In this interview, Étienne Davignon, former Member of the Commission of the European Communities with special responsibility for the Internal Market, Industrial Affairs and the Customs Union, describes the efforts made in the 1980s by the Commission to establish a common industrial policy. He also explains the reasons for the rejection of a sectoral policy in favour of the improved operation of the internal market through the establishment of Community regulations and the principle of mutual recognition.

In this interview, Étienne Davignon, former Member of the Commission of the European Communities with special responsibility for the Internal Market, Industrial Affairs and the Customs Union, discusses the reform of the research policy pursued by the European Commission.