IMF Working Papers

Stepping Up Venture Capital to Finance Innovation in Europe

Author/Editor:

Nathaniel G Arnold ; Guillaume Claveres ; Jan Frie

Publication Date:

July 12, 2024

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

Relative to the US, productivity growth and investment in R&D in lagging in the EU, where it is more difficult to finance and scale up promising, innovative startups. Many of the most successful EU startups move elsewhere for financing, causing the EU to lose out on both the direct growth benefits and positive spillovers from these innovative firms. The EU could nurture innovative startups by accelerating the development of its venture capital (VC) ecosystem. Reducing regulatory frictions, especially ones that deter pensions funds and insurers from investing in VC, combined with well-designed tax incentives for R&D investments could help accelerate the development of the VC sector. These and other key CMU initiatives, such as the consolidation of stock markets and reforming and harmonizing insolvency regimes, will take time. Given the urgency to boost innovation, giving public financial institutions like the European Investment Fund a more active and expanded role in kickstarting VC markets where needed and in familiarizing investors with the VC asset class can be a helpful interim step.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2024/146

Subject:

Capital markets Expenditure Financial institutions Financial markets Insurance companies Mutual funds Pension spending Stock markets

Frequency:

regular