NINJA: Needs and Innovation JuxtAposed.

It is imperative that the EU remain competitive by staying innovative whilst not compromising on strict public health and environmental protections. For decades it has been assumed that innovation benefits the public good. In return public bodies have supported innovation. In recent years this harmony between innovation and public good is beginning to fray. Civil society and ‘the people” question “expert” opinion in a way rarely seen previously. To date risk assessments and risk management, which in the EU includes the precautionary principle, have guided the regulation of innovative technologies. That principle and its application have come under increasing pressure. In essence the research analyses the requirements for a proper legal discipline on innovation; and examines the introduction of a needs assessment in EU law to complement the regulation of innovations whose long-term impact is uncertain.

Keywords:Risk, Regulation, Innovation, Environment, Law

Disciplines:Law, Other law and legal studies