European Commission Concludes Public Consultation on the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy

​In 2025, the European Commission will adopt an EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.

The Competitiveness Compass, adopted in January 2025, indicates that this Strategy will be one of the first flagship actions to be adopted, within its first pillar “Closing the innovation gap”. The Strategy will then be translated in to various concrete measures, including legislative proposals such as the European Innovation Act or the so-called “28^th regime” for innovative companies.

The Strategy aims to foster an innovation-friendly environment that makes it simpler and faster for European innovative startups to grow and scale up in the Single Market. It is expected to address the difficulties that European startups and scaleups face in accessing capital, markets, services, infrastructure as well as talent needed to enable them to thrive in Europe and compete globally.

The Startup and Scaleup Strategy will be closely linked to other flagship actions of the Competitiveness Compass, such as the “Savings and Investments Union”, the “Single Market Strategy” or the “Union of Skills”. 

The European Commission has finalised its public consultation on the forthcoming EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. Over the four-week period on the “Have your Say” portal, the consultation attracted 589 responses from stakeholders across 36 countries. ​

Research and innovation

Preliminary analysis of the feedback has identified several key areas of concern:​

• Access to finance: Stakeholders are calling for easier access to funding and simplified application processes.​
• Regulatory and bureaucratic burdens: There are proposals to reduce red tape and facilitate cross-border operations.​
• Access to markets: Suggestions include improving startup participation in public procurement and intellectual property transfer.​
• Access to talent: Respondents highlight the need for better recruitment conditions and support for diverse entrepreneurs.​
• Access to infrastructure and services: Proposals aim to enhance access to research facilities, innovation hubs, and accelerators.​

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, stated:​

“The insights gathered from this consultation will inform our efforts to create a more supportive environment for startups and scaleups, driving innovation and competitiveness across the EU.” ​

The Commission is now analysing the feedback, alongside ongoing input from the new European Startups and Scaleups Forum, the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board, the EIC Forum, and various national agencies and bodies. The final EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy is scheduled to be presented at the end of May 2025.

Sources: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-research-and-innovation/jobs-and-economy/towards-eu-startup-and-scaleup-strategy_en, European Commission concludes public consultation on the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy – European Commission