Brussels, 01 Sep 2006
General introduction
European Chambers welcome the initiative of the Commission to improve transnational Research & Development projects and knowledge transfer between Public Research Organisations (PRO) and businesses. Cooperation between these major actors is essential to promote European competitiveness and achieve the goals set out in the Lisbon agenda. Chambers of Commerce and Industry play a significant role in knowledge transfer. They are involved in numerous local or regional initiatives which deal with knowledge transfer and transnational cooperation. They provide expertise and advice to European enterprises and offer the advantages of an integrated, EU-wide network.
Section 1: Facilitating cooperation between industry and public research organisations European Chambers of Commerce regard the effective use of publicly-funded research results for EU-competitiveness as very important. Therefore we urge the EU to put more emphasis on the exploitation of research outcomes.
A fast deployment of research outcomes is essential for the revival of the European knowledge economy. Economic development depends to a large extent on the ability of businesses to exploit R&D and to convert the research results into innovative and valuable products, services and processes. Europe has difficulties in doing so, and this problem must be addressed in a global way.
In order to facilitate knowledge transfer, European Chambers have identified a series of key drivers. First, the European workforce must be better trained to be able to identify/generate new ideas and translate them into sustainable business prospects. Secondly, investment conditions, the capital availability, the administrative and legal framework should be improved to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Third, the EU should continue its efforts in promoting private and public result-oriented R&D investments.
[...]