European Union News - Research & Innovation

Irishwoman Máire Geoghegan-Quinn has been named European Commissioner for Research and Innovation by Commission President José Manuel Barroso. She replaces Janez Potocnik, who has been named European Commissioner for Environment, in this charge

The European Commission has unveiled breakthrough research that could help economists answer questions about future economy through simulation software. Produced by an EU-backed research project worth €2.5 million that came to a successful end today, the software applies simulation technology also used for computer generated images (CGI) in movies. It predicts the interaction between large populations of different economic actors, like households and companies, banks and borrowers or employers and job-seekers, who trade, and compete like real people.

A report published on 19 November by the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) says that the growth of Web 2.0 is allowing Internet users to play an important role in the way that commercial and public products and services are shaped and used.

100 young people between 15 and 18 years took part a 24-hour contest in Brussels.The purpose of the special European Innovation & Creativity Camp is to help young people develop the traits and skills they’ll need to be competitive employees or entrepreneurs in the future

If products are not tracked from their place of origin to their point of sale, there is no way of locating when and how product problems occur. Tracking products throughout their journey to their final destination is essential if we are to ensure worldwide supply and demand chains that deliver excellent-quality products. The three-year BRIDGE project received EUR 7.5 million in EU funding to take up this challenge and it delivered exciting new tracking techniques using radio wave technology.

The European Commission has launched a call for proposals under the Work Programme "People" 2010 of the Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, which will fund the exchange of research staff across Europe and third countries.

European Parliament has formally approved the EU’s telecoms reform package at its plenary session in Strasbourg, proposed by the Commission in November 2007. This new rules will give new rights to European consumers, and it will streghten competition on Europe's telecoms markets.

Including technology in the curriculum in early childhood could help to raise the interest of both girls and boys in science and technology, according to recently published, EU-funded research.

The Council of EU Ministers unanimously approved the EU's telecoms reform package, first proposed by the European Commission in 2007. The new rules will enhance competition and investment in Europe's telecoms market, by giving more certainty to companies investing in high-speed optical fibre and wireless networks. It will also open up airwaves for new mobile services. The European Parliament will vote next week, in its Strasbourg plenary session, to formally endorse the telecoms package.

The European eGovernment Awards is a European Commission initiative organised every two years. The aim is to encourage good practices and innovative solutions in central government authorities to increase access to public services for businesses and individuals. Five winners have been selected among the 52 finalists in a ceremony in Maslö (Sweden)

EU ministers have committed to developing smarter online public services for citizens and businesses by 2015. The Commission has welcomed this step forward in making eGovernment more accessible, interactive and customised. At the fifth Ministerial eGovernment Conference in Malmö (Sweden), EU ministers outlined a joint vision and policy priorities on how this should be delivered. eGovernment is a key step towards boosting Europe's competitiveness, benefiting from time and cost savings for citizens and businesses across Europe.

The European Commission will tonight present awards to European companies and public authorities for outstanding achievements in environmental management. The annual European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Awards celebrate and promote best practice in managing the environment. The award ceremony will take place at the National Museum of Sweden in Stockholm