Brussels, 12/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 October, research and industry ministers from the 27 member states of the EU gave their backing to the European Commission's new plan rapidly to remedy the dearth of innovation in Europe. European Research Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with research and industry ministers in Luxembourg, said that she had set out the main points of the Commission policy on innovation and that all delegations had supported it. The commissioner presented her communication “Innovation Union”, which was adopted by the Commission on 6 October (see EUROPE 10230). She added that this was the first time that the Commission would implement a whole raft of measures involving 15 commissioners. The aim, she said, was for the plan to become a reality in the EU.
In general, the Belgian Presidency congratulated the Commission on its work and took the opportunity to recall what it saw as the main thrust. Walloon Economy, External Trade, SME and New Technology Minister Jean-Claude Marcourt stated that this communication was a key element which showed where the EU must be headed. “It is clear that innovation, especially for SMEs, is of great strategic importance,” he said, noting that it was important to take into account technological innovations, and also non-technological which have been “somewhat ignored” in the Commission communication. Marcourt also said that Europe needed a financing capacity for innovation so that it can make up lost ground on the United States. He said the EIB (European Investment Bank) should be a key player in this financing. Brussels Capital Economy, Research and Scientific Research Minister Benoît Cerexhe pointed out that the aim was to reach joint conclusions ahead of December's European Council. He said that “the Commission must monitor developments daily and the European Council should have the general guidance role so that member states really align their research and innovation policies with one another, to bring about synergies with the various political aspects, such as taxation, social security, researcher mobility and environmental policy”. Innovation also had to bring tangible gains for citizens (increasing life expectancy, social protection, health, public sectors) and the public sector had to be better employed through better use of public contacts, Cerexhe said.
At the Council, ministers also adopted conclusions designed to make EU research and innovation programmes more attractive by bringing greater simplicity. The Commission has been asked to implement no fewer than 15 measures in the 7th framework programme, for example, on limiting the number of documents to be filled in by those wishing to take part in programmes, better access to information, and a mediation mechanism. Ministers also adopted conclusions on the launch of joint planning initiatives on “agriculture, food security and climate change”, “cultural heritage and global change - a new challenge for Europe” and “a healthy diet for a healthy life”. (B.C./transl.rt)