The overwhelming majority of innovation experts want EU structural funds to be used to get innovative products and services to the market, according to a new survey. As the European Commission readies its new innovation plan, a consensus is also forming around the need to slash bureaucratic procedures and boost venture capital funding.

These were the main findings of the General Electric (GE) 'Innovation Barometer', an independent poll of 240 opinion leaders on EU innovation policies carried out by StrategyOne and unveiled in Brussels yesterday (14 September).