Viewpoint

EU and US experts see big benefits from scientists sharing more data - but say global agreement on privacy, literacy and other issues is needed

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

Even for the most motivated entrepreneurs, it takes huge amounts of time and energy to commercialise leading-edge research. Change is needed to improve the framework for innovation, reducing risks and attracting patient investors

Under GSM – the Global System for Mobile Communications, Europe led the world in 2nd generation mobile telephony. Now, disputes about spectrum use threaten slower connections and could result in fragmentation

MEP Andrew Duff argues that it would be a disaster for science – in both the UK and Europe – if Britain left the EU

The world’s leading technology clusters grew organically, over decades. The question for countries and regions setting out to develop their innovation ecosystems, is how to capitalize on university research and catch up quickly. It’s possible to accelerate the process, says Matt Van Itallie

There’s a one word answer to removing bottlenecks identified in the recent House of Lords report on translating stem cell science into effective therapies, and that’s Collaboration. “It’s a no-brainer,” says leading researcher, Fiona Watt

The Science|Business Academic Enterprise Awards for spin-outs highlight Europe’s innovation potential and underline the need for closer collaboration between industry and academe, says Jerzy Buzek MEP, former president of the European Parliament

Making sure the technology works is only part of the formula for a successful spin-out. Business sense and collaboration with potential customers are also critical

Warwick University built its reputation on its close ties with local manufacturing companies. Now it is looking to global connections with partner universities. This makes it possible to attract the best academics and do the best research, says Stuart Croft, pro-vice chancellor