Analysis: The EU’s industrial policy 

Jean-François Jamet (from the Ecole Nationale d'Administration and holding a PhD in economics from Harvard) reflects in his article 'The industrial policy of the European Union' on the EU’s aim to become "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy in the world by 2010" and on the EU measures taken in order to achieve this goal. The EU works on improving innovation and competitiveness by reinforcing the role of SMEs, for instance, he notes. 

Yet, Jean-François Jamet argues that in order "for this new industrial policy to be efficient, the Commission needs the support and diligence of the Council, especially regarding the community budget." The author highlights that the Commission will also need to avoid "the dispersion of those limited budgetary means" for the period 2007-2013. 

Regarding the innovative process, the author suggests that the Commission could think of applying a "European Small Business Act", a programme, which could be similar to the American "Small Business Innovation Research Program". This programme would support innovative SMEs and "encourage the commercialization of the fundamental research results of SMEs." 

Click here to read the full version (only available in French)