ESC delivers opinion on implementation of the Innovation Action Plan
The Economic and Social Committee (ESC) of the European Communities has recently adopted its opinion on the Commission report on the implementation of the First Action Plan for Innovation. This report outlines the progress made during 1997 on the practical measures taken to implement the Action Plan and the areas which will be emphasised during 1998. The ESC welcomed the publication of an annual report, stating it was clearly beneficial to both the parties directly involved and those with an interest. On specific issues such as intellectual property, the ESC welcomed the establishment of the IPR Help Desk recommending close monitoring to ensure that it meets the needs of users. They also stressed the need for regulations to ensure the effective functioning of the Information Society and for action to address issues in the biotechnology sector. Regarding measures to promote the financing of innovation, projects implemented such as I-TEC were welcomed, but it was also felt that there was a need for an effective regulatory framework and a system of general incentives in order to improve financing of innovation. In respect to Commission action on the regulatory framework and administrative simplification, the ESC have called for a communication highlighting the important potential role of groups such as the European Economic Interest Groupings in developing new organisational forms for joint research activities. The need for improving the capacity of SMEs to participate in the innovation process was highlighted and, while welcoming the increase in their participation, the ESC felt the goals set for action in this area must be more ambitious. In addition, the ESC pointed out the fact the Community's Structural Funds could be used to promote innovation and should be a key instrument of innovation policy at EU level. The Committee supported the five priorities for action during 1998 outlined at the end of the communication however regretted the fact that the specific actions to be taken were not dealt with in detail. In order to further ensure the effective implementation of the Action Plan, the ESC propose the establishment of an Innovation Platform to serve as a forum for the exchange of experience and the coordination of between Member States and relevant players.