Developing a common strategy for key enabling technologies in the EU

- welcomes the European Commission (Commission) initiative to set up the Communication "Preparing for our future: Developing a common strategy for key enabling technologies in the EU" (KET Communication).

- notes the key role of local and regional authorities in promoting informed dialogue with the general public, and in addressing public concerns close to the citizens.

- calls upon reviewing the EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP) and adapting it more to SMEs' needs, in order to facilitate their participation in European joint projects and provide more potential for the development of KETs at regional level.

- encourages cities and regions to: support knowledge transfer and innovation from the science base to industry; improve the supply of venture capital, also for cross-border cooperation.

- reaffirms the importance of synergies between the FP, Structural Funds (SF) and national policies in relation to the broader EU objectives of competitiveness and cohesion.

- recognises the importance of the review of the State Aid framework regarding innovation, and asks the Commission to be kept informed about relevant development.

- endorses the Commission's proposal to set up a high-level expert group tasked with developing a shared longer term strategy for KET, and requests the Commission to be kept informed from an early stage about developments around this group.

- points out that European research infrastructures are mainly located in Western Europe, and that in this regard a better geographic distribution should be promoted.

- considers that the proposed actions, in their current wording as KET Communication, do not give rise to any objections regarding their compliance with both the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality.