Drivers of Change: The main drivers of change affecting the research and innovation landscape and their implications for EU Policy

Abstract

Research and innovation policies are not formulated in a vacuum. They are shaped and influenced by myriad factors both internal and external to the realm of science and technology. In the context of a period of reflection on future support policies in Europe, this policy brief reviews the main drivers of change affecting the research and innovation landscape and their implications for EU policy. It observes that different drivers of change imply the need for similar sets of policy responses and concludes that wholesale changes are needed across a broad front, with a particular focus on eight distinct policy thrusts geared, inter alia, towards strengthening key elements of research and innovation systems, confronting major societal challenges, improving governance systems and enhancing international cooperation LF-N A -278-EN -N As the Commission’s in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre’s mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new standards, methods and tools, and sharing and transferring its know-how to the Member States and international community. Key policy areas include: environment and climate change; energy and transport; agriculture and food security; health and consumer protection; information society and digital agenda; safety and security including nuclear; all supported through a cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary approach.