Innovation in European companies

Innovation is an important driver of improved competitiveness, productivity and growth potential. Across the EU28, more than half of the establishments (55%) reported the introduction of new or significantly changed products and services, marketing strategies or processes over the period 2010–2013. Looking at the EU average, the most frequent type of innovation related to products (40%), followed by processes (35%). Changes in marketing (32%) were the least frequent.

This new report 'Innovative changes in European companies' explores which workplace practices have the strongest links to innovative company behaviour, looking at innovation in the form of new or significantly changed products or processes, new or improved marketing methods, and organisational change. It also explores links between innovation and company performance and workplace well-being, and examines the role of social dialogue in enhancing performance, well-being and innovation.

The research also examined how innovation is associated with work practices, including work organisation, human resource management (HRM) and employee involvement.

In a future-proof European workplace, innovation is a central feature, as are workplace practices that drive innovative behaviour to the benefit of the company, employees and society.

The findings of this research are relevant for the Skills Agenda for Europe, in particular the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition and the Blueprint for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills, as innovation depends on relevant skills.

Download the report at https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/report/2017/innovative-changes-in-european-companies