Innovation high up in the European agenda - Steve Jobs: lesson for Europe

A few days following the death of American inventor and "father" of Apple Steve Jobs, innovation and competitiveness of Europe was found high up on the european agenda. Vice-President of the European Parliament Greek MEP Mrs. Rodi Kratsa welcomed the European Parliament in Brussels the Chairman of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) based in Budapest, German professor Dr. Alexander von Gabain. The EIT is based on the knowledge triangle higher education-research-business and works through integrated structures (Knowledge Innovation Communities, or KICs) established on specific priority areas in several EU member-states. The EIT aspires to become the "MIT of Europe" by coordinating the diverse research efforts currently spread across the EU and increasing the competitive advantages of the European Union.

At this meeting, the low percentages of european competitiveness were discussed and the causes as well as actions to be undertaken were examined. According to the Innovation Union Competitiveness Report 2011 published recently by the European Commission, Europe appears far behind at global level in relation to major competitors such as the U.S. and Asian countries (Japan, South Korea), mainly due to the slow pace of implementation of goals and the lower investment of enterprises in research and development. Moreover, only 46% of EU researchers work in business, as opposed to 80% in the U.S..

As highlighted also in this bilateral meeting, Europe needs more and "smarter" investment in both public and private research and development while it is observed that countries that have increased their investments in research and innovation have better prospects of exiting the crisis. Mrs. Kratsa raised the prospects of cooperation of the Institute with academic and research institutions of EU member-states and the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI) - network of universities and research institutions of the Mediterranean region based in Slovenia.

"How to facilitate researchers to implement their ideas? Could there be a Steve Jobs in Europe? These questions arise immediately when one realises that Europe has a high level of human potential in research and science. Is it that strengthening of research and innovation remains mostly central and governmental and it does not appropriately accompany the creative forces, the restless and ambitious people? We should ask ourselves why Europe, despite its advantages, has a large competitiveness deficit, why it does not breed international talents for the benefit of society and for changing the world, like Steve Jobs. We have entrusted the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) with an important role, but governments and european institutions still have a great share of responsibility”, mentions the EP Vice-President.