The backwardness of Europe in comparison with the USA in terms of investments for innovation is considerable and the concrete results of this lack of investment are evident in various fields, beginning with the economy. At the same time, the new “global competitors”, such as China and India, are increasing resources in this direction. The alarm bells, repeatedly sounded in the EU, have now been heard by the Commission, which has decided to promote new measures to give a new impetus to research and its applications. The “integrated action plan” provides for a “radical improvement in the conditions in which researchers work”: the proposals include the growth of investments and the placing in circulation of State aid; greater funds disbursed by Brussels; the protection of intellectual property; the creation of centres for innovation; and a closer rapport between universities and businesses. According to the Executive, “an integrated approach to EU policies” and an improvement “of the conditions for private investments” are needed. The plan of the Commission comes on the eve of the informal summit in Great Britain on 27 October. The summit will address the questions of “social Europe” and the Lisbon Strategy, adopted in 2000, with the aim of “turning the EU into the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010”, while at the same time reinforcing social cohesion. In presenting the plan, Commission Vice-President Gunter Verheugen explained: “Innovation and research are essential if the Union wants to achieve lasting growth. This plan tackles the Union’s weakness in the sector, but the best of strategies will serve little purpose if member States don’t provide the necessary funds to realise it”. According to the Commissioner, “each cent that goes towards innovation and research is a cent invested in employment, growth and, hence, in our future”. In the view of the Commissioner for research, Janez Potocnik, “investing in knowledge is the best way for Europe to be competitive on the world scene and maintain its living standards”.
