Issue No. 3 (Jul. 2011) - “Horizon 2020”– a Common Strategic Framework for EU research and innovation

How to foster high growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been examined by an INNO-Grips policy brief. Its conclusions suggest the need for a comprehensive approach promoting certified coaching, access to equity finance, and internationalisation – and removing incentives to stay small. Policies should aim at providing a fertile breeding ground for SMEs to grow, rather than at trying to “pick winners” and foster them.

The idea of open innovation has attracted much attention in recent years. “Open” implies that companies and organisations increasingly make use of external sources in their innovation strategies, through formal and informal networking, and through cooperation and joint R&D activities with business partners and research organisations. While the idea is clear, the concept is difficult to capture and to measure empirically in quantitative terms. An INNO-Grips study led by NIFU STEP, Norway, has addressed this challenging task and is analysing open innovation practices on the basis of company level data. The interim findings were discussed at a workshop in Brussels on 19 May 2011.

INNO-Grips monitors international developments in innovation policy. A network of correspondents from more than 30 countries worldwide reports regularly about the launch of new initiatives and other relevant events in their country. Their news reports are published on the INNO-Grips website. This article features a selection of news from some of the countries covered.