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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

After long and hard negotiations, science ministers have given their approval to the proposal to reconfigure EU research around seven Grand Challenges

Under-investing in R&D is not a symptom of the economic crisis, but lies at its root cause. Horizon 2020 must be fuelled with sufficient funding to become Europe’s development engine for the future, says Ioannis Tsoukalas, MEP

South Africa’s winning bid to host most of the world’s biggest telescope could give its scientific community a new edge

Increasing investments in research should not be considered as making the debt or deficit higher - they are essential to generate more wealth and competitiveness. This will provide rapid returns and contribute to a better balance sheet, says Antonio Tajani.

The need for scientific research to deliver economic growth has never been more pressing. The EU’s first chief scientific adviser Anne Glover tells Science|Business what she will do to close the gap between science and industry, and promote innovation

Scientific breakthroughs arise when excellent researchers are given the freedom to explore beyond the bounds of formulaic R&D programmes. A Howard Hughes-type grant scheme for Europe would promote this, says Gunnar Öquist

As France’s new President Francois Hollande visits Berlin for key talks on the economic crisis, MEPs tell Science|Business he must shift the emphasis from austerity to innovation-fuelled growth - and deliver on his promise to boost R&D

The EU’s innovation policy isn’t working effectively to produce economic benefits. A more streamlined and simplified system is needed to catalyse growth, says a new report from Ernst and Young

The European Commission should shift funding towards smaller enterprises that cannot participate in Horizon 2020, says the European Parliament’s rapporteur on a new SME initiative

Research funding bodies must foster risk-taking, be more tolerant of errors, allow for changes in direction - and give scientists the time to develop new ideas, says Wilhelm Krull

With most of Europe’s demonstration projects on hold, it may come down to others to pioneer commercial use of carbon capture and storage and bring costs down, says Ronald Oxburgh, member of the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology

To be truly effective, open innovation needs to move beyond process, to tap into the spirit of innovation. This means showcasing outputs to research partners and customers, and using R&D successes to inspire students, says Declan Weldon of Air Products

The European Court of Justice has ruled the functionality embodied in computer programs cannot be copyrighted. This will spur innovation and interoperability say experts

The debate over Horizon 2020 funding heats up, with publication of a Danish ‘declaration’ on the importance of funding excellent science