To address the challenge of rising competition from emerging countries such as China and India, the European Commission has proposed an integrated innovation/research action plan, which calls for a major upgrade of the conditions for research and innovation in Europe. Under the plan the EC intends launching initiatives to promote innovation and research, such as redeployment of state aid, improved efficiency of intellectual property protection, mobilisation of additional funds for research, creation of innovation poles, and improving university-industry partnerships.

Vice-president Günter Verheugen responsible for enterprise and industry policy said, Innovation and research are crucial if the EU is to return to sustainable growth. This plan addresses the weaknesses the EU has in this field. But the best strategy is not worth much if Member States do not chip in the money to realise it. Every cent which goes into innovation and research is a cent invested in jobs, growth and hence our future.”

The EU invests about a third less in research than the US, and the EU/US innovation gap has not narrowed in recent years. Meanwhile, emerging countries like China and India are fast becoming world-class centres of research and innovation.

Commissioner Janez Potočnik, responsible for science and research, added: We are still far away from the target of 3% of GDP invested in research by 2010, and Europe’s investment is stagnating. Investing in knowledge is the best way for Europe to be competitive on the global stage and maintain its quality of life. Our proposals will help to get Europe back on the right track.”