Research and innovation policy : relevance for new, small member states of the European Union

Abstract

The European Union aims at becoming the world's most dynamic knowledge-based economy by 2010, focusing on more growth and jobs through increased investments in research, innovation, education and training. The Lisbon Strategy depends on the development and implementation of national action plans by Member States and their harmonisation through the Open Method of Coordination. This strategy sets common targets for all Member States, regardless of their size, context and level of development in a one-size-fits-all approach. Can this approach work? And how realistic are the targets for small new Member States? This dissertation explores these questions in an effort to determine whether small new Member States require more customised policies tailored to their size and particular constraints and needs. The aim of this study is to analyse how small EU new Member States are dealing with the EU Lisbon targets for research and innovation given the constraints imposed by small size and the global context of growing competition. This is achieved through a thorough examination of EU research and innovation policies, in order to assess to what extent these policies are taking into consideration the specific needs of small Member States. This includes a review of the two main funding tools for promoting research and innovation at a European level. Furthermore the study aims to benchmark the effectiveness of R&I policies of small EU new Member States.