The European Commission has launched a public consultation in order to gather inputs from stakeholders and citizens on the scope of possible future EU-level actions in demand-side policies for industrial innovation policy. The contributions to this consultation can be made until the 6 of September 2012.

A public consultation launched by the Commission calls for ideas for potential new policy measures and focus areas for future targeted demand-side innovation actions at EU level, to enable faster uptake of innovations and to create a better environment for creating innovations in order to maintain the value chain and business investments in Europe. Among the Commission's measures for fostering innovation, it launched three new Innovation Partnerships in March 2012.

According to the Commission, consumers and public procurers should not underestimate their power to spur industrial innovations, for example by buying products which consume less energy and/or are friendlier to the environment. Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice President and Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, stressed that innovation can be powerful, thereby helping European industry to become more competitive and to become innovation leader for a series of industrial goods, at the same time addressing societal challenges.

In addition, the Commission also highlights that there is a vast potential in harnessing the demand-side in innovation policy development to support European industry. In times of crisis Europe needs measures to help turn innovative ideas into new marketable products and services, creating jobs and growth. The well-functioning of EU internal market for innovations should be ensured.