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EU Local and Regional Authorities'Contribution to the
Mid-term Review of Europe 2020
Assessment of the Innovation Unionflagship initiative
Three years after its launch, the Committee of the Regions will take stock of the Innovation Unionflagship initiative at a conference to be held on 27 November 2013 in Brussels. This conference will be the seventh in a series of CoR events and monitoring initiatives surrounding the mid-term review of Europe 2020. More news on this conference can be found on the CoR website[1].
By participating in this survey, you will:
ensure that your views are taken into account in the debate held during the conference;
contribute to the CoR's consultative activity in this field over the coming months;
provide inputto the CoR's contribution to the mid-term review of Europe 2020.
If you wish to participate in this survey, please complete this questionnaire in any eu language, using the spaces provided, and return it in text format to:
by 27 September 2013
For more information on this survey and for details on how to join the
Europe 2020 Monitoring Platform, go to:
The questionnaire is available on this website in all official EU languages
You can find more information onInnovation Union, as seen from thelocal and regional authorities' viewpoint, in the Committee of the Regions' publication Delivering on the Europe 2020 Strategy - A Handbook for Local and Regional Authorities[2]. General information on Europe 2020 may be found on the strategy's official website[3].
Contributor information[4]
Name of sender: / Norbert GRASSELLIContact details:
(address, telephone, email) /
On behalf of:
(name of local or regional authority) / INNOVA ÉSZAK-ALFÖLD Regional Innovation Agency
Type of organisation / City/Town/Municipality Region
County/Province Association of local and/or regional authorities
Other (please specify)
Country: / Hungary
Member of the EUROPE 2020 Monitoring Platform: / Yes No
Policy challenges and responses at regional and local level
BOX 1Innovation Union as specified in the European Commission's Communication
The Innovation Unioninitiative[5] was adopted in 2010, as an integral part of Europe 2020[6]. The overall aim of this flagship initiative is to re-focusresearch and development(R&D) and innovation policy on the challenges facing our society, such as climate change, energy, health and demographic change. Innovation Union is a crucial investment in our future. For example, it is estimated that achieving the target of investing 3% of EU GDP on R&D by 2020 could create 3.7 million jobs and increase annual GDP by €795 billion by 2025. The flagship initiative contains the following aims:
- In times of fiscal constraints, the EU and Member States need to continue to invest in education, R&D, innovation and ICTs.
- EU and national research & innovation systems need to be better linked up with each other and their performance improved.
- Education systems at all levels need to be modernised. Excellence must become the guiding principle even more than before. Researchers and innovators must be able to work and cooperate across the EU as easily as within national borders. The European Research Area must be completed.
- Access to EU programmes must be simplified and their leverage effect on private sector investment enhanced,sinceour research needs to result in more innovation. Cooperation between the worlds of science and business must be enhanced, obstacles removed and incentives put in place.
- The remaining barriers for entrepreneurs to bring "ideas to market" must be removed: we must have better access to finance, particularly for SMEs, affordable intellectual property rights, smarter and more ambitious regulations and targets and a faster setting of interoperable standards.
- European Innovation Partnerships should be launched.
- Strengths in design and creativity must be better exploited.
- Social innovationmust be championed and a better understanding of public sector innovation developed, identifying and giving visibility to successful initiatives.
- Better work with our international partners is needed. That also means adopting a common EU front where needed in international (trade) negotiations.
1) What type of policy programmes/actions are being implemented in your city/region to support the policy goals of the Innovation Union (see Box 1)?
1.1 Investing in R&D, innovation and ICT (own resources, public-private partnerships, other sources…) / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
Brief description:
......
1.2 Providing support to potential beneficiaries to access EU funds and participate in EU initiatives in the field of research and innovation / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
Brief description:
......
1.3 Encouraging the use of the results of research projects in innovative products and services / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
Brief description:
......
1.4 Removing barriers to innovation, such as expensive intellectual property rights and limited access to finance / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
Brief description:
......
1.5 Participating in one of the European Innovation Partnerships / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
If so, which one?
......
1.6 Stimulating social innovation / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
Brief description:
......
1.7 Cooperation with international partners in the field of research and innovation / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
Brief description:
......
1.8 Encouraging innovation in the public sector[7] / Policy programmes/actions contributing to this aim?
Yes No Don’t know
Brief description:
......
2) One of the main aims of the Europe 2020 Strategy is to increaseinvestments in R&D to 3% of EU GDP. This target is underpinned by several actions under Innovation Union. The latest Innovation Union Scoreboard[8] of the European Commission, a progress monitoring tool, shows that there are big differences in the progress made towards this target across the EU. Which of the following challenges would you consider as the most urgent to address?
