Knowledge Policy in the EU: From the Lisbon Strategy to Europe 2020

Abstract

The concept of knowledge triangle highlights the importance of jointly fostering research, education and innovation, and of paying due attention to the linkages between them. In 2000, the European Union launched an initiative to speed the transition to a knowledge-based society over the next 10 years: the Lisbon strategy. The policy initiatives that ensued put a strong emphasis on progress in the research, education and innovation areas. The links between these policy domains did not receive the same attention. A new, streamlined knowledge agenda (Europe 2020) has now been put at the core of the growth and employment strategy for the next decade. While keeping the positive features of its predecessor, it relies on a more integrated research and innovation policy, strongly connected with key elements of education and training. The effective implementation of the Europe 2020 agenda will depend on further reinforcement of existing governance mechanisms for knowledge policies.