Smart Specialisation

Despite Brussels’ new emphasis on smart specialisation, there is an ongoing difficulty in capturing the value of EU cohesion policy

At two hours from Lisbon by plane, Madeira is looked upon as something of an innovation backwater. We’re gathering a team of researchers that will challenge the perception, says Nuno Nunes, a researcher with a penchant for subversive and surprising technology

Regional innovation specialists, gathered for the first stocktake since the EU’s new policy got off the ground, criticised bureaucracy and unfavourable reimbursement rules. Many researchers and SMEs remain to be convinced about the scheme

A new service will advise Europe’s regional and local authorities on spending EU regional funds for low-carbon energy projects

Cold air and abundant renewable energy are the ingredients for greener data centres, says Matz Engman, who helped entice internet giant Facebook to set up shop in the remote north of Sweden

Beyond measures to improve the framework conditions for innovation there is a need to concentrate resources in priority areas. Governments must let entrepreneurs show the way to these Smart Specialisations, says Dominique Foray