Activities of Dace MELBĀRDE related to 2023/2110(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on increasing innovation, industrial and technological competitiveness through a favourable environment for start-ups and scale-ups
Amendments (37)
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas fostering cross-sectoral innovation, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange among diverse industries, is imperative for driving creativity, efficiency, and transformative growth within the start-up and scale-up landscape;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas fostering an inclusive start-up ecosystem is paramount, underscoring the significance of diversity in teams and leadership as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and resilience;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas robust digital infrastructure and widespread connectivity are fundamental prerequisites and essential enablers of inclusive digital innovation for start-ups and scale-ups; whereas there are significant regional differences within the EU in this regard; whereas there is a need for further investment and advancements in digital infrastructure to keep pace with evolving technologies and for the EU to remain at the forefront of innovation on the global stage;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas out of ten transversal technologies including AI, quantum computing and cloud, European leads in only two;1a _________________ 1a Securing Europe's competitiveness: Addressing its technology gap, McKinsey, 2022.
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas the regulatory environment should be designed in a way to stimulate innovation, promote healthy competition, and ensure maximum benefits for consumers;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Cf. whereas there are noticeable historical disparities between the investment cultures of Europe and other regions of the world, notably in venture capital (VC) and angel investment;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission, in close cooperation with the Member States, to propose harmonised and expansive definitions of a start- up and a scale-up respectively, taking into account how they differ from one another and the clear distinction between them and SMEs; is of the view that the definitions must be meticulously formulated, considering their subtleties and the clear differentiation from SMEs, with the goal of encompassing a wide scope in order to prevent inadvertent exclusion of any potential start-ups or scale-ups due to restrictive definition; notes that distinctive features of a start- up, inter alia, are rapid growth potential and innovation;
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses concern about the factNotes that various communications have been published by the EU institutions on start- ups, despite no concrete definitions of a start-up and a scale-up having been adopted yet;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is worried that the failure to adopt proper definitions hinderscan undermine the effectiveness of existing policies and legislation; notes that, although start-ups and SMEs have some overlapping interests, they differ substantially once they enter the fundraising and growth phase; believes, therefore, that simply classing start-ups as SMEs, without a clear division, limits their growth, access to markets and investment opportunities;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Expresses its appreciation for President Von Der Leyen’s announcement during the 2023 State of the EU address regarding the appointment of an EU SME envoy; further emphasises the necessity for this envoy to undertake a comprehensive analysis and furnish periodic reports on the status of European start-ups and scale-ups, encompassing their daily hurdles and predicaments;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop comprehensive policies, regulations and strategies that are aligned with the European start-up and scale-up initiative and foster a favourable environment for start-ups and scale-ups, encompassing access to finance, avoiding excessive regulation and striving towards regulatory simplification, talent retention and acquisition, and support for internationalisation;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the importance of policy frameworks that facilitate and support collaboration, removing bureaucratic hurdles and providing the necessary incentives to promote active participation from all stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Emphasises the fundamental challenge faced by European start-ups in accessing adequate finance, hindering their growth potential and ability to innovate at scale; urges governments, financial institutions, and private investors to collaborate and develop strategies to cultivate a more risk-tolerant investment culture;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Recognises that historically, Europe has faced challenges arising from a risk-averse investment culture, impeding startups in securing vital early-stage funding necessary for their growth and development; emphasises the urgency to bridge this gap and facilitate a conducive environment for start-ups to access essential early-stage funding; highlights the role of institutional investors, such as pension funds and insurance companies, to allocate a portion of their portfolios to venture capital, providing a vital source of long-term funding for start-ups;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to collaborate with financial institutions and industry stakeholders to establish a coordinated strategy for improving access to finance, setting measurable targets and regularly assessing progress;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Calls for a comprehensive approach to address the regional disparities and barriers that impede access to finance within the European start-up ecosystem, recognising the diverse financial landscapes across Member States and regions;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Recognises the current financial landscape, where start-ups face difficulties in accessing targeted funding due to bureaucratic hurdles and prolonged waiting periods post-grant approval; highlights the necessity to improve the existing EU funding structure, particularly the establishment of dedicated funding programmes, attuned to the distinctive requirements of start-ups, ensuring appropriate financial support is more easily available and not subject to undue administrative burden; stresses, in particular, the need to expedite the disbursement of approved funds, minimising the waiting period between grant approval and fund receipt;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Recognises that current financial mechanisms often lack accessibility and fail to adequately cater to the unique needs and dynamics of the cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI); calls for the development of specialised financing schemes designed to support the growth, innovation, and sustainability of ventures within the CCSI, ensuring that they have equitable access to funding essential for their development and success;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 h (new)
Paragraph 6 h (new)
6h. Notes the role of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology for supporting European start-up scene; believes, however, that there is a need for more efforts in this regard and, especially, targeted focus on industries that are underserved, particularly CCSI;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Paragraph 6 i (new)
6i. Underlines that in addition to being a bedrock upon which modern economies thrive, digital infrastructure acts as a catalyst for fostering innovation by providing a conducive environment for start-ups and scale-ups to develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies; stresses the significance of bridging the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure across urban and rural areas, to enable inclusivity and equal opportunities for all start-ups and scale- ups;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6j. Encourages Member States and the Commission to prioritise investments in digital infrastructure, adopting a forward-thinking approach that supports the growth and sustainability of start-ups and scale-ups, while bolstering Europe's digital leadership;
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the creation of the European Innovation Council Fund to support innovative start-ups; calls for the Fund to have regard for geographical balance and pay special attention to widening countries that are currently financially underserved; urges the EIC to take proactive steps to address the significant disparity between widening and non-widening countries, as evidenced by the data;1a is of the view that these measures are crucial to ensure a fair distribution of funding and opportunities for startups across various ecosystems. _________________ 1a Based on EIC data from 2021-2022, it is evident that 70% of the available EIC funding is directed to only 6 out of the 28 Member States. Conversely, the Widening countries, comprising 15 nations and constituting 33% of the EU population, receive less than 10% of the funding. This pattern highlights a preference for companies from more established ecosystems, potentially widening the gap between well-established and less developed regions. There is an acute need for remedial actions, such as setting a minimum funding target for Widening countries or granting extra evaluation points if the proposal coordinator hails from a Widening country, to foster a more equitable allocation of EIC funding and support startups in less advanced ecosystems.
