As the first calls are launched, Science|Business examines the Horizon 2020 draft programmes. Here’s the agenda for Innovation in SMEs

For years the US government used public sector procurement to drive innovation. Now new EU rules will “end the dictatorship of the lowest price” allowing innovation to count in assessing bids. And simplified bidding will make it easier for SMEs to compete

Improved access to finance and markets, better support services and less red tape will allow SMEs to generate an extra €1.1B per annum of EU GDP

Experts say public procurement of innovation will help spur more start-ups. But a ‘bottom-up’ approach to designing EU programmes is also vital.

Europe needs its SMEs to drag it out of economic crisis, but most are operating below their 2008 levels. Now the Commission is promising to get them growing with “the most ambitious action plan to boost entrepreneurship Europe has ever seen”

The European Parliament calls for an ‘internationalisation strategy’ to create a single set of rules for small companies - and unleash entrepreneurial potential

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 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

France’s software sector has resisted the economic crisis and is innovating and creating jobs, with SMEs driving the industry, says a new report.

France’s small biopharmaceutical and life science companies have been weakened by the financial crisis and had to face a drastic drop in investment in 2009.