An overview of some of the recommendations discussed at the Science|Business Policy Bridge event “Research and innovation: what's next in Brussels?”, held in Brussels on 6 November 2009. For more coverage of the event, see our main story: "What next in Brussels?".
FOCUS/SCOPE
Focus on the direction, not the rate, of technological change. Focus RDI priorities on the Grand Challenges/societal challenges.
Broaden the definition of innovation in policy. Think globally in innovation policy and programmes.
Invest in e-science and digital infrastructure, e.g. broadband in every home and office and smart electricity grids.
Focus on excellence and encourage risk-taking. EU programmes should stand for best practice across Europe.
Funding for demonstration projects should be easier.
GOVERNANCE
Improve systematic long-term planning for RDI policy and programmes, including a Green Paper exercise to include many stakeholders.
Better coordinate/synchronise EU policy between Brussels and the member-states, and between governments and other stakeholders. Engage social actors in policy formulation from the start.
Define the new Chief Science Advisor role as a step towards good advice and leadership on RDI issues at the EU.
Use public procurement as a tool to encourage innovation.
Reform of the EU administration for RDI through:
Creation of arms-length agencies
Reform the financial regulations to reduce red tape
Create more flexibility in programming, to adjust to changing needs
FUNDING
Raise the focus and profile for innovation at the European Investment Bank, and make a European Innovation Bank, to focus on the knowledge economy.
Create new joint partnerships between the European Investment Fund and others, e.g. in corporate venturing and social innovation funds.
Create a European version of Britain’s post-war 3i: a public/private direct investment fund to encourage restructuring towards innovation.
Set a new, post-Lisbon 3% target for public-sector spending: 1% of GDP goes to R&D, 2% to higher education.
OPEN INNOVATION
Improve mobility of researchers to encourage cross-fertilisation of ideas and people across borders, disciplines and the industry/academic divide.
End academic tenure?
Get a community patent – reform intellectual property rules to create a single market
Create new platforms and networks for innovation. European Technology Platforms should broaden to include innovation action plans.
Improve public attitudes and the innovation culture through:
An emphasis on trust and ethics in R&D
Highlighting the role of entrepreneurship
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