The European Commission published state aid rules in November 2006 – backed by a communication on tax incentives to stimulate R & D. The new rules recognize Young Innovative Companies (YIC) status as an eligibility criterion for state aid. This will enable Member States – who so wish - to provide extra public funds like tax and other financial incentives to their young innovative biotechnology companies without running into trouble with EU competition rules. In addition to the R and D tax incentives communication, the new EU rules enable governments to give extra incentives to companies that are less than 6 years old and spend 15% or more of their revenues on R & D. With effect from January 1st, 2007, the EU rules, which are not sector specific, benefit research, development and innovation across Europe.

A major conference  took place in Stockholm in February 28, 2007 to discuss how to implement the YIC status. To see presentations and report from the conference, see section Project Reports

-> European Commission Vademecum on State Aid

-> European Commission the State Aid communication

-> European Commission Q and A on State Aid

-> European Commission communication on tax incentives

-> European Commission Q and A on tax incentives

-> State Aid presentation - Dr. Johan Vanhemelrijck, EuropaBio's Secretary General

-> YIC - Europe Wide Tax Status for Innovative Companies

-> Young Innovative Company Status

-> EU Legislation > Horizontal rules NEW!

-> State aid for research NEW!