Although we have to face difficult times for the economy, we also have to think about the future growth of Europe. One of the aims of Innovation Union and its financial instrument Horizon 2020 is to boost Europe’s competitiveness via innovation.

As FSFE suggested in its position paper concerning Horizon 2020, education and developing future talent in Europe will be crucial for this.

First of all because technology literacy is essential to better understand and make better use of technology.

Second, while on other parts of the World following the logic of internet, universities are publishing not only lecture notes but also online courses, Europe should also support these activities.

Open Access to publicly founded research results is also essential for up-to-date knowledge and the development of new innovations.