This report provides a summary of progress made at national and EU level towards achieving the goals of the Innovation Union policy initiative. A series of separate shorter reports on individual EU countries' research and innovation and performance have also been published. The report includes analysis of progress on delivering the European Research Area (ERA), and on focusing EU research funding on Innovation Union priorities. On the former issue, the report states that the conditions are not yet in place for achieving the ERA by 2014 (one of the key goals of the Innovation Union). However the EC’s 2012 Communication on the ERA Framework, and the work required of EU Member States and the EC to put in place its recommendations, should enable significant progress to be made during 2013.

The report also states that: "in line with the ambition set out in the Innovation Union, Horizon 2020 marks an important break from the past, with funding having a more challenged-based approach, simpler rules for participants, and more effective delivery of results". The report on UK performance in research and innovation includes sections which analyse: the UK’s scientific and technological strengths; investments in knowledge; policies and reforms on research and innovation; and upgrading the manufacturing sector through research and technologies.

Further information

The EC’s web page on the State of the Innovation Union report and on the individual countries’ innovation performance can be accessed at:

http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm?pg=home&section=state-of-the-innovation-union&year=2012