Mark Ferguson, newly installed as chief adviser to the EU’s new technology commercialisation body, talks to Science|Business about plans to drive a massive reform of innovation funding in Brussels

Mark Ferguson will lead the 22-strong advisory board set up to help guide the EIC through the remainder of its pilot phase and assist in planning the rollout of the new research commercialisation body

European Innovation Council pilot awards grants to 13 projects that are close to commercialisation

After the collapse of foreign direct investment and with tightening labour markets, new growth models are needed for the region. Two key ingredients are home-grown innovation and policies to maintain and strengthen the skilled labour force

Varjo is one of 1,270 companies funded by the European Innovation Council since the pilot scheme launched in 2017

EU research commissioner’s new programme will include a dash of ingredients from successful funding schemes running in both countries

Pilot version of the European Innovation Council will receive a €300 million boost to its budget, to help it start investing in small businesses

In an op-ed calling for European renewal, French President Emmanuel Macron gives his explicit support to the EIC, putting an end to speculation over his position

The Commission’s new ‘Task Force EIC’ would include staffers from both its research and SME agencies, as part of a major restructuring of the EU’s research organisation