Research, Quality, Competitiveness

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxiii

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2. The Institutional Context of the European Union

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Origins of the European Union

      Pages 3-13

   3. From the Treaty of Rome to the Constitution

      Pages 15-51

   4. Enlargement of the European Union

      Pages 53-105

   5. Budget of the European Union

      Pages 107-114

   6. Internal Market and Competition

      Pages 115-123

   7. Economic and Monetary Union

      Pages 125-149

3. Competitiveness of the European Union

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 151-151

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   2. Overview of Member States

      Pages 153-174

   3. Competitiveness of the European Economy

      Pages 175-256

   4. Competitiveness and Quality

      Pages 257-285

4. Research and Technology Policy in the European Union

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 287-287

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   2. EU Research: Objectives and Results

      Pages 289-321

   3. Framework Programs

      Pages 323-355

   4. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

      Pages 357-367

   5. Information Society

      Pages 369-400

   6. Conclusions

      Pages 401-407

5. Back Matter

   Pages 409-456

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Scholars have long been fascinated by the flexibility and attention to design and quality that are hallmarks of Italy's small firms. Yet as the nature of the global economy shifts and the role of technological innovation becomes ever more important for the advanced industrial economies, the ability of Italian industry to compete will depend far more than in the past on its ability to make use of the resources and networks provided by the European Union. An enlarged Union now provides more opportunities for Italian firms but also increased competition for access to those EU programs that can help firms and governments provide the foundations for future economic growth and international competitiveness. The European Union has become and will remain a critical actor for all those in any member state concerned with the competitiveness of firms and the creation of wealth within the framework of sustainable development in an increasingly competitive global economy. The European Union is of special importance, however, for Italy. As this volume explains so well, Italy's challenge is a particularly difficult one. Policymakers, academics, and businesspeople all will need to participate in EU programs in new ways in order to maximize the opportunities that the EU provides. Italy's future is inextricably tied to that of the European Union, and its leaders in all sectors of life must grasp the opportunities provided by the EU in order to meet their own home-grown challenges.

• European Union (EU)
• European integration
• innovation
• research
• technology policy

From the reviews:

"Allocation for schools and education are believed [by most] to be a cost. Stajano proves with cogent analysis that education and knowledge are instead veritable infrastructures for social cohesion and economic productivity. Allocations for school and education are also necessary investments for life and productivity of a nation."

Tullio De Mauro, past Minister of Education, Italy; Professor of Linguistics, University of Rome

"A lively, insightful, and comprehensive book for policy makers that could also serve as a student textbook... .

Hermann Hauser, CEO Amadeus Capital Partners Ltd, UK

"This book will be useful for companies and individuals who are planning to submit research proposals as well as lecturers, students, politicians and civil servants who are interested in EU technology policy."

Sir Robin Saxby, ARM Holdings plc, Chairman

"This book is not only a beautiful synthesis and a clear overview of what matters in [the making of modern Europe], it is also a message of hope for all of us who want to see Europe at work for the future."

Luc de Brabandere, Vice-President, The Boston Consulting Group

"Attilio Stajano is one of the pioneers who helped shape European research policy, specifically in the domain of information and communication policy….[His] book aims to provide all necessary information to help the reader understand Europe and the complexity of European integration. "

Dr. Rosalie Zobel, Director, , European Commission, Brussels

"[This book] is an enlightened tool for anyone considering submitting R & D proposals and provides an excellent text for courses on EU policies for sustainable growth."

Brian Ennis, Chief Executive, IMSMAXIMS plc, Dublin

"The book is divided into three sections: an introduction to the structure of the EU, a review of EU competitiveness, and an analysis of research and technology policy in the EU. … may be useful to extract as an introduction for newcomers. It will also be useful for those coming to the book … with no knowledge of the EU. … is a welcome one to those of us working in the educator sector." (Matt Harvey, Contemporary European Studies Association of Australia, Issue 34, 2006)

"This book focuses on issues of European science and technology policy. … Overall, the book is interesting and pedagogically valuable. … it is very useful for understanding the institutional context of EU science and technology policy. Also the social and economic data the book provides are very rich. Therefore, it can be recommended to undergraduate students of science and technology policy and to policy-makers in the EU."(Theo Papaioannou, Science and Public Policy, Vol. 33 (7), August, 2006)

Policies and ethics