An overview of the European Union innovation policy from the regional perspective

Abstract

This chapter approaches the EU innovation policy, focusing on its key moments, rationales, objectives, main tools and trends. Among other actions, the Framework Programmes and the European Structural Funds underline. The EU innovation policy has traditionally focused on research, according to the linear model of innovation. However, innovation has been gradually introduced. The EU innovation policy is characterised by a multilevel model, in which the regions have increasingly become relevant actors. Thus, the chapter tackles the regional perspective in the EU innovation policy. It also refers to the links between EU innovation and regional cohesion policies, from the background to the current smart specialisation strategies. The EU innovation policy, and mainly the Framework Programmes, have hardly considered territorial dimension, economic development or innovation level of the regions. Several attempts to include some cohesion element in the EU innovation policy have been made over time, through different tools.