Innovation: EU Commission, northern and central Europe leading the way, Mediterranean and Eastern countries lagging behind

(Brussels) In the “list” of innovative EU countries – based on economic and productive systems, applied research, new technology, start-ups, role of civil service –, Sweden turns out to be the leader, followed by Denmark, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. Such leading countries are followed by Ireland, Belgium, the UK, Luxembourg, Austria and France, also above the EU average. So the most innovative countries are all in Central and Northern Europe. The EU countries that are lagging behind are in Mediterranean Europe (Italy, Spain) and in Eastern Europe (Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary are bottom of the list). Elżbieta Bieńkowska, commissioner for the domestic market and industry, states: “I wish Europe may be a place where innovative SMEs and start-up thrive and grow in a single market. Coordinated efforts are needed. Within the EU, VAT regulations must be simplified, insolvency rules must be adapted, information about regulatory prescriptions must become more accessible, and a legal framework on intellectual property must be developed that is clear and reflects the companies’ needs”.