DG Entreprise & Industry: The second conference of the Europe INNOVA community focused on the current financial turmoil and how accelerating innovation would help the EU to weather the storm and prosper
"Some 550 delegates from 30 different countries arrived in Lyon for the second conference of the Europe INNOVA community. The three-day gathering proved to be as innovative as its participants, and creatively explored the main issues facing innovation policy and support in the EU. The participants discussed instruments for transforming and translating knowledge into successful business ideas and applications, as well as the most efficient ways of tackling access to finance, intellectual property rights (IPR) and providing support to fast-growing companies and clusters. A number of models and tools developed by Europe INNOVA networks to accelerate the commercialisation of new ideas and in support of innovative companies were also showcased. How innovation can be marshalled to pull Europe out of the emerging economic turmoil was also high on the agenda – and on participants’ minds." [Europa]
DG Entreprise & Industry: Towards the next generation of Europe INNOVA: New call for proposals published
"The call for proposals for the next generation of Europe INNOVA projects was published on 12 November 2008. The call concerns the setting-up of Innovation Platforms for transnational cluster cooperation, knowledge-intensive services, eco-innovation and the promotion of novel tools and service concepts for innovation support.
The calls documents can be downloaded from:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/funding/files/themes_2008/calls_prop.htm, where any updates will also be published. The deadline for submission of proposals is 12 February 2009.
A partner search tool is available on:
http://www.proinno-europe.eu/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&topicID=434&parentID=0.
In parallel with this call for proposals, a call for proposals under the PRO INNO Europe® Initiative has also been published. An information day is planned for 17 December 2008 in Brussels on the Europe INNOVA (morning session) and PRO INNO Europe® (afternoon session) calls for proposals. Please be aware that you must pre-register for the information day by filling in the registration form available with the call documents. [EuropeInnova]
Showing posts with label EU Commission Enterprise and Industry Monitor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EU Commission Enterprise and Industry Monitor. Show all posts
11/7/08
EU Commission Enterprise and Industry - 07/11/08
Introducing innovation: Eight years after the Lisbon Agenda was launched, the EU is still behind on innovation.
"The difficulties faced by European companies trying to create innovative products and services and launch them successfully on the markets prompted EU leaders to adopt the Lisbon Agenda in 2000. Eight years on and, despite the agenda's aim of making Europe the world's most competitive knowledge-based economy, the EU still suffers from an ‘innovation gap' compared to its main rivals. So what is standing in the way of Europe doing better and will it improve?
The European Commission's latest annual assessment of the EU's innovation performance paints a dispiriting picture. Measuring such variables as participation in tertiary education, availability of early-stage venture capital, patents and hi-tech exports, it finds that overall Europe is lagging behind the US and Japan. Following reports in 2005 and 2006 which seemed to show a significant improvement, the 2007 report found only “very modest” reductions in the innovation gap." [EuropeanVoice]
"The difficulties faced by European companies trying to create innovative products and services and launch them successfully on the markets prompted EU leaders to adopt the Lisbon Agenda in 2000. Eight years on and, despite the agenda's aim of making Europe the world's most competitive knowledge-based economy, the EU still suffers from an ‘innovation gap' compared to its main rivals. So what is standing in the way of Europe doing better and will it improve?
The European Commission's latest annual assessment of the EU's innovation performance paints a dispiriting picture. Measuring such variables as participation in tertiary education, availability of early-stage venture capital, patents and hi-tech exports, it finds that overall Europe is lagging behind the US and Japan. Following reports in 2005 and 2006 which seemed to show a significant improvement, the 2007 report found only “very modest” reductions in the innovation gap." [EuropeanVoice]
10/17/08
EU Commission: Enterprise and Industry Monitor - 17/10/08
Powerful clusters: Main drivers of Europe’s competitiveness
Competitive clusters are powerful engines of economic development and drivers for innovation in the European Union. They provide a fertile business environment for companies, especially Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), to collaborate with research institutions, suppliers, customers and competitors located in the same geographical area. A Commission communication published today, calls for more efforts for facilitating the emergence of world-class clusters in the European Union. It addresses key challenges to achieve this: Deepening the internal market, improving cluster policies, fostering trans-national cooperation, promoting excellence of cluster organisations, and improving the integration of innovative SMEs into clusters. [Europa]
Competitive clusters are powerful engines of economic development and drivers for innovation in the European Union. They provide a fertile business environment for companies, especially Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), to collaborate with research institutions, suppliers, customers and competitors located in the same geographical area. A Commission communication published today, calls for more efforts for facilitating the emergence of world-class clusters in the European Union. It addresses key challenges to achieve this: Deepening the internal market, improving cluster policies, fostering trans-national cooperation, promoting excellence of cluster organisations, and improving the integration of innovative SMEs into clusters. [Europa]
9/30/08
EU Events: August and September 2008 Monitoring
Conference on the new services and networks of the information society, internet and media updated 31/08/08
The French Presidency is organising an "i2010" conference in line with the EU strategy to boost the digital economy and information society in Europe.
