EPRC was one of three European research institutes chosen to host a study visit by a group of Brazilian government and university officials.
Organised under a cooperation agreement on regional development issues between the European Union and the Brazilian Government, the study visit was intended to explore how academic-policy links could be promoted in the field of regional development and regional policy in Brazil based on the expertise and experience of European institutes.
The group comprised representatives of the Ministry of National Integration, Ministry of Science & Technology, National Bank for Economic & Social Development, the Catholic University of Salvador and the University of South Santa Cruz.
During the visit, the group was given an overview of EPRC research on regional policy in Europe (John Bachtler), regional innovation (Sara Davies), EU Competition policy (Fiona Wishlade), EU Cohesion policy (Laura Polverari) and territorial cooperation (Irene McMaster) as well as the graduate programmes offered by the School of Government & Public Policy (Stephen Padgett).
The outcome of the study visit will be incorporated in a report to the Brazilian Government and university sector, with a major dissemination conference involving Brazilian regional development institutes and government authorities to be held in April 2011.