As innovation is a key driver of economic growth and employment, it follows that if we want to increase European business competitiveness, we must first understand better how innovation actually happens.
The last few years have witnessed a fundamental shift in the industrial characteristics of innovation. There is currently a wider array of flexible tools and approaches from which to draw, such as: open innovation, public/private partnerships, crowd sourcing and social media. While these can create dynamic innovation ecosystems, they can also present challenges for traditional innovation policy instruments.
Further information: A user guide to help boost European innovation