The road network is our greatest asset and the most important part of all public infrastructures.

With its role as the backbone of all our transportation needs, making this asset more efficient is critical for the success of both our society and our economy, whether industrial or service based.

We invite you to show your support for this statement through your involvement in the theme chosen for the next E&E congress in 2016. Our aim is to highlight the importance of maintaining an efficient European road network and also the importance that research and development play in ensuring that this is realised.

There are lots of examples of how society has invested in maintaining their valued assets and let's take the congress location, Prague, and its famous medieval Astronomical Clock as an example. A national treasure dating back to 1410. Over 600 years old and still working today with the help of society's investment in planned maintenance and use of special expertise.

Our roads may not have the same life span expectancy, but we know that solutions and expertise are available to extend the life of a road and meet the needs of society through investing in planned product selection and good maintenance options that include criteria for long life pavements!

Together, the bitumen and asphalt industries and the research community have been investing time and resources to develop product and technology solutions for the road network. We have access to immense knowledge and expertise, which in itself is an important asset to the road industry overall.

The three main objectives of the E&E Congress 2016 are to:

• provide a platform for our industry and stakeholders to demonstrate and learn from the  innovation and investments that have been made in developing our products, technologies and decision- making processes over recent years
• offer a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to engage, exchange ideas and network in a way that will encourage positive action in the future
• stimulate discussions and debates that will help to steer a common approach to challenges

To achieve all of these objectives a comprehensive programme has been created which identifies the key issues associated with asphalt pavement solutions to provide the confidence that all types of decision-makers need when investing in our existing and future road networks.

To be able to invest wisely requires the understanding and commitment from us all!

Look forward to seeing you in Prague.