As the EU strives for increasing the competitiveness of Europe and creating an enabling environment for innovation, the European Innovation Act and the 28th regime have the opportunity to contribute to these goals. 

The European Innovation Act and the 28th regime may be able to provide some relief for them and address these challenges, however, it is essential that the European Commission takes into account the following points as it develops this new initiative:

  1. Recognise cooperatives
  2. Promote cooperatives’ business model
  3. Expand the definition of ‘innovation’
  4. Diversify the types of available financial support
  5. To prevent killer acquisitions or the relocation of European innovation, Member States should promote business transfers to the employees under the cooperative form, also known as Workers Buyouts (WBOs).
  6. The 28th regime must work towards upwards convergence and ensure that it does not weaken workers’ rights and protection.
  7.  Promote social economy clusters creation as a way of accessing innovation and value chains.

    Access CECOP responses to the consultations:

    The European Innovation Act

    The 28th regime