Brussels, 24/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Friday 27 September, European research ministers will attend two workshops, one on Innovation Union and the delays in introducing the European Research Area (ERA, see above), and the other on the same theme but focussing on new generation public-private partnerships.
The first policy debate will be supplemented by the presentation by the European Commission of three reports - on Innovation Union 2012; a progress report on introducing ERA; and a report on an indicator of innovation output (see EUROPE 10921). The three reports draw similar conclusions, highlighting the existence of obstacles to implementation of the EU research and innovation strategy. The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU will arrange the debate with a view to highlighting potential solutions.
The second debate will examine public-private partnerships (PPP) as part of Horizon 2020, the EU's framework-programme for research and innovation for 2014-2020. The Commission will present its June 2013 report. Five PPPs are planned in bio-based industries, aeronautics (Clean Sky 2), electronics, fuel cells and hydrogen and innovative medicines. Four public-public partnerships are planned, on technology to help the aged, clinical trials in Africa on diseases caused by poverty, metrology in the field of changing societies and Eurostars 2 (innovative small businesses). (JK/transl.fl)