British industry emphasises the importance of innovation for EU success
"The exploitation of research and development and other ideas is the essence of innovation" according to Adair Turner, Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the body which represents industry in the United Kingdom. In a recent interview with CORDIS, he underlined the fact that "R&D by itself does not create wealth generate employment or improve the quality of life of European citizens". For Mr. Turner, governments and the European Commission need to focus on creating a favourable climate for research and innovation. He calls for the completion of the Single Market in Europe, as a significant step in enhancing innovation. The other major factor which governments can influence is people, encouraging and supporting training and the acquisition of skills. EU-funded research can make a difference in two key areas, according to Mr. Turner. "First, there are significant industries across Europe which benefit from pan-European collaboration." The second is the continuing development of individuals, through schemes such as the Training and Mobility of Researchers (TMR) programme. "In the UK," he says, "we have certainly found that the best form of technology transfer is via people." Turning to the Fifth Framework Programme, Adair Turner welcomes the reduction in the number of specific programmes, which he says will make it much easier for companies looking to participate. "The key factor," according to him, "will be the role and composition of the External Advisory Groups and how much real influence over the shape and content of the Key Actions they have." The full interview with Adair Turner can be found on the CORDIS UK Presidency R&D Information Service, at: http://cordis.europa.eu/uk/en/src/interta.htm
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