Brussels, 11/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 9 March, the European Investment Bank (EIB) decided to contribute to the research, development and innovation (RDI) programme of the Danish group Grundfos, by granting it a loan of 600 million krone (€80.4 million). Grundfos's RDI activities aim to improve ecological quality, improve operating performance and enhance intelligent electronic steering technology. They will go to improve knowledge, competitiveness and technological know-how, thus giving Grundfos the means to reinforce its position among the world's foremost producers of pumps, whilst improving energy efficiency. Grundfos's activities respond to the major European objective of increasing and reinforcing investment in human capital, as well as in research and innovation, with the objective of consolidating the scientific basis of European industry. (O.L./transl.fl)