Brussels, 15/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - Based on their discussions at Lahti and the conclusions of the 4 December 2006 Competitiveness Council, EU heads of state have come up with four strategic priorities for boosting innovation - establishing a full intellectual property rights strategy ensuring the system is very high quality (the Commission is asked to unveil the new strategy next year). Recognising the need to develop the EU's patent system, the European Council asked the Commission to publish its report on patents as a matter of urgency; rapid agreement (by the end of 2007 at the latest, explained President Barroso) between the EP and the Council over the Commission's idea of creating a European Technology Institute; based on a proposal from the Commission, to launch advanced Joint Technological Initiatives as early as possible in 2007; and speeding up the standardisation process to meet rapidly changing market needs and ensure int eroperability. In this connection, the European Council urges the Commission to consult with interested parties and prepare measures for improving working methods and boosting the overall level of resources of European standardisation bodies.
Confirming the importance of IT and communications when it comes to innovation, the heads of state are planning to focus on big issues raised by the internet and the new generation of communications networks at their spring summit in 2008. (eh)