Innovation in the economy and the entreprises, electronic trade, Go Digital initiative for SMEs

In adopting the resolution by 499 votes to 10 with 12 abstentions, MEPs have given their backing to Commission initiatives in the field of innovative-oriented research, such as the European Research Area and the proposal for a Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. They stress the need for financial support and for the modernisation and improvement of innovation policy in Europe and say that more should be done to eliminate shortcomings in the dissemination and promotion of innovation in Europe in comparison with the USA and Japan. The Parliament calls for better coordination of national and EU instruments in favour of innovative enterprises and for the decentralisation of EU support to SMEs in the field of innovation.