The European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive industrial policy strategy that will reinforce cybersecurity, introduce regulation on the free flow of non-personal data, and push industry to adopt greener processes.

The policy strategy also includes a set of initiatives on intellectual property rights, an initiative to improve public procurement in the EU, an extension of the EU’s skills agenda to further industries, and a sustainable finance strategy to direct private capital flows to more sustainable investments.

As well as a raft of new proposals, the strategy also brings together all existing sector-specific initiatives under one umbrella.

Unveiling the proposals, Commission vice-president Jyrki Katainen said: “By embracing technological change, converting research investments into innovative business ideas, and continuing to pioneer the low-carbon and circular economy we will pave the way for a smart, innovative and sustainable industry in Europe.”

Next steps

Aside from announcing the broad strategy, the Commission has already announced detailed proposals to create a European Cybersecurity Research and Competence Centre to support the development of these technologies in Europe, as well as an EU-wide certification centre.

Proposals have also been tabled on the free flow of non-personal data, while proposals to introduce a strategy on plastics and improve the production of renewable biological resources will be announced during the autumn.

Also due in the autumn are proposals on intellectual property rights, skills, public procurement, and clean, competitive and connected mobility (including tougher limits on CO2 emissions from cars and vans).

The Commission said it would come forward with proposals regarding sustainable finance in early 2018.

Legislative proposals are subject to approval by the European Parliament and EU member states.