The current financial crisis challenges the capacity of Europe to deal with issues of a world-wide impact. It calls for a reappraisal of our financial systems. It forces us to address potentially disruptive social developments such as rising unemployment and social exclusion. It urges us to redefine Europe¿s position in the world.

While dealing with these issues at short notice Europe must at the same time prepare for the future. We must devise a strategy how to come out of this situation fit for the future. In agreement with the envisaged LISBON Agenda 2010 ¿ 2020 this means that Europe must develop into a knowledge economy which is competitive as well as sustainable in a new global setting.

During the seminar leading academics will present their views on how the social sciences can contribute to meeting Europe¿s challenges and what is needed to make this happen. We will address the current situation as well as provide a perspective on long-term developments, as envisaged by the LISBON Agenda. The seminar will provide ample room for discussion between academics, politicians and policy makers.

The following themes will be adressed:

• Financial Crisis
• Labour Market
• Data and Infrastructures
• Europe in the World
• (Measuring) the Impact of Social Sciences