The European Commission has concluded its public consultation on the forthcoming EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. During the 4 weeks of consultation, the exercise attracted 589 responses from stakeholders across 36 countries, with the highest participation from Belgium (115), the Netherlands (64), and Germany (64).
Based on a preliminary assessment, key areas highlighted by respondents include:
- Access to finance: calls for easier access to funding and simplified application processes.
- Regulatory and bureaucratic burdens: proposals to reduce red tape and facilitate cross-border operations.
- Access to markets: suggestions to improve startup participation in public procurement and IP transfer.
- Access to talent: need for better recruitment conditions and support for diverse entrepreneurs.
- Access to infrastructure and services: proposals to enhance access to research facilities, innovation hubs, and accelerators.