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to support and facilitate the participation of innovative start-ups and scale-ups in EUfrom across the EU in Union funding programmes and projects contributing to the twin green and digital transition;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Encourages the European Investment Fund and national development banks to equitably increase their investments in start- ups and scale-ups, particularlyincluding those operating in emerging and high-potential sectors;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises the fundamental importance of creating an inclusive start- up ecosystem that provides equal opportunities and access for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances; calls on the Commission and the Member States for proactive initiatives and policies that actively promote inclusivity by addressing systemic barriers, biases, and prejudices, fostering a level playing field for underrepresented groups; encourages the development of relevant mentorship programs, networking opportunities as well as educational and other initiatives that specifically target underrepresented groups;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Stresses the delicate equilibrium required to cultivate a technology landscape that embodies both competition and innovation; is of the view that regulatory mechanisms must adapt and evolve in sync with technological advancements to uphold competitiveness and innovation, especially in relation to European startups;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Advocates for a proactive approach in responding to emerging technologies and market shifts, ensuring that relevant regulatory frameworks are up-to-date and effective;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls for strategic partnerships and initiatives that encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource pooling among academia, industry players, and government agencies, leveraging their collective strengths and expertise; encourages the provision of more targeted grants, low- interest loans, and equity investments by government agencies and private investors, ensuring a sustainable financial support system for start-ups and scale-ups at various stages of growth;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Underlines the potential for cross- sectoral innovation to drive breakthrough advancements, enhance competitiveness, and address complex societal challenges by promoting synergies between diverse sectors and industries; emphasises in this regard the critical need to foster cross- sectoral innovation within the European Union's start-up and scale-up ecosystem; advocates for incentives and funding mechanisms to support cross-sectoral projects, allowing start-ups and scale-ups to explore unconventional collaborations and merge diverse expertise, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, smart cities, and cultural and creative sectors and industries;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Member States and the Commission, where applicable, to establish entrepreneur-friendly tax regimes, targeted incentives and simplified administrative procedures to attract and retain talent, incentivise investment and scalability, and encourage entrepreneurship;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underscores the urgency to bridge the perceived talent gap and create an ecosystem where talent is not only abundant but also fully integrated into the technology sector;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Highlights the imperative of nurturing a robust tech ecosystem throughout Europe, providing enticing opportunities and a conducive environment to retain talent; emphasises the urgent necessity to substantially invest in technology-centric education and training programs, aligning curricula with evolving industry demands; notes in this regard that the Digital Education Action Plan, European Universities initiative and the European Education Area more broadly can be expanded to inter alia further faciliate establishment of strategic collaborations between academic institutions and industries to ensure graduates are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary skills demanded by the dynamic job market;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls for mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with international expansion, ensuring that start-ups and scale-ups have the necessary support and guidance to navigate uncertainties inherent in global markets;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Notes with concern that the EU as a whole has fewer undergraduate study programmes in AI than some much smaller countries; believes there is a need for a targeted approach at the EU level to rectify this;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Encourages the seamless integration of sustainability as an intrinsic theme within the operations of start-ups and scale-ups, emphasising their imperative role in adhering to eco-friendly practices and, where relevant, actively contributing to the principles of the circular economy;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the Commission to include start-ups and scale-ups in its skills and talent programmes and to highlight the opportunities that start-ups and scale-ups provide for young graduates, including employment; believes that the existing Union education programmes and initiatives, most notably Erasmus+, can be leveraged for the objectives;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recommends the establishment of regional start-up ecosystems that support local entrepreneurship, innovation hubs and incubators, and leverage each region’s strengths and resour, whilst at the same time facilitating access to finances;