As stated in the mission letter by Ms Ursula Von Der Leyen to the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Mr Thierry Breton, “Europe’s industry provides a livelihood for millions, and is a driver of jobs, growth and competitiveness”. However, only a single market in line with the social market approach, which ensures its adaptation to the modern economy and to new business models, will allow the EU’s industry, small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow, scale-up and employ more people.

The Innovation & Investment Working Group aims to monitor the main initiatives put in place by the European institutions under the priority “an economy that works for the people” and more specifically targeting SMEs, which have a key role in thriving regional innovation ecosystems as they represent 99% of all businesses and account for 85% of new jobs created in the last five years.