Industry, Research and Energy Committee 1/9/2008 & 10-11/9/2008
Extraordinary committee meeting in the beginning of September
- When? On 1 September 2008; the meeting will start at 19h30.
- Where? In Strasbourg, in meeting room SDM-S1.
- What is on the agenda? Please consult the link below.
Ordinary committee meeting later in September
- When? On 10-11 September 2008; the meeting will start at 9h00 on 10 September.
- Where? In Brussels, in meeting room PHS 3C050.
- What is on the agenda?.
Innovation and Research: SMEs are the DNA of European economy. How to support them more and better?
Conference "Union européenne, Recherche et PME: l'Innovation en Mouvement" (organised by the French Presidency) Paris, 15 September 2008 [Europa]
Innovation and Research: SMEs are the DNA of European economy. How to support them more and better?
Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research
Conference "Union européenne, Recherche et PME: l'Innovation en Mouvement" (organised by the French Presidency), Paris, 15 September 2008 [Europa]
IPR in ICT standardisation Workshop (19/09/2008)
ICT standardisation is facing an increased impact from the inclusion of "patented" technologies in ICT standards and specifications which raises a number of questions to be addressed. For ICT standardisation to continue its role as a major instrument to support competitiveness, to increase interoperability and to respond to industry expectations and societal needs, an adequate balance has to be found between the need for standardised approaches and the interests of IPR owners. Standards developing organisations should be able to implement effective IPR policies while respecting the requirements of competition law.
The European Commission is therefore organising a one-day workshop on intellectual property rights and ICT standards on 19 November in Brussels. [Europa]
'Cluster Policy and Management: European and regional initiatives for innovation' 22nd - 23rd September 2008, Berlin
Cluster policy and regional cluster management are key tools for regional development and innovation. The European conference 'Cluster Policy and Management - European and regional initiatives for innovation policy' presents latest achievements and new initiatives of cluster development.
European regions need more innovation and economic growth to catch up with the global challenges. National and regional governments have recognised the potential of clusters as a driver in regional development. By taking determined action public authorities improve cluster development. This results in strengthening local economies, creating new jobs and attracting new investors. For this reason many cluster initiatives have recently been launched. The European Commission established a number of programmes supporting research and development and started new initiatives to help national and regional governments to create and develop regional clusters. For national and regional governments it is crucial to receive latest information on European policies and to ensure a good cluster performance in their region. [Europa]
FoCus final conference, Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the EU, Brussels, 29.09.2008, 3:30 - 8:00 p.m.
The FoCus consortium would like to invite to the FoCus final conference where the partners will present the project results. The conference will take place in the Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the EU in Brussels on 29.09.2008. [Europa]
The French Presidency is organising an "i2010" conference in line with the EU strategy to boost the digital economy and information society in Europe.
Industry, Research and Energy Committee 1/9/2008 & 10-11/9/2008
Extraordinary committee meeting in the beginning of September
- When? On 1 September 2008; the meeting will start at 19h30.
- Where? In Strasbourg, in meeting room SDM-S1.
- What is on the agenda? Please consult the link below.
Ordinary committee meeting later in September
- When? On 10-11 September 2008; the meeting will start at 9h00 on 10 September.
- Where? In Brussels, in meeting room PHS 3C050.
- What is on the agenda?.
Innovation and Research: SMEs are the DNA of European economy. How to support them more and better?
Conference "Union européenne, Recherche et PME: l'Innovation en Mouvement" (organised by the French Presidency) Paris, 15 September 2008 [Europa]
Innovation and Research: SMEs are the DNA of European economy. How to support them more and better?
Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research
Conference "Union européenne, Recherche et PME: l'Innovation en Mouvement" (organised by the French Presidency), Paris, 15 September 2008 [Europa]
IPR in ICT standardisation Workshop (19/09/2008)
ICT standardisation is facing an increased impact from the inclusion of "patented" technologies in ICT standards and specifications which raises a number of questions to be addressed. For ICT standardisation to continue its role as a major instrument to support competitiveness, to increase interoperability and to respond to industry expectations and societal needs, an adequate balance has to be found between the need for standardised approaches and the interests of IPR owners. Standards developing organisations should be able to implement effective IPR policies while respecting the requirements of competition law.
The European Commission is therefore organising a one-day workshop on intellectual property rights and ICT standards on 19 November in Brussels. [Europa]
'Cluster Policy and Management: European and regional initiatives for innovation' 22nd - 23rd September 2008, Berlin
Cluster policy and regional cluster management are key tools for regional development and innovation. The European conference 'Cluster Policy and Management - European and regional initiatives for innovation policy' presents latest achievements and new initiatives of cluster development.
European regions need more innovation and economic growth to catch up with the global challenges. National and regional governments have recognised the potential of clusters as a driver in regional development. By taking determined action public authorities improve cluster development. This results in strengthening local economies, creating new jobs and attracting new investors. For this reason many cluster initiatives have recently been launched. The European Commission established a number of programmes supporting research and development and started new initiatives to help national and regional governments to create and develop regional clusters. For national and regional governments it is crucial to receive latest information on European policies and to ensure a good cluster performance in their region. [Europa]
FoCus final conference, Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the EU, Brussels, 29.09.2008, 3:30 - 8:00 p.m.
The FoCus consortium would like to invite to the FoCus final conference where the partners will present the project results. The conference will take place in the Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the EU in Brussels on 29.09.2008. [Europa]
9/29/08
EU Commission: Enterprise and Industry Monitor - 29/09/08
Press factsheet : Broadband Performance Index - Monitoring high-speed Internet access in the EU 29/09/08
In a short space of time, high-speed internet (broadband) has become fundamental to modern economies. It has changed the way we access the internet and how we use it. The European broadband market is developing rapidly and some European countries are world leaders. As the market grows, there is a need to assess the EU's readiness to further the development of broadband access. The new Broadband Performance Index (BPI) benchmarks the overall performance of the Member States on a range of factors, which include speeds, rural coverage, affordability, innovation and other socioeconomic dimensions. [Europa]
In a short space of time, high-speed internet (broadband) has become fundamental to modern economies. It has changed the way we access the internet and how we use it. The European broadband market is developing rapidly and some European countries are world leaders. As the market grows, there is a need to assess the EU's readiness to further the development of broadband access. The new Broadband Performance Index (BPI) benchmarks the overall performance of the Member States on a range of factors, which include speeds, rural coverage, affordability, innovation and other socioeconomic dimensions. [Europa]
EU Commission: Enterprise and Industry Monitor - 29/08/08
Suggestions to reduce administrative burdens put on business by the EU
Published: 21/09/2007 19:17 CET Deadline: To be announced
This on-line questionnaire has been designed to register your problems and suggestions on administrative burdens. Your input will be taken into account in the preparation of EU measures reducing administrative burdens. Contributions and feedback from the Commission will be summarised in periodic reports published on the Enterprise and Industry website. [Europa]
Speech at EU conference: Reducing red tape for Europe (26/09/2008)
Vice President Günter Verheugen
Speech at EU conference: "Cutting Red Tape for Europe" [Europa]
Reducing burden for SMEs: Simplification of EU rules on mergers and divisions proposed (25/09/2008)
The European Commission has put forward a proposal for a directive that will further reduce the administrative burdens on European public limited-liability companies in the area of mergers and divisions. Under the proposal, companies would benefit from simplified requirements on reporting and on publication of draft terms. The proposal complements the two packages of "fast track" measures that were put forward by the Commission in March 2007 and April 2008. These measures will contribute to the objective of reducing administrative burdens on EU companies by 25% by the end of 2012. The total savings potential of the measures proposed so far in the area of company law, with the current proposal, is brought to 1 billion €/year. [Europa]
Open access to research results will boost business and innovation
The European Commission has launched a pilot scheme which will provide open access to research results funded under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7). The pilot includes fields worth about 20 per cent of the FP7 programme budget and will make it easier for researchers and businesses to access results in areas such as health, energy, environment and ICT. The aim is to ensure that results of publicly funded research can be disseminated and exploited as widely as possible. [Europa]
