Industry council sets out agenda for innovation
A closer eye is to be kept on the factors affecting European innovation, in particular European research and development, following the meeting of the Industry council in Brussels on 5 December. Following the presentation of the results and follow up actions of the conclusions of the Lisbon and Feira European Councils in March and June 2000 respectively presented by European Commissioner for Enterprise and information society Erkki Liikanen, the council invited the Commission to - analyse key developments in services, in the speedy development of the Internet, and the need for innovation financing, especially in the context of state aid for research and development, which are due to be reviewed by February 2001 - pursue its efforts fostering 'good practices' in innovation, establishing a network of the main players in European innovation and a transactional networks established to exchange and disseminate technologies - coordinate with the European Investment bank (EIB) to put in place the latest conclusions adopted by the council in terms of financing for enterprises, particularly small and medium sized ones (SMEs). - galvanise the Community's industry's scientific and technological foundation in the next European Framework programme to foster the development of international competitiveness, and in particular to address the risks involved in innovation that can discourage people - make an annual report on the progress made in innovation. The French Secretary of state for industry who chaired the meeting, Christian Perret, welcomed the adoption of the conclusions and highlighted progress on closing the R&D gap with the USA and Japan, support of SMEs, and the creation of an innovative spirit in academic as well as business circles as important areas to develop.