The Alliance for a Competitive European Industry (ACEI) has called for a new industrial partnership between the EU and its major industries. In its Manifesto, entitled "Shifting Gears for a New Industrial Policy", the ACEI stresses what needs to be done so that manufacturing industry can remain one of the engines of the economy. The presentation comes ahead the meeting of the Competitiveness Council on 1-2 March on industrial policy.
Europe needs a vibrant manufacturing industry to spark the economic recovery, innovation and growth required to meet the societal and environmental challenges which lie ahead. Manufacturing provides a fifth of EU GDP and provides three quarters of EU exports. Over 80% of the EU private sector research and development expenditures are provided by industry. Manufacturing firms are also key clients of many services activities. Many of the services jobs in the EU would be lost without a strong industrial base.