Innovation

The Lisbon Strategy has made innovation a major theme of European policy. In 2006, the European Commission emphasised that the EU would not become fully innovative unless all major players were implicated and all forms of innovation were promoted. As part of this goal, it pointed to the goods and services market, consumers, the availability of capital, the development of services, intellectual property, regulations, standardisation, the implementation of clusters designed to reduce the gap between businesses and university research, and information and support networks for businesses and public tenders. The FPS Economy intends to apply its expertise in the service of this challenge.

Implementing an overall innovation policy based on demand

Stimulating the market with suitable laws and regulations

Positioning the FPS within the market of new technologies and the knowledge economy by stimulating intellectual property and the development of quality policies

Implementing an overall innovation policy based on demand

A dynamic innovation policy goes beyond simply subsidising public or private R&D. It must first and foremost correspond to specific needs and demands. It is therefore important to identify them, in particular by looking at the issues concerning stakeholders. According to memoranda from these stakeholders, the areas in which the FPS Economy is expected to act in regards to innovation are the following: standardisation, intellectual property, the innovation bonus, regulations, green innovation and the distribution of information. Regular consultation with these sectors is indispensible in order to clarify their expectations and better define the concrete initiatives to take.

A better allocation of innovation resources also includes consulting with and providing information to these sectors. The innovation landscape in Belgium resembles a mosaic where it is becoming more and more difficult to know who should be consulted in case of questions. The FPS site must help innovators find their way not only in fields related to the FPS Economy but also in fields covered by other public institutions.

Stimulating the market with suitable laws and regulations

The “Round Table on the Evaluation and Modernisation of Economic Law” examines a series of regulations from the perspective of innovation. The “Innovation” priority supplements this work and ensures that the recommendations given are actually integrated into the legislation. Among the subjects discussed are the following: better regulation, technological neutrality, simplification and better balance of rights concerning intellectual property, the reinforcement of electronic trade, access to the profession, public markets, and more.

Positioning the FPS within the market of new technologies and the knowledge economy by stimulating intellectual property and the development of quality policies

It is essential to provide information and raise awareness of businesses in regards to the protection of intellectual property (“Patents Cell”). Beyond this defensive aspect, this technological surveillance which is automatically performed when looking for information on patents is a proactive activity, representing a key part of innovation along with research. Standardisation creates opportunities for innovation. The FPS Economy is conscious of these challenges and is helping to revitalise the standardisation system in Belgium along with monitoring the proper functioning of these structures.