Calls for reform of the EIC: "A delay between reports and reality" (M. Scheffer)

"These reports make it possible to debate and improve the instrument, which is my objective as President and ambassador", declares Michiel Scheffer, President of the EIC (European Innovation Council) board, to News Tank on 18/10/2024.

The EIC's reform is at the heart of two recent reports: the European Policy Analysis Group's report on European innovation policy, published in April 2024, and Mario Draghi's report on the future of European competitiveness, published in September.

According to Michiel Scheffer, these reports contain "some rather superficial observations, such as the slow release of funds. This may have been true in 2020, but the problem has since been resolved". He also notes "a delay between the drafting of these reports and the reality of the EIC".

The model put forward by Darpa, the American agency responsible for innovative military projects, could indeed be a source of inspiration: "Europe could do more to stimulate innovation by developing challenges and gearing its programmes to specific demands, through dialogue with potential applicants. This is something we…