Preliminary Study of the Potential of EU KETS Research

This report summarises the results of a study that was carried out by SCF Associates Ltd for the European Commission, Institute for Prospective and Technological Studies, Joint Research Centre, Seville, Spain. Key enabling technologies (KETs) could be a crucial part of the EU’s response to the economic crisis over the past decade. More jobs and growth are expected from investments in KETs, hoping they may lead to a more prosperous society through higher skills and wages, while expanding innovative high technology exports globally. Consequently, KETs, especially the five ICT KETs examined in the following chapters, should be seen as having a strategic social importance. The initiative will catalyse not only product innovation but also the industrial process. Moving from innovation to commercialisation in a three-pillar model (RDI, pilot lines, and then full commercialisation) is its fundamental advantage over previous innovation programmes. It may assure the success of the EU’s future global competitive position, as it can stimulate high levels of skilled employment. That should address many of the grand challenges facing European society and its economy.