The report is clear: Europe has a strong economy and a strong science
base, but in turning innovation assets into innovation Europe clearly
lags behind its global competitors. This is what is now called the
European Paradox from which politicians and policy experts all over the
Union are searching for an escape.
Against this background, the
European Commission on October 18 submitted a proposal to the European
Legislature to establish a European Institute of Technology (EIT) with
the aim of bringing together higher education, research, and
innovation. The general idea is that universities, research
organizations, and companies together create joint ventures - so-called
Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) - to jointly perform
education, research, and innovation in a certain area.
The report is clear: Europe has a strong economy and a strong science
base, but in turning innovation assets into innovation Europe clearly
lags behind its global competitors. This is what is now called the
European Paradox from which politicians and policy experts all over the
Union are searching for an escape.