PASCAL International Observatory will continue to build on its sucess so far.

Knowledge exchange

The first 2010 PASCAL International Observatory conference was held in Sweden in June, and was focussed on the contribution of heritage and creative industries to regional development and social cohesion.

In December 2010, PASCAL will hold its first conference in Africa, in Gaborone, focussed on developing the role of universities in Africa.

Importantly, as well as augmenting its work on policy analysis, 2010 will also see PASCAL launch of a new series of policy bulletins, each concerned with a key issue for regional development in the face of pressures arising from the economic downturn.

Research and Development

The PURE project on universities and regional engagement continues apace with a second cohort of regions joining, and the first reports from the first cohort emerging during the year. The programme is already demonstrating real benefits to participating regions, several of whom are talking with PASCAL about continuing dialogue when the formal PURE programme concludes.

Two other international programmes - International Exchange (PIE) and Universities for Modern Renaisance (PUMR) will develop full momentum during 2010, and will be inviting participation from cities, regions and universities.

As well as those projects which are currently underway, PASCAL is associated with a number of bids for funding to take forward a variety of research projects in Europe and wider afield on topics within its remit.

We continue to work closely with our regional members on specific tasks of priority concern to them, together with the development of further 'scaleable' projects on topics of priority interest internationally, where shared international experience will be valuable when applied locally.

Exciting times

PASCAL International Observatory has a challenghing business plan in place which will see it extend its reach to parts of the world where it is not yet active, and important developments are expected soon.

PASCAL is continuing to review its operations, and will seek to develop with its members new partnerships and projects consistent with its fundamental objective of creating a sustainable relationships with its members based on research and policy dialogue and exchange. We look to be flexible in finding original ways to improve these exchanges for the greater benefit of communites and regions. Full details are on the pages of this website. The opportunities are huge. Why not be part of it and experience the benefits in your own region.