We discussed our findings and research of 5 reports from hotspots in Europe, at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union in Brussels.

It was also the launch of EMMIA’s “Mobile Europe” guidebook to the next practice on ensuring Europe develops as a future world leader in this rapidly developing industry. Presenting you with an opportunity to evaluate, validate and discuss what is being done and what should be done in terms of future regional innovation policies based on the experience of five very different European regions championing innovation in mobile services.

Understanding what makes a good environment for mobile service companies.

The mobile services industry is still in its infancy, and each of the above five emerging locations have their own unique story to tell. The EMMIA – Policy Learning Platform has looked at each by carrying out a series of interviews with the leading players, including regional policy makers, public support organisations, research centres, start-ups, and global companies. This part of the process is now complete, and the findings are being brought together with other research into the industry to produce the following outputs:

• Insight into what generic factors have influenced the success of these regions
• Insight into how the unique character or background of a particular region can contribute to its success in the sector
• Production of models for the development of a mobile service industry across a range of scenarios
• Roadmaps that can be used by regions to implement change
• A summary of the findings in EMMIA’s Mobilise Europe! guidebook

Initial findings from the work so far

Attracting the right people is fundamental; they will both create and attract the right companies. This is an industry that makes decisions for irrational reasons, based on feelings. Critical mass is crucial if you want to create excellence, this requires understanding and long-term commitment by policy makers. Support of mobile services by public authorities should be inclusive making full use of the strengths of the regional ecosystem.

This work is supported by the European Union within the European Mobile and Mobility Industries Alliance. The initiative is partly financed by the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) of the European Union supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.