highlights

Brussels, 08 February 2012 – A new document from the Commission outlines over 120 proposed changes to its vision for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

With funding from the Dutch government, EIM Business and Policy Research has just published the results of a study into eco-innovations and their revenue models. The study investigates the kinds of revenue models SMEs use to scale up their eco-innovations successfully, and aims to uncover policy opportunities to stimulate eco-innovation. Expert interviews and case studies on a number of eco-innovative SMEs formed the basis of their analysis.

Brussels, 14 December 2011 – The EC has launched the Eco-Innovation Action Plan (EcoAP) as part of the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It aims to bridge the gap between innovation and the market and boost innovation that reduces pressure on the environment.

Brussels, 30 November 2011- Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn presented a package of measures to boost research, innovation and competitiveness in Europe. Horizon 2020 is an €80 billion programme for investment in research and innovation to run from 2014 to 2020.

Horizon 2020 brings together all EU research and innovation funding under a single umbrella, and will focus on three goals:-

Brussels, 15 November 2011 – The European Commission has released its Work Programme for 2012, setting out its priorities for the coming year. The plan focuses mainly on the need to stimulate economic growth and create jobs, but also emphasises the need to pave the way for a sustainable future.

A survey conducted by the European Environment Agency (EEA) has revealed a wide range of policy approaches to improving resource efficiency among member states, but also that only a few have supported these with specific action plans or targets.

A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) has found that there is a big potential to cut greenhouse gases (GHGs) from municipal solid waste management. The report covers the EU-27 (excluding Cyprus), Norway and Switzerland, and estimates that savings of up to 78 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) could be made by 2020, or 1.53 % of Europe's emissions in 2008.

A recently published report from the OECD has argued that relying on pricing mechanisms alone will not be enough to encourage green growth. Countries should also invest in improving their infrastructure and research capabilities, as well as helping with the dissemination of research results.