Venturing across borders to support innovative SMEs (25/09/2008)
Finding finance is one of the greatest challenges facing SMEs. The European Commission and Member States are working together to create the right conditions for cross-border venture capital funds and markets to develop. [Europa]
2009 to be the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (23/09/2008)
The European Commission welcomes the news that today the European Parliament, meeting in plenary session in Brussels, has, by adopting its report, supported the Commission proposal that 2009 be designated as the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. [Europa]
Helping entrepreneurs IMP3rove their innovation management (23/09/2008)
As its name suggests, IMP3rove helps boost the capacity of SMEs to manage innovation. This EU-funded project is developing a range of tools and practices to encourage SMEs to recognise the importance of innovation management and to apply its techniques to improve their firm’s competitiveness. The project covers a wide range of sectors, including information and communication technologies, knowledge-intensive services, biotechnology, space, and food and beverages. [Europa][Europa]
Open call for tenders - Reference No EACEA/2008/04
Study on the entrepreneurial dimension of cultural and creative industries
The aim of the study is to better understand the workings and specific needs of enterprises, particularly SMEs, in cultural and creative industries. The study must focus on environmental factors, especially regulatory, that influence the development of these enterprises, and also on the issue of access to funding and entry barriers. Particular attention must be given to research and development. Deadline: 14/10/2008 [Europa]
Published: 21/09/2007 19:17 CET Deadline: To be announced
This on-line questionnaire has been designed to register your problems and suggestions on administrative burdens. Your input will be taken into account in the preparation of EU measures reducing administrative burdens. Contributions and feedback from the Commission will be summarised in periodic reports published on the Enterprise and Industry website. [Europa]
Speech at EU conference: Reducing red tape for Europe (26/09/2008)
Vice President Günter Verheugen
Speech at EU conference: "Cutting Red Tape for Europe" [Europa]
Reducing burden for SMEs: Simplification of EU rules on mergers and divisions proposed (25/09/2008)
The European Commission has put forward a proposal for a directive that will further reduce the administrative burdens on European public limited-liability companies in the area of mergers and divisions. Under the proposal, companies would benefit from simplified requirements on reporting and on publication of draft terms. The proposal complements the two packages of "fast track" measures that were put forward by the Commission in March 2007 and April 2008. These measures will contribute to the objective of reducing administrative burdens on EU companies by 25% by the end of 2012. The total savings potential of the measures proposed so far in the area of company law, with the current proposal, is brought to 1 billion €/year. [Europa]
Open access to research results will boost business and innovation
The European Commission has launched a pilot scheme which will provide open access to research results funded under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7). The pilot includes fields worth about 20 per cent of the FP7 programme budget and will make it easier for researchers and businesses to access results in areas such as health, energy, environment and ICT. The aim is to ensure that results of publicly funded research can be disseminated and exploited as widely as possible. [Europa]
Venturing across borders to support innovative SMEs (25/09/2008)
Finding finance is one of the greatest challenges facing SMEs. The European Commission and Member States are working together to create the right conditions for cross-border venture capital funds and markets to develop. [Europa]
2009 to be the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (23/09/2008)
The European Commission welcomes the news that today the European Parliament, meeting in plenary session in Brussels, has, by adopting its report, supported the Commission proposal that 2009 be designated as the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. [Europa]
Helping entrepreneurs IMP3rove their innovation management (23/09/2008)
As its name suggests, IMP3rove helps boost the capacity of SMEs to manage innovation. This EU-funded project is developing a range of tools and practices to encourage SMEs to recognise the importance of innovation management and to apply its techniques to improve their firm’s competitiveness. The project covers a wide range of sectors, including information and communication technologies, knowledge-intensive services, biotechnology, space, and food and beverages. [Europa][Europa]
Open call for tenders - Reference No EACEA/2008/04
Study on the entrepreneurial dimension of cultural and creative industries
The aim of the study is to better understand the workings and specific needs of enterprises, particularly SMEs, in cultural and creative industries. The study must focus on environmental factors, especially regulatory, that influence the development of these enterprises, and also on the issue of access to funding and entry barriers. Particular attention must be given to research and development. Deadline: 14/10/2008 [Europa]
8/29/08
EU Commission: Enterprise and Industry Monitor - 29/08/08
FoCus Online-Training 29/08/08
