Development of innovative environmental technologies contributes to a long-term economic growth, the key element of which are technological changes. The most important action supporting the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy and promoting eco-innovativeness and environmental technologies is the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP). Its actions cover three thematic areas of the Lisbon Strategy - economical, social and environmental. Poland has been taking part in the process of implementation of ETAP following the framework set up in the National Roadmap for Implementation of Environmental Technologies Action Plan (KETAP), which is the document presenting actions aimed at boosting eco-innovativeness in Poland. One of the most effective forms of implementation of ETAP are Technological Platforms.
Technological Platforms
The process of establishing European Technology Platforms (European Technology Platforms – ETP) was initiated in 2003. Polish Technology Platforms have been established since 2004. They are informal organisations gathering all relevant stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of environmental technologies.
Technology Platforms focus on strategic issues in which future growth, competitiveness and sustainable development are closely connected with technological progress. They perform a key role in the adaptation of research priorities to industrial needs. Their operation guarantees that knowledge acquired in scientific research will be used in the development of technologies and processes. Technology Platforms provide resources contributing to effective public-private partnership.
In 2006 an initiative was undertaken by the Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas in Katowice to establish the Polish Platform of Environmental Technologies. The prerequisites of its establishment were:
- the existing political conditions, both in the context of EU membership and ecological policy of the state,
- environmental quality in Poland determining the development and implementation of environmental technologies,
- potential for further development of technologies in Poland (wastewater treatment, waste management and soil remediation technologies).
The mission of the Polish Platform of Environmental Technologies is:
Development and promotion of innovative technologies for environmental protection to strengthen economy and environment – two basic pillars determining the quality of life and sustainable development.
|