The European Union economic system takes different forms, paths and patterns. These have been established in interaction with the process of deepening and widening the European Union and its possibilities of global competitiveness. This process is tightly related to the fostering national competitiveness of its member states as well.

The Conference was intended to give an opportunity to researchers, political decision makers and representatives of different interest groups to present and share their work and experience in order to detect underlying patterns and to draw lessons regarding best practices. This was an excellent possibility to discuss main growth factors and the development perspectives of knowledge economy in Lithuania, to share valuable experience of different European regions on growth and management issues and leading tendencies of learning and innovative economy, to broaden professional experience and establish new contacts.

Global competitiveness of the European Union was assured only by developing life long learning, strengthening civil capital and social values as well as by modemizing economic processes. Competent speakers were invited to present their views on topical issues at the conference.

Location - Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Gedimino av. 53

Main themes of the conference:

1. The change and role of public management in developing national and regional competitiveness. How multilevel and multi-stakeholder governance injluences economic growth?

2. Principles of life long leaning: from A to Z. Return on investments into a learning society.

3. Civil society, labor and social capital. How does social capital stimulate competitiveness?

4. Lisbon strategy - Lithuania's homework and world experience.