Innovation vs. copying: why is Europe still investing in copies instead of real innovation?

Europe faces a paradoxical situation. While it has the talent, the scientific research institutions and a rich history of innovation, most venture capital investment still goes into regional copies of successful US projects.

Models such as grocery stores, online malls, online insurance companies, real estate sales without estate agents or shared accommodation, which have already proven their viability elsewhere, are given investment priority over real breakthrough innovations. Why is this?

Copy: Safe but short-sighted

European investors often focus on quick returns on investment and consider established concepts to be safer. If something works in the US, the chances of success in Europe seem high. However, this does not mean that these projects bring real added value. On the contrary, by focusing on copying established models, Europe is losing the potential to become a leader in technological and industrial innovation.

Real innovation requires courage and patience. They disrupt the status quo, provoke resistance and often face legislative, technological or societal obstacles. An example is blockchain, which offers a revolutionary solution for transparency and security, but its adoption was initially slow due to mistrust and misunderstanding of its benefits. However, this natural back pressure is a necessary part of any fundamental change.

Why is innovation crucial?

Copies may boost the economy in the short term, but they do not bring long-term competitiveness. Real innovation transforms entire industries, increases productivity and opens up entirely new markets. Europe needs to invest in projects that not only respond to current needs but also create the future. Changing individual industries is what can move us closer to the singularity point, and that is what we need to keep in mind.

Can venture studies be the key to innovation?

Venture studios are one of the most effective models for fostering real innovation. Unlike traditional incubators and accelerators, Venture Studios themselves generate ideas, test them and build companies around the best ones. This model significantly increases the chances of success by combining experience, capital and infrastructure under one roof.

Why can Venture Studios be crucial to the innovation ecosystem?

1. They reduce risk - With their know-how, they can eliminate mistakes in the early stages of development, increasing the chance of success and making innovation more attractive to investors.

2. They speed up development - A studio can accelerate the process from idea to product, making it easier for innovative projects to enter the market.

3. They support long-term visions - Unlike accelerators that focus on short-term growth, Venture Studios build companies with long-term impact.

4. They connect key players - They create synergies between startups, corporations, research institutions and government organizations.

Inspiring European potential

Europe has all the ingredients to become a global innovation leader if it focuses on systematically building an ecosystem that supports bold ideas. The Venture Studies model offers a structure that allows talent, know-how and capital to be effectively combined with a clear vision for future growth.

How to break the vicious circle?

To stop being a follower of American models, Europe must:

Support the education of investors - they must better understand the potential of innovation and be willing to take the risks associated with long-term growth.

Build innovation ecosystems - A space where startups, corporations, academia and government work together to create new solutions.

Invest in Venture Studies - This model brings the combination of experience, capital and infrastructure that is necessary for truly innovative projects to succeed.

Conclusion: innovation needs courage and support

If we want Europe to play a key role in shaping the future, we need to stop relying on safe copies and start supporting bold ideas. Venture studies are the ideal tool to make this change happen. They are not just a means to create companies - they are a catalyst for innovation that can change the world.

What do you think of this journey? Are Venture Studies the key to Europe reaching its true innovation potential?

Ctirad Hemelik

Co-founder & Chief Creative Enabler

The Inii Way SE Venture studio