The 'Innovation Union', released in October commits Europe to making Europe an attractive place to turn ideas into new products and services that create growth and jobs. The Innovation Union means:

• Improved access to finance
• Innovation-friendly rules and regulations
• Accelerated interoperable standard-setting
• Cheaper patenting
• Innovation supported by the public sector
• Innovation Partnerships to give EU businesses a competitive edge
• Easier participation in EU research and innovation programmes

An Eco-innovation action plan building on this policy will be released next year.

For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm?pg=keydocs