10 Years of the SEEK Project

The cause for the event was the closure of the international research programme “Strengthening Efficiency and Competitiveness in the European Knowledge Economies” (SEEK) after having been funded by the federal state of Baden-Württemberg for ten years. Wambach emphasised how SEEK has greatly advanced ZEW Mannheim. “We are now excellently positioned within the field of European research.” Thanks to SEEK, the institute has maintained a continual presence in Brussels and has become internationally connected with other research institutes. Oettinger, who collaboratively initiated the beacon project in 2010 also noted: “European expertise particularly has its place in Mannheim.”

Theresia Bauer, minister for science, acknowledged the scientific political advice that ZEW provides, not only within Baden-Württemberg but also nationally and in Europe. “SEEK played its part in helping ZEW to develop outstandingly. Although it is now coming to an end, its reputation has grown terrifically.” Bauer also made further announcements at the event. “We will attempt to construct an Innovation Campus in order to further strengthen the areas health and health economics in the metropolitan region.” The Rhine-Neckar Region has the potential to be an international model concerning health-related topics. “I would be very pleased if ZEW played an important role regarding this matter. The institute can make an important contribution here,” concluded Bauer.

The event was supported by the programme “Dialogue on the Economics of Climate Change” from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.