05/01/2017 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission launched a public consultation on 21 December 2016 to take stock of smart specialisation strategies, which seek to develop the economy by supporting innovation and, in particular, by talking account of the strengths and competitive advantages of each country/region (see EUROPE 11565). The consultation is open to all citizens and stakeholders (companies, public authorities, universities and research centres) and looks to identify the main obstacles encountered by those involved. The consultation will inform the report that is currently being prepared on the future cohesion policy (see EUROPE 11661 and 11662). It will run until 24 March 2017. The European Parliament expressed its support for specialisation strategies in a resolution adopted in September of last year (see EUROPE 11624). (PH)