During the presentation of his working document to members of the SEDEC Commission, ECR member Andrea Putzu focused on three fundamental components for the EU's continued growth and prosperity: place-based innovation, effective vertical-horizontal collaboration, and targeted funding. 

Mr Putzu is rapporteur for the opinion on "Towards an integrated EU policy approach to support place-based innovation for the green and digital transition", which outlines a new approach to maximising the EU's regional innovation potential. 

Putzu highlighted the vital role of regions as powerful drivers of innovation, emphasising the need to recognise and place them at the core of the EU's industrial policy narrative. He acknowledged the EU's efforts in promoting the green and digital transition but highlighted the necessity of an inclusive, collaborative approach involving Member States, regions, cities, European R&I networks, the private sector, and civil society.

Mr Putzu, who also serves as member of the Regional Council of Marche, stressed the importance of fostering strategic synergies, particularly in sectors where policy objectives conflict, such as automotive, manufacturing, and the circular economy. He called for constructive dialogue and ambitious collaboration to achieve advantageous results.

Mr Putzu's opinion is scheduled for adoption in the SEDEC Commission on December 8, followed by adopted during the CoR Plenary in January 2024.

SEDEC Members also voted in favour of holding an External Meeting and Conference in Ancona, Marche, in February 2024 on the topic of Mr Putzu's Opinion.