The FoCus training concept is particularly targeted at representatives of trade associations, regional development agencies and politics, who it is envisaged will subsequently act as multipliers by passing on their e-business know-how to small and medium-sized enterprises. The objective of the training is to help these multipliers plan and implement e-business more efficiently. They are supported with practical tips for designing and implementing successful strategies to encourage e-business adoption. [Focus]
Education essential for an enterprising Europe
A new report identifies a range of actions which will encourage more young people to view entrepreneurship positively, and to consider it as a potential career. By adding specific educational activities from the early years in school and university curricula, the experts behind the report suggest that Europeans will gain more entrepreneurial mindsets and abilities and therefore be more likely to start out in business themselves. [Europa]
UK’s Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme lending falls to 2,619 loans in 2007/8 22/08/08
(22/08/2008) The recently published 2007/8 annual report on the UK’s Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme has revealed that lending under the Scheme fell by 13% in volume terms and 12% in value terms year on year. [Europa]
Supporting Social Tourism 21/08/2008
Social tourism gives travel and leisure opportunities to groups like the elderly, youths and persons with disabilities. By encouraging amongst other initiatives low-season travel it supports local economies and provides year-round employment. Possible EU support measures for social tourism were discussed at a recent conference organised by the Enterprise and Industry DG. [Europa]
Incentives for the increased commercialisation of unused patents 06/07/08 (Deadline: 12 September 2008)
In the framework of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Work Programme 2008 and Innovation Framework Programme, this study is meant to advance further theoretical and empirical insights into the existence of an increasing percentage of unused sleeping patents across numerous sectors in Europe. Unused sleeping patents are patents that are kept in force by the patentee but not (yet) used productively. While there might be legitimate technical reasons for such behaviour, it becomes sub-optimal for society if the underlying reason is the non-willingness or non-ability of patentees to trade them, as this blocks the innovation process. [Europa]
The FoCus training concept is particularly targeted at representatives of trade associations, regional development agencies and politics, who it is envisaged will subsequently act as multipliers by passing on their e-business know-how to small and medium-sized enterprises. The objective of the training is to help these multipliers plan and implement e-business more efficiently. They are supported with practical tips for designing and implementing successful strategies to encourage e-business adoption. [Focus]
Education essential for an enterprising Europe
A new report identifies a range of actions which will encourage more young people to view entrepreneurship positively, and to consider it as a potential career. By adding specific educational activities from the early years in school and university curricula, the experts behind the report suggest that Europeans will gain more entrepreneurial mindsets and abilities and therefore be more likely to start out in business themselves. [Europa]
UK’s Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme lending falls to 2,619 loans in 2007/8 22/08/08
(22/08/2008) The recently published 2007/8 annual report on the UK’s Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme has revealed that lending under the Scheme fell by 13% in volume terms and 12% in value terms year on year. [Europa]
Supporting Social Tourism 21/08/2008
Social tourism gives travel and leisure opportunities to groups like the elderly, youths and persons with disabilities. By encouraging amongst other initiatives low-season travel it supports local economies and provides year-round employment. Possible EU support measures for social tourism were discussed at a recent conference organised by the Enterprise and Industry DG. [Europa]
Incentives for the increased commercialisation of unused patents 06/07/08 (Deadline: 12 September 2008)
In the framework of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Work Programme 2008 and Innovation Framework Programme, this study is meant to advance further theoretical and empirical insights into the existence of an increasing percentage of unused sleeping patents across numerous sectors in Europe. Unused sleeping patents are patents that are kept in force by the patentee but not (yet) used productively. While there might be legitimate technical reasons for such behaviour, it becomes sub-optimal for society if the underlying reason is the non-willingness or non-ability of patentees to trade them, as this blocks the innovation process. [Europa]
5/9/08
EU Commission Enterprise and Industry Monitor - 05/09/08
The Best Idea for Red Tape Reduction Award
The Best Idea for Red Tape Reduction Award aims at identifying innovative suggestions for reducing unnecessary bureaucracy stemming from European law. Cutting red tape will allow companies to spend more time on their core activities and free up resources for research, innovation and growth. The purpose of the competition is to generate ideas for the European Commission to consider as part of its Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens. [Europa]
The Best Idea for Red Tape Reduction Award aims at identifying innovative suggestions for reducing unnecessary bureaucracy stemming from European law. Cutting red tape will allow companies to spend more time on their core activities and free up resources for research, innovation and growth. The purpose of the competition is to generate ideas for the European Commission to consider as part of its Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens. [Europa]
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