EU innovation policy : part II : EU policies and instruments supporting innovation

The EU innovation policy mix comprises, on the one hand, key policies targeting the actors of the innovation process (research and development, industrial, education and regional policy); on the other, it includes key framework conditions covering policies and instruments shaping the interactions and organising the flows of knowledge, skills and funds between the innovation players (funding, taxation, single market and competition, regulation, standards, intellectual property rights, etc.). Most measures taken at EU level aim to address the fragmentation of the European innovation landscape resulting from the diversity of national and regional policies. Although progress has been made in addressing the barriers created by fragmentation, there is a need to renew the governance of innovation policies in order for innovation to reach its full potential in Europe.