"Enough doubt has been cast in recent times on the possibility of establishing a mechanical link between the so-called New Europe and the approach to economic competitiveness. As a matter of fact, there are a variety of different approaches in Eastern Europe, and there are structural weaknesses as well. Therefore, we cannot afford to be ideological about a New Europe 'model' of economic regeneration and European renaissance. However, this is not to say that the New Europe does not have something very relevant to teach. In par-ticular I believe that there is an on-going search for a distinct approach to innovation and economic restructuring that points towards a significant de-parture from conventional policies, the 'Old Europe' model. This approach we may well call a possible 'New Europe' perspective on the future of Europe."