The Commission says research and innovation are critical to create new, better-paid and more durable jobs and sustainable economic growth, to boost Europe's global competitiveness.
In certain areas, formal partnerships with the private sector and member states offer the most effective way to meet the goals of the EU research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020, the EU executive said.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for research, innovation and science, said at a press conference in Brussels Wednesday (10 July) that many of the EU's competitors are investing faster and they are thinking big.
"There need to bolster both public and private spending if we are to stay in, never mind ahead of the game," she said.
Overall, a proposed €8 billion investment from Horizon 2020 will secure around €10 billion from the industry, and close to €4 billion from member states.
Neelie Kroes, the Commissioner responsible for the Digital Agenda, said that in the EU there's a lot of talk about "investing in the future", finding the right sources for growth and stimulating the economy, and this is what the new proposal is about.
"This is essential in the current climate, no doubt about that. It is really something we need to do for the sake of all those who a badly looking for a job and for those who don't have the chance at the moment," Kroes said.
Most of the investment is earmarked for five public-private partnerships in innovate medicines (the Innovative Medicines Initiative), aeronautics (Clean Sky), fuel cells and hydrogen, electronics (Electronic Components and Systems) and the new initiative, the Biobased Industries.
Geoghegan-Quinn added that the Commission initiative not only strengthens the economy, but also boosts investment in a better quality of life.
The partnerships will deliver good jobs and major benefits to society such as greener, cleaner aircraft, alternatives to fossil fuels and new treatments to combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance.
New partnership a 'game-changer'
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC), a cross-sector group of 48 large and small companies, has joined forces with the Commission to set up a public-private partnership (PPP) worth €3.8 billion to accelerate the deployment of biobased products in Europe by 2020.
"This is a unique partnership that places sustainability at the heart of all economic, social and industrial activities," said Berry Wiersum, chief executive of Sappi, a global paper company.
"It is about realising the untapped potential of biomass and waste, to deliver sustainable growth in Europe," the chief executive added.
Guy Talbourdet, chief executive of Roquette Frères, a company which transforms raw plant material, mentioned that BIC comes at a critical time for European development of the bioeconomy.
"Such a PPP will accelerate the market entry of new biobased products 'made in Europe' in the so-called biorefineries. The use of locally grown biomass will not only enable growth and jobs in rural areas across European regions, but it will also reduce the EU's reliance on fossil or proteins imports."
Geoghegan-Quinn said the emerging bio-based industry sector is set to be the game-changer for stimulating smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe.
"By finding commercially viable ways of generating fuel and other products from plants and waste, it will significantly reduce our dependency on oil, help us meet climate change targets, and lead to a greener and more environmental friendly growth," the commissioner said.
"Europe must develop technology leadership in this sector, which is why the EU and industry are backing this new Joint Technology Initiative."
