EU site Lead Market Initiative [LMI];
The Lead Market Initiative is one of the most important innovation policies in the EU, involving Member States, industry, NGOs and the European Commission.
If you require further information about the Lead Market Initiative’s approach, its implementation and how you can get involved then please visit the wbsite http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/leadmarket/leadmarket.htm
The Lead Market Initiative (LMI) for Europe will foster the emergence of lead markets with high economic and societal value.:
o Legislation: The LMI constitutes an opportunity to improve the coordination of various sets of regulations across different policy areas that affect markets for innovative products and services. Reliable, lean and well designed legislative and jurisdictional environments are essential for business to invest in innovation and for consumers to take up new products and services.
o Public procurement: Mobilising public authorities to act as 'launching customers' by promoting the use of innovation-friendly procurement practices is therefore a frequent measure in the action plans, taking into account risks and regulatory limitations.
o Standardisation, labelling and certification: More consistent technical, performance and product standards along the whole production chain, from raw materials to end products, could make standardisation more innovation-friendly.
o Complementary instruments: In certain market areas, measures to provide business and innovation support services, training and communication are deemed a necessary complement to the above policy instruments. In some instances, financial support and incentives which aim at facilitating the interaction of customers with the innovating companies and their solutions are considered advantageous. Such schemes could involve Structural Funds and State aid funding..
So for example you may analyse if other initiatives may help your community, for example, the introduction of OLED lighting might help reduce CO2 emissions. Also the UK government launched a public procurement for innovative lighting for energy savings and health condition improvements.