Potocnik sets out aims for SE Europe
'Our intention - and my ambition - has always been to help the South Eastern European region to take its rightful place within the European Research Area,' Janez Potocnik, EU Science and Research Commissioner, told delegates at the Science, Higher Education and Innovation Policy Forum in Budva, Montenegro. The aim of the meeting was to adopt a forward-looking approach to the governance of higher education, science and innovation in the region. It was organised by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). 'Building the future through science, higher education and innovation represents a major challenge for all countries, and especially for South Eastern European (SEE) countries,' commented Engelbert Ruoss, Director of UNESCO's Regional Office. 'The task ahead for SEE countries is the adoption of reforms that address new dimensions of science, higher education and innovation systems and by means of this also, the responsibility for directing the entire development of societies.' Commissioner Potocnik also recognised the many challenges faced by the region. 'But it's important to realise that the SEE region is suffering from problems - in some cases in an extreme form - of the very same nature that we are tackling within the European Research Area as a whole,' he pointed out. 'Our problems are of the same nature throughout Europe. We are merely at different starting points.' The Commissioner set out a three-pronged action plan for strengthening research capacity in the Western Balkan countries. Top of Mr Potocnik's list was boosting research cooperation at regional and European level. Secondly, he called on countries in the region to design integrated research priorities. The Commissioner's last recommendation concerned the modernisation and improvement of research capacity. Needless to say, achieving these goals will require strong commitment coupled with organisation and funding. On this last point, Mr Potocnik noted that research budgets in the region had shown little signs of increasing. Nevertheless, the Commissioner remained optimistic and promised that the European Commission 'is here to help as much as we can'. Most of the countries of the region are now fully paid up members of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), allowing their scientists to participate fully in EU-funded research projects. Meanwhile efforts are being made to explore the potential of other funding instruments and sources, such as the Pre-Accession Instrument, the European Investment Bank and COST (European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research), to boost research capacity. Commissioner Potocnik reminded attendees that research cooperation would help the region's countries prepare for full membership of the EU. 'It will help to prepare your scientists for the implementation of EU legislation that requires compliance with technical requirements and standards on environment, public health or energy targets,' he stated. 'In other words, engaging in research will facilitate what the European Council confirmed in Brussels last month - full support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans.' In conclusion, the Commissioner stated: 'I am looking forward to the emergence of the Western Balkans as a force in science and innovation and a strong partner in the South Eastern European region.'
Countries
Montenegro