The added value of European investments in research and innovation

Since 1984, the European Union (EU) invests in research and innovation (R&I) through the EU Framework Programmes (FP). This study sheds light on the added value of these long-term investments. To do so, the paper reviews the historical evolution of the FPs, presents the economic rationales for public financing of R&I, and explains the advantages of performing such efforts at the EU level beyond the actions of individual Member States. The study supports its claims with empirical evidence showing how EU R&I funding has boosted economic growth, created jobs, and advanced research and innovation in the EU. Furthermore, a set of case studies on FP success stories are showcased.

Authors: Mitra Alessio,  Canton Erik,  Ravet Julien,  Steeman Jan-Tjibbe