Multiple answers possible
Under-investment in the existing knowledge base (infrastructure, public research centres etc.);
Poor access to finance for innovative start-ups;
High costs of intellectual property rights (IPRs);
Ineffective use of the innovation possibilities offered by public procurement;
Fragmentation and costly duplication of projects and programmes;
No strategic approach to innovation at national level;
No real cooperation between research and industry, limited scale of bringing ideas to market;
So-called "brain-drain"(best talents leaving Europe for opportunities elsewhere);
Other (please specify)
......
BOX 2
Regional Policy contributing to smart growth in Europe
The Communication of the European Commission entitled"Regional Policy contributing to smart growth in Europe 2020[9]" [COM(2010) 553] sets out the role of regional policy in implementing the Europe 2020 strategy[10]in the area of smart growth and in particular the flagship initiative Innovation Union.[11] The Communication calls on national and regional governments todevelop smart specialisation strategies to maximise the impact of regional policy in combination with other EU policies. As a follow-up, in June 2011 the European Commission launched an online platform with a set of tools which can be used to optimise the development of local and regional smart strategies. The Smart Specialisation Platform (SPP) provides users with practical guidelines such as the latest news and events, as well as many other features. In the Communication document, the European Commission provides a non-exhausive list ofideas which regions could use to design their strategies:
1. Innovation clusters for regional growth
Clusters provide a favourable environment for fostering competitiveness and driving innovation. Support for their development needs to be concentrated on areas of comparative advantage.
2. Innovation-friendly business environments for SMEs
Regional and national authorities should support innovation-friendly business environments to assist SMEs, R&D-intensive ones especially, and the creation of new firms.
3. Lifelong learning in research and innovation
Focusing school, vocational and higher education curricula on cross-sector skills such as creativity and entrepreneurship will help young people to develop their full potential for innovation.
4. Attractive regional research infrastructure and centres of competence
National and regional authorities should consider, in particular, how EU regional policy can contribute to the 2015 objective of the Innovation Union flagship of completing or initiating 60% of the research infrastructure currently identified by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI)[12].
5. Creativity and cultural industries
Cultural and creative industries, which flourish at local and regional level, are in a strategic position to link creativity and innovation.[13]They should be integrated into regional development strategies.6. Digital Agenda
With regard to the significance of ICT for the innovation system, Member States should consider how to better use the ERDF to accelerate achievement of the EU 2020 objectives for broadband access.
7. Public procurement
Innovative public procurement means the public sector taking on the role and risks of a lead customer, while improving the quality of its services and productivity.
3) In line with theInnovation Unionflagship initiative and the additional Communication on "Regional Policy contributing to smart growth in Europe 2020" (see Box 2), local and regional authorities are encouraged to build smart specialisation strategies, as a condition for having access to EU Structural Funds available for investments in research and innovation. Does your region/city have a smart specialisation strategy?
Yes No Don’t know
If you answered "yes" please describe briefly its main elements and the opportunities you have identified in your smart specialisation strategy, corresponding to the list in Box 2.
1. Innovation clusters for regional growth
Sustainable clusters
2. Innovation-friendly business environments for SMEs
More innovative SMEs
4. Attractive regional research infrastructure and centres of competence
Investing in infrastructure, related to ESFRI
5. Creativity and cultural industries
implement a “creative voucher”If you answered "no" please let us know whether your region/city was asked by your national government to initiate a smart specialisation strategy.
Yes No Don’t know
4)Innovation Union and the concept of smart specialisation encourage a better integration of cultural and creative industries in the overall economic development. Although they have a high innovation potential, they are notalways included in strategies or projects. Are cultural and creative industries included in the economic development strategy and/or in the smart specialisation strategy of your city/region?
Yes No Don’t know
If you answered "yes"please describe how.
Yes, through the “creative voucher” scheme, which will be similar to the innovation voucher.
How is the Innovation Unionrelevant to your city or region?
5) The Innovation Union contains 34 actions, which are listed with a detailed description on a dedicated platform: Innovation Union Information and Intelligence system (I3S)[14]. All actions are grouped under 12 thematic headings and an additional one on monitoring progress.[15]In your opinion and from a regional perspective, please state in which of these chapters has the EU made the most significant progress, which ones have good prospects and in which ones hasthe EU not done enough.Significant progress / Some progress and good prospects / No visible progress, more effort needed
Promoting excellence in education and skills development
Delivering measures for the European Research Area to be completed by 2014
Focusing EU funding instruments on Innovation Union priorities
Promoting the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and itsKnowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) as a model of innovation governance in Europe
Enhancing access to finance for innovative companies
Creating a single innovation market
Promoting openness and capitalising on Europe's creative potential
Spreading the benefits of innovation across the EU
Increasing social benefits
Pooling forces to achieve breakthroughs: European Innovation Partnerships
Promoting excellence in education and skills
Leveraging our policies externally
Reforming research and innovation systems
Additional comments:
......
