Brussels, 28/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Industry in Europe “would suffer losses in competitiveness” if it fails successfully to exploit important key enabling technologies (KETs) such as micro- and nano-electronics, advanced materials, industrial biotechnology, photonics, nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing systems, warned Commission Vice-President with responsibility for Industry Antonio Tajani on 28 June. His comments come after an expert group, set up by the Commission in July 2010, delivered guidelines on giving European industry a competitive edge in deploying KETs, the industrial technologies of the future.
The main conclusions call on decision-makers to adopt radical policy objectives to retain critical capability and capacity in Europe through a “single and comprehensive” approach to KETs. In particular, the group recommends that the vital importance of KETs should be reflected in the structure and funding balance in the upcoming framework for research and innovation and in the priorities of the EU's future regional policy. Tajani noted that “Europe's innovation depends on the development and growth of Key Enabling Technologies”. “We need to focus our policies better and align them to create more synergies between our instruments to boost Europe's capabilities in the area of KETS”, he argued, adding: “I am convinced KETs' follow-through applications will allow Europe to create more jobs and growth. The commitment of private stakeholders to investing in Europe will also be vital for success”.
According to the expert group, technological research and product demonstration projects should be one of the top priorities. Further recommendations cover the combination of funding mechanisms at EU and national level and a set of actions to enhance technological skills in Europe. An “in Europe first” intellectual property policy is called for and a monitoring mechanism to analyse market developments on KETs is also proposed.
The Commission will report back on the policy recommendations in a communication at the beginning of 2012. (O.L./transl.rt)