The European Commission has today set out its views on improving knowledge transfer between businesses and research organisations. The Commission Communication, entitled "Improving knowledge transfer between research institutions and industry across Europe" is a starting point for discussions on a common European framework for knowledge transfer. The European Commission has also proposed voluntary guidelines to help universities and other research institutions improve their links with industry across Europe. [European Commission Memo]

The European Commission has set out its vision, in the form of a Communication, for improving the patent system in Europe and for revitalising the debate on this issue. Making the Community patent a reality and improving the existing patent litigation system should, together with supporting measures, make the patent system more accessible and bring cost savings for all. [European Commission Press Release]