Scientists call for improved innovation policy across Europe
20 Jul 2012
A new report assesses why a clearer understanding of the science of innovation will be crucial to the economic future of Europe.
Understanding how best to optimise, not maximise, innovation is crucial.
This is the claim of a recent policy brief published by the European Science Foundation and STOA on innovation policy.
The report summarises a number of issues that the science of innovation poses to policy makers.
Among these are so-called ’myths’ in the world of innovation policy, such as the role of venture capitals, SMEs and the state.
According to the report, innovation policy sometimes has a ritual dimension, in which policy-makers apply certain principles from elsewhere - often the US - rather than because of clear evidence that it will work.
It claims innovation policy has to be context-specific and notes that knowledge transfer from other sectors other than universities have been largely omitted in the discourse on innovation.
The report adds that the increased proximity between innovation policy and innovation research may have the effect of inhibiting the creation of new knowledge that could change policy directions
Professor Sir Roderick Floud, Chair of the Standing Committee for the Social Sciences of the European Science Foundation said: “A sound understanding of the nature and dynamics of such a powerful driver to the economy has become crucial and will have huge consequences in shaping current and future policies.”
The full report can be dowloanded below.
