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Research and innovation

Innovation Union

Aims of the Innovation Union, a past research and innovation policy, progress achieved, reports and related current policy.

The aims of the Innovation Union

The Innovation Union was a past research and innovation policy. The plan contained over 30 action points and aimed to do 3 things

  • make Europe into a world-class science performer
  • remove obstacles to innovation like expensive patenting, market fragmentation, slow standard-setting and skills shortages 
  • revolutionise the way public and private sectors work together, notably through Innovation Partnerships between the European institutions, national and regional authorities and business.

State of the Innovation Union at its conclusion

These communications summarise progress at national and European levels towards achieving an Innovation Union and conclude by outlining areas where action is still needed.

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Subsequent research and innovation policy

Open innovation, open science and open to the world are the 3 current main policy goals for EU research and innovation which have succeeded the Innovation Union policy. They were set by Commissioner Carlos Moedas in 2015.

Goals of research and innovation policy