Improving the Effectiveness of Direct Public Support Measures to Stimulate Private Investment in Research – Study Report of the Working Group on Direct Measures for Directorate General Research

The European Council in Barcelona set an overall EU R&D investment target of 3% of GDP by the year 2010, with industry asked to contribute two thirds of this figure. To approach these levels, however, dramatic improvements are needed in the
effectiveness of policies used to stimulate private sector R&D.

The specific aim of this report is to offer suggestions and guidance concerning the design and implementation of direct public support measures to stimulate private investment
in research. The report considers the importance of supply side measures, the growing importance and significance of demand-side measures and the role of framework
conditions.

After reviewing the use of these measures and the factors that affect their effectiveness, the report then presents a series of recommendations for the consideration of policymakers across the EU.

Publication Information

Edquist, C., Amanatidou, E., Belitz, H., Cruz, L., Edler, J., Georghiou, L., Granstrand, O., Guinet, J., Leprince, E., Orsenigo, L., Rigby, J., Romanainen, J., Stampfer, M., and van den Biesen, J. Improving the Effectiveness of Direct Public Support Measures to Stimulate Private Investment in Research – Study Report of the Working Group on Direct Measures for Directorate General Research, European Commission, Brusells, April 2003, 76 pp.

ISBN: 92-894-5575-6