A new report from Technical University of Denmark warns that Europe risks losing its competitive edge in key advanced technologies unless barriers that prevent startups from scaling are addressed.The report, From Strategy to Action: Closing the European Innovation and Technology Gap, highlights that while Europe continues to produce world-class research, many promising technologies fail to reach the market. According to Anders Overgaard Bjarklev, Europe stands at a critical turning point and must strengthen cooperation and innovation systems to remain competitive in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and biotechnology.Researchers and policymakers identified several challenges that slow the transition from research to commercial success. These include unclear state aid rules limiting universities’ support for startups, a lack of early customers willing to test new technologies, and fragmented industrial capacity across European countries.The report proposes practical solutions, including clearer rules allowing universities to support startups through laboratories and incubation spaces, the creation of a “venture customer journey” where public institutions act as early adopters of new technologies, and the establishment of a Scaleup Europe Fund to invest in high-growth companies. It also recommends shared regulatory testing environments and easier access to research infrastructure across Europe.According to Marianne Thellersen, deeptech companies need early users of their technologies to grow successfully. Without stronger support systems and market opportunities, many European innovators may continue to move to ecosystems where innovation can scale more quickly.
Source: Technical University of Denmark
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