European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso described business involvement in the EIT as "crucial, because the lack of business-funded R&D [research and development] explains almost 85% of the gap between the EU and the USA, for example".
Internet News - Only Japan has the broadband quality to cope with next-generation internet applications, a new study has revealed. Sweden and the Netherlands have Europe's best broadband, according to the 42-nation study sponsored by internet equipment maker Cisco Systems. The UK, Spain and Italy fell just below the quality threshold for today's web. The study aims to highlight each nation's ability to cope with next-generation web applications such as high-quality video streaming.
Eurovision News - Juries are to make a comeback in next year's Eurovision Song Contest final after criticism about the fairness of public televoting at this year's event. A panel from each country will vote alongside the viewing public, and is seen by Eurovision bosses as a way of balancing the popular decision. This year's contest came under fire for neighbourly voting, which helped Russia win while the UK finished last. Next May's annual musical competition is due to be held in Moscow. Song contest officials will meet again later this year to decide how the voting will be split between the juries and televoting.
Svante Stockelius, Eurovision's executive supervisor, said: "Nothing is more democratic than the vote of the public. But a jury takes the opportunity to listen to the songs several times before they make up their minds. We believe a combination will make the show more interesting."
Film News - The Who frontman Roger Daltrey has said his planned biopic about the late drummer Keith Moon has stalled because he has yet to receive a good script. "They just don't get it," said Daltrey, who is producing the movie. Speaking to Billboard magazine, the singer said he had been underwhelmed by the screenplays that had come to him. The film about Moon, who died of a prescription drugs overdose in 1978, has been in development for more than 15 years.
So Long, farewell and thanks for all the hits - Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour has praised late bandmate Richard Wright for his "vitality, spark and humour". Writing on his website, Gilmour said he had "never played with anyone quite like" keyboardist Wright, who has died from cancer at the age of 65. "In my view, all the greatest Pink Floyd moments are the ones where he is in full flow," Gilmour added. He praised Wright for his songwriting talent, including on two tracks from 1973's Dark Side of the Moon album.
(Jim Evans)
