Research and innovation aim to meet socio-economic objectives The European Commission, Directorate General XII, has recently published a report on a study entitled "Society, the endless frontier: A European vision of research and innovation policies for the 21st century". The study is an analysis of the recent change in emphasis of resea... The European Commission, Directorate General XII, has recently published a report on a study entitled "Society, the endless frontier: A European vision of research and innovation policies for the 21st century". The study is an analysis of the recent change in emphasis of research policies from political and economic objectives to socio-economic ones, such as job creation and environmental issues. The publication develops the idea that, in order to tackle the challenges of unemployment and ageing, Europe must intensify its efforts in knowledge-based activities, such as research, education, training and innovation, and make more effective use of its resources. The book presents a list of the European Union's strengths and weaknesses in the context of evolving research and innovation policies, and proposes deepening the interaction between society, innovation and Europe in the next century. The book also discusses the importance, for companies, of increased European cooperation.
