Brussels, 21/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 21 September, the European Commission adopted a communication aimed at inviting public and private actors to join forces at European level to apply research and innovation solutions to major challenges facing society. The Commission communication draws on first experience from pilot projects and outlines steps that will lead to more, and more effective, public-private and public-public partnerships.
The Commission communication suggests that, when EU-level partnerships are identified as necessary and useful, there is a need to make administrative arrangements simpler and more flexible. Bottlenecks and barriers to cross-border research need to be removed, and all partners, including EU member states and the private sector, need to make long-term financial commitments to the projects.
Research and innovation offer solutions to major societal challenges such as an ageing population, the effects of climate change, and reduced availability of resources, and major new growth opportunities. However, the issues are often too big for one member state or one company to solve on their own, particularly given the current squeeze on public sector budgets.
Proposals building on the approach outlined in the communication will form part of the Commission's Horizon 2020 package later this year.
European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, said: “Europe must make best use of its resources in order to tackle challenges like improving health, greening transport and modernising our industrial base. Member states and industry need to
make strong, long-term commitments to engage in strategic partnerships. Shortening the time to
market for innovative new products and services will cement European leadership and boost our economic recovery”. (OL/transl.jl)