Study on EU positioning: An analysis of the international positioning of the EU using revealed comparative advantages and the control of key technologies. Final report

In view of the year 2020 the overall framework conditions for research and innovation are changing. The international positioning of the EU in terms of trade and influence are challenged by the sustained competition with the USA and the rise of China and other countries as global economic players. Processes of digitalisation in the world economies are accelerating, thereby enhancing globalisation of research and innovation. Disruptive innovation addressing societal grand challenges (SGCs) and global markets may likely emerge. Against this background the purpose of this study is to provide an assessment of the international positioning of the EU in the year 2020 with respect to research and in-novation in each of the thematic areas funded in Horizon 2020. This includes an elabora-tion of strengths and weaknesses of the EU, an analysis of the comparative advantage of the EU today, an identification of the key enabling technologies for the 21st century, an identification of centres of excellence in the areas of Horizon 2020, an assessment of the EU's competitive position in 2020, and an assessment of possible impact of major EU initiatives for research and innovation.