congressional Internet Caucus

Constantijn Van Oranje, Cabinet European Commissioner Neelie Kroes (Digital Agenda)

Professor Jiro Kokuryo, Keio University, advisor to Japanese government on internet policy

To find a summary of the session click here.

- The Importance of Research and Innovation: the next 15 years:

The every-growing role of digital technologies in driving leading edge R & I in most disciplines and sectors was an important sub-text of this roundtable.

Chair: Marietje Schaake MEP

Speakers:
The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart, US House of Representatives

The Honorable Darrell Issa, US House of Representatives

John Wood, Chairman, European Research Area Board

Comments:
Arthur Cotton, Program Manager, GE Corporate Research and Development

Mike Bushell, Principal Scientific Advisor, Syngenta

To find a summary of the session click here.

- Concertation with the Advisory Committee to the US Congressional Internet Caucus:

On Thursday morning Cristina Monti and Peter Linton met with Tim Lordan, Director of the Advisory Committee, to review common interests and possible collaboration over the next 12 months.  Please find summary here: download.