On 29 and 30 May 2017, the Council Competitiveness took place in Brussels. During the session of the "Research“ part on 30 May, the Council adopted Conclusions on "Streamlining the R&I monitoring and reporting landscape", and held an exchange of views on the economic rationale for public R&I funding and its impact. Ministers identified a number of measures that could help to speed up the creation and diffusion of innovation. An enhanced cooperation between research bodies, universities and businesses could greatly contribute to accelerating the exploitation of R&I results. The Council took note of preparations for the implementation of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), following the successful conclusion of the legislative discussions on the PRIMA under the Maltese Presidency of the Council.
Over the informal working lunch, ministers exchanged views on prospects for a "European Innovation Council" with Commissioner Moedas. At the debate, it was made clear that Europe needs to do more in the area of breakthrough innovation leading to the creation of new markets.
As a last point, Commissioner Moedas referred to the Commission Staff Working Document on the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 which was published on the same day.
To read the meeting documents click here