The European Commission has begun a public consultation on the best strategies to improve Europe's IT industry.

The consultation is part of the Commission's response to the recent report headed by former Finnish prime minister Esko Aho which pointed out a number of key failings in IT research and innovation in Europe.

"ICT is the primal force for innovation and development in the global economy, which is why Europe must attract investments in ICT R&D and the best minds and ideas," said Viviane Reding, EU commissioner for Information Society and Media.

"We also face challenges in energy, health and ageing that can only be tackled if we deploy ICT solutions."

Europe is underperforming in the level and intensity of its research, and in innovation investments, according to the Commission.

Thirty-three per cent of research and innovation in developed economies worldwide is in IT, while in Europe IT accounts for less than 25 per cent of research.

The consultation is particularly aimed a boosting R&D in the SME sector. The Commission will publish a report next year.