Greece, Ireland, Portugal: More growth via innovation

Greece, Ireland and Portugal require economic growth, increased productivity and more innovations. All three countries have pronounced weaknesses in business innovation activity. The conditions for corporate innovations could be improved via measures such as developing technology centres, ameliorating innovation funding and enhancing entrepreneurial expertise. The regional policy competence of administrative authorities also needs to be upgraded.

While Ireland’s innovation system is already well developed, Portugal occupies a lower mid-table position in a European ranking of innovation systems. There is little potential in Greece to leverage the development of fast-growing industries with high productivity levels. Therefore, the upgrading of traditional industries and services is of major importance.