Eco-innovation, life sciences and creative industries. These are the most "promising" areas for applied research and economy, according to Europa Innova. This is the finding of the conference promoted by the EU Commission in Lyons (22-24 October), attended by 300 European scientific, productive and commercial players. "The goal of Europa Innova 2008 explained the promoters is to improve innovation-boosting policies and tools through exchanges of experiences, new ideas or, again, by making experts meet". The conference is exploring "new ways to boost the transfer of knowledge, not only between research institutions and companies, but also between companies". The conference "will discuss how to improve the European industry’s ability to innovate through strategic partnerships". Attention will also be paid to tools "to create and maintain a suitable economic environment for the development of innovative companies", which rely on applied research, competitiveness and internationalisation. Some experts will discuss at length how to have easier access to the EU funds.
