2009 - European Year of Creativity and Innovation launched
The aim of the Year is to promote creative and innovative approaches in different sectors and help equip the European Union for the challenges ahead in a globalised world.
Innovation is at the heart of the EU's flagship Lisbon Strategy to foster growth and job creation by transforming Europe into a knowledge-based economy. The Year aims to ensure that the European Union continues to make progress towards these aims.
Despite successes, there is no room for complacency, and the EU needs to redouble its efforts to boost its innovation potential. This is particularly so in light of the emerging economic slowdown; under such circumstances, innovation becomes even more important.
The European Commission has compiled a busy agenda for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation which will help showcase and raise awareness of innovation matters. Since much of Europe's innovation takes place in smaller businesses, which often lack the know-how and resources to take full advantage of their innovative potential, many events organised by the Enterprise and Industry DG will focus on SMEs. For example, the EU's first SME Week in May will have a strong innovation dimension.
