EC sets up Innovation Union

The European Commission has set up an Innovation Union to try and drive innovation in areas such as healthcare at the highest political level.

The EC has outlined ten key elements that the Innovation Union will address, including: bringing forward measures to improve access to finance such as a cross border venture capital regime; stepping up research initiatives by streamlining European and national research policies; and ensuring governments set aside dedicated budgets for public procurement of innovative products and services.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, commissioner for research, innovation and science and vice- president Antonio Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship said: "As we emerge from crisis in the teeth of fierce global competition, we face an innovation emergency.

“If we do not transform Europe into an Innovation Union, our economies will wither on the vine while ideas and talent go to waste.

"Innovation is the key to building sustainable growth and fairer and greener societies. A sea change in Europe’s innovation performance is the only way to create lasting and well-paid jobs that withstand the pressures of globalisation."

In addition, the EC has announced a series of innovation partnerships to help mobilise stakeholders.

The first pilot partnership will be launched by early 2011 and will aim to extend the proportion of lives lived in good health by at least two years by 2020.

To achieve the increase, the EC will attempt to put in place better preventive measures, medical advances to combat chronic diseases, innovative and more integrated care systems, and to develop and deploy innovative products specifically aimed at elderly people.

Amongst other initiatives, the Active and Healthy Ageing Innovation Partnership will promote pilots and large scale trials involving patients, caregivers, healthcare facilities and home care facilities and ICT infrastructure to test solutions in a coordinated way across countries.

Petra Wilson, secretary general of the Continua Health Alliance in Europe, said: "In the coming decades, personal health systems will play an increasingly important role in supporting independent living, healthcare and wellness in a constantly growing older population.

"The European Commission’s Innovation Partnership initiative will be a key element in creating a standards based market for fully interoperable personal health systems which will help promote active and healthy ageing at home, at work and at leisure."

COCIR Secretary General Nicole Denjoy added: “We look forward to working with the Commission and all stakeholders on the Innovation Union’s health strategy and believe that advanced medical technology and eHealth can help make this innovation vision a reality.