Viewpoint

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

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.

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

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

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

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 Medicines Agency’s thumbs-down for rare disease treatment Glybera flies in the face of Commission policy. It’s also against the wishes of the European Parliament, and the impetus DG Sanco is putting into Orphan Drugs. Worse still, it’s bad for patients and kills innovation. By Nuala Moran.

The existing EU rules on tech transfer agreements may be intellectually stimulating for competition lawyers and economists, but they often make little sense to businesses. The current review by the Commission should lead to simplification, say Bristows' Pat Treacy and Osman Zafar

The academic ‘father’ of open innovation is launching a European forum for it, in collaboration with the Science|Business Innovation Board. Henry Chesbrough discusses the European challenges.

Business schools can spur entrepreneurship through curriculum and culture. The key is to create an environment that encourages team learning and student initiative, allowing the entrepreneurial mindset to blossom, says INSEAD dean Dipak C. Jain