Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation
Creation date 01-02-2005
I am answering On behalf of a business association
What country are you established in? BE - Belgium
What is the geographic extent of your European
activities?
In which sector(s) are you active? Business services
II. Questions on the programme
Objective 1: to encourage innovation and the sustainable use of resources
Importance of this subject very important
Do you agree that there is a need for European significant need level intervention? Significant need.
Do you agree with the analysis regarding this agree objective in the consultation document?
Agree.
Please add any comments if necessary:
EuropaBio is of the opinion that the encouraging innovation and the sustainable use of resources is imperative and that Biotechnology is a cornerstone in realising this. In the light of the Lisbon strategy a communication was presented by the European Commission on 23 January 2002 ‘Life Sciences and Biotechnology - A Strategy for Europe’. A quote from this communication: ‘Life sciences and biotechnology have entered a stage of exponential growth, opening up a vast potential to move economies in Europe and globally towards more sustainable development and improved quality of life. They are therefore of strategic importance in Europe’s quest to become a leading knowledge-based economy. Europe cannot afford to miss the opportunity that these new sciences and technologies offer.’
OBJECTIVE 2: to ensure the mastery and best use of ICT
Importance of this subject important
Do you agree that there is a need for European clear need level intervention? Clear need
Do you agree with the analysis regarding this mostly agree objective in the consultation document? Mostly agree
Please add any comments if necessary:
OBJECTIVE 3: to improve SME’s access to finance
Importance of this subject very important
Do you agree that there is a need for European significant need level intervention? Significant need
Do you agree with the analysis regarding this mostly agree objective in the consultation document? Mostly agree
Please add any comments if necessary:
EuropaBio recognizes the need for an improved acces to finance for SMEs. New financial resources must be created and made available to start-ups at the early stage in order to increase the survival rate of start-ups. Equity financing for the early phase is considered best practice. Incentives like the creation of a specific status for young innovative companies, providing tax exemptions to entrepreneurs, employees, investors and companies across Europe to reward risk with incentives and benefits, the harmonisation of financial rules and creating a single European Stock Market would greatly contribute to the financial status of SMEs. Also a distinction must be made between high growth potential research intensive SMEs, which account for four percent of the SMEs that generate 50% of new jobs. Such SMEs can give rise to a host of new companies and if the conditions are right, the biotechnology SMEs have the potential to challenge market leaders. In 2003, there were some 1800 biotech companies in Europe that spent almost EUR 7 billion in R&D.
OBJECTIVE 4:
Importance of this subject very important
Do you agree that there is a need for European significant need level intervention? Significant need.
Do you agree with the analysis regarding this agree objective in the consultation document?
Agree.
Please add any comments if necessary:
EuropaBio recognizes the need to foster cooperation between enterprises and particularly SMEs. We support the creation of technology transfer centers — biovalleys— which focus attention on the refinement of biological resources to produce high valued products serving as precursors for customer industries like the pharmaceutical industry. Such centers of competence including technology transfer centers support the creation of start-ups could offer a market-place for intellectual know-how.
Are there any other means that could be used to achieve the objectives of the proposed programme that are currently not foreseen? Do not know
If you believe any means to meet the stated objectives of the proposed programme are missing please give details:
In your opinion what other measures are Measures that need to be undertaken by needed to complement the programme in order national authorities to ensure the achievement of these objectives? Measures that need to be undertaken at (you can tick more than one option) European level. National Level.
If you have chosen any of options (except option none) please specific what these measures should be
It is very important that measures are taken that ensures the implementation of all EU regulation in the member states.
Which elements of the programme are most relevant to your needs?
OBJECTIVE 1: to encourage innovation and the sustainable use of resources. Very fully
Please specify your choice
OBJECTIVE 2: to ensure the mastery and best use of ICT. A little
Please specify your choice:
OBJECTIVE 3: to improve SME’s access to finance. Very fully
Please specify your choice:
OBJECTIVE 4: to foster economic and administrative reforms for more entrepreneurship and a better business environment. Very fully
Please specify your choice:
Are there any aspects of the programme that duplicate any activities by another public authority (either at local, regional or national level) No duplication
Please explain your choice:
Are there any aspects of the programme that duplication duplicate any activities of the European Union? No
Please explain your choice:
Please indicate the most desirable outcomes of improve the business support services to SMEs this programme from your point of view (you may choose more than I option)
Improve the business support services to smes. Help innovative enterprises get access to finance.
Are these instruments appropriate to ensure the implementation of the programme? Dont know
Please add any comments if necessary:
Do you accept that the services of the Commission may contact you to obtain further details on the information you have submitted? Yes
Please specify your contact details
Adeline FARRELLY
Secretariat of National Associations and Emerging Enterprise Councils and EuropaBio Communications Director EuropaBio
Avenue de l’Armée, 6
Legerlaan, 6 B - 1040 Brussels
Tel : +32.2.735 03 13
Mob: + 32 475 93 1724
Fax: +32.2.735 49 60
email : a.farrelly@europabio.org
Website : www.europabio.org
How did you perceive the questionnaire? Expectations met
Do you plan to provide further detailed comments on the consultation document or parts of it? Do not know