18.11.2011

Ensuring and evaluating the long-term impacts of large-scale projects and theme years were discussed in Brussels

A seminar “How to ensure and evaluate the long-term impact of large-scale projects” was organised on 10 November 2011 in Brussels by the City of Turku and the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, in cooperation with University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University.

During the course of the seminar the impact of European theme years and nominations such as European Capital of Culture, European Green Capital, World Design Capital and other significant local and regional development projects were discussed. The speakers representing expertise of such projects, the European Commission and the European Parliament elaborated the theme of ensuring positive long-term impacts and contribution to regional development goals.

At the end of the discussions, Turku European Capital of Culture 2011 passed the torch of culture and creativity to Helsinki World Design Capital 2012.

The programme and seminar presentations:

9:30 Welcome, Ms Marja Rislakki, Deputy Permanent Representative,
Permanent Representation of Finland to the European Union

Greetings from Turku – European Capital of Culture 2011, Ms Minna Arve, Chair of the City Board, City of Turku

9:40 How to support and evaluate the impact of theme years? Dr Sampo Ruoppila, Research Director, University of Turku

10:00  Turku - European Capital of Culture 2011 – already looking ahead! Dr Cay Sevon, CEO, Turku 2011 Foundation

10:30  Lille - European Capital of Culture 2004 – the voyage goes on! Ms Delphie Vang, Tourism 

10:55 Stockholm – the first European Green Capital 2010, Mr Per Spolander, Managing Director, Stockholm Region EU Office

11:20 Coffee

11:50 Helsinki – towards World Design Capital 2012, Ms Marja-Leena Rinkineva

12:10 Eurocities, Commentary remarks, Mr Paul Bevan, Secretary General

12:25 Views of the European Commission:
Ms Ann Branch, Head of Unit, DG Education and Culture, European Commission
Ms Anna Burylo, Evaluation Unit, DG Regional Policy, European Commission

12:50 Views of the European Parliament:
Dr Vesa Kangaslahti, Special advisor, on behalf of Mr Hannu Takkula, Member of the European Parliament, Committee of Education and Culture

13:00 Conclusions, Mr Pekka Myllymäki, Member of the Managing board, Second vice chair, Regional Council of Southwest Finland