In this year’s Spring Package of the ‘European Semester’ budgetary process, published on Wednesday 19 June (see other articles), the European Commission has devoted particular attention to research and innovation (R&I) in Europe. It underlines the essential role of R&I in successfully completing the dual transition and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the European Union.
On the one hand, for the first time since the Covid-19 epidemic and the triggering of the general escape clause in the Stability and Growth Pact, the country reports include a specific annex on innovation. Annex 11 of the country reports provides indicators and details of the R&I performance of each Member State.
The Commission stresses that, in this context, the analysis reveals three areas where improvements need to be made in Europe.
Firstly, more support should be given to scientific excellence, attracting talent and stimulating investment in R&I.
Secondly, Member States should continue their efforts to forge closer links between science and business.
Thirdly, Member States should generally improve business innovation.
The R&I challenges are also detailed in the country-specific recommendations for six Member States.
Finally, the Commission explicitly reiterates, in this context, the objective of allocating 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) per Member State for public spending on R&I.
The European Commission and the Directorate-General for R&I (DG RTD) have declared their readiness to provide support to each Member State, in particular through the policy support facility and enhanced dialogues. (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)