21/08/2012 (Agence Europe) - Businesses must step up R&D investment despite crisis. According to a Commission fact-finding report published on Monday 20 August, EU businesses that invest the most in research and development (R&D) expect an average 4% increase in their R&D investment annually over the 2012-2014 period. Such businesses consider that R&D is a determining factor for their future growth and prosperity despite current economic difficulties. With expected average growth in R&D investment of 11% annually, the software and ICT services sector is the most actively involved. In response to questions put to them, businesses said internal R&D is the main driving force, taking pride of place over market surveys and related activities for preparing the launch of new products. (OL/transl.jl)