6)Overall, what are the strong and weak pointsof theInnovation Unionflagship initiative, as seen from your regional/local standpoint?
......
7)Would you recommend any specific changes to the Innovation Unionflagship initiative, during the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy in 2014?
Please explain
......
Are your country's policies relevant to your city or region?
8)Does your country's 2013 (current) National Reform Programme[16] (NRP) for Europe 2020 adequately respond to your regional/local needs in the policy areas covered by the Innovation Unionflagship initiative (e.g. investments in R&D, bringing ideas to market, smart specialisation)?Yes No Don’t know
Please explain
......
9)Would you suggest any changes in your country's National Reform Programme for 2014 in the area of innovation?
Yes No Don’t know
Please explain
Stronger emphasis on capacity building in research (both public and private) and innovation adminsitration.
Policy and funding issues
10)Which of the sources of funding listed below are used to finance your actions under the Innovation Unionflagship initiative? Are any other policy/financial instruments involved?Multiple answers possible
FP7 (The Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development)
Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP, 2007-2013):
► Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP)
►Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme
European Regional Development Fund
The Lifelong Learning Programme
Others? Please specify: Hungarian Technology and Innovaion Fund
11)Are any of the actions you have undertaken to implement the Innovation Unionflagship initiative (as stated in your answers to questions 1 and 2) carried out in partnership with different tiers of government? If so, please state (a) which administrative levels are involved and (b) which practical arrangements are taken to manage these actions jointly.
......
12)The policy goals under Innovation Unionrequire an integrated, multi-sector approach.They can be achieved only if relevant stakeholders are also involved.Do you have a strategy for involving these various actors, such as the different research institutions, innovation centres, hi-tech companies (especially SMEs) and members of the public? If so, what kind of involvement have you pursued (e.g. information campaigns, dedicated events, PPPs)?
Please explain.
......
13)Please add any further comments you wish to make on the issues covered in this questionnaire.
......
SHARE YOUR GOOD PRACTICE
As part of the preparations for the CoR conference to be held on 27 November 2013and to showcase good practices in areas covered by the Innovation Unionflagship initiative (e.g. smart specialisation strategies, hi-tech clusters, bringing ideas to market, innovation in public administration), you are invited to submit examples of good practice from your local area.
Please complete the form available on our website:
/ JOIN THE EUROPE 2020 MONITORING PLATFORM
To help convey the voice of EU cities and regions in the implementation of Europe 2020 at EU level and in your country, join us. For more information, visit:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
CDR3235-2013_00_00_TRA_TCD
[1]
[2]The Handbook can be downloaded from:
An e-book version is also available at:
[3]
[4]Privacy Statement: The follow-up to your contribution requires that your personal data (name, contact details, etc.) be processed in a file. All the answers to the questions are voluntary. Your replies will be kept for a period of 5 years after the receipt of your questionnaire. Should you require any further information or wish to exercise your rights under Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 (e.g. to access, rectify or delete your data), please contact the data controller at . If necessary, you may also contact the CoR Data Protection Officer (). You have the right of recourse to the European Data Protection Supervisor at any time ( Please note that the questionnaire with your contribution and your contact details will be published online. Your questionnaire may be transmitted to CoR rapporteurs and other EU institutions for information. Should you not agree to this, please inform us accordingly.
[5] Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union[COM (2010) 546] , available online:
[6] Europe 2020 Strategy [ COM(2010) 2020] is available online:
[7] For more information on innovation in public sector, please visit European Public Innovation Scoreboard webpages:
[8] 2013 Innovation Union Scoreboard:
[9]COM(2010) 553, available online in all EU official langauges:
[10] COM (2010)2020 'Europe 2020: a strategy for smart sustainable and inclusive growth'.
[11] Please see also CoR Opinion on the Flagship Initiative 'Innovation Union' from 30 June 2011, which lists a similar list of priority actions, available in your language at:
[12] ESFRI website:
[13]COM(2010)183 “Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries' .
[14]Innovation Union Information and Intelligence system:
[15] Please see the 2013 Innovation Union Scoreboard: and the 2012 Regional Progress Innovation Monitor:
[16]All available here: