In order to make innovation work in Europe, the demand side of innovation should be revalued, both at the Member State and at the EU level Governments should use the crisis as an opportunity to foster the demand for innovation, given that it has until now been neglected and considering its attractiveness in the age of fiscal consolidation. This requires a greater and smarter use of public procurement, norms and standards, mechanisms supporting private demand, promotion of user-driven innovation, as well as the adoption of systemic approaches which would enable the occurrence of synergies between these Instruments. Their smart use should consist of favoring innovation and competition while tackling social, environmental and climate challenges.
