Europeans say "Yes" to science and technology at EU level

Brussels, July 2005

Around 60 per cent of European citizens believe that the EU should spend more on scientific research, according to the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey “Europeans, Science and Technology” published in June 2005.

The survey was conducted face-to-face in people's homes between 3 January and 15 February this year, and covered all 25 EU Member States, the candidate countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Turkey) and three of the EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland).

Generally, the survey revealed a 'very positive and optimistic perception of what science and technology can actually do for humanity in terms of medical research, improvement of the quality of life, as well as the opportunities for future generations.' It also offers insight into scientific research issues specific to Europe and the European Union. The analysis shows how Europeans perceive the effectiveness of scientific research carried out at the level of the European Union compared to national research. It also looks in detail at some specific issues concerning European research.

Some of the key findings include:

• Widespread agreement that collaboration in research at the EU level is effective;
• Collaborative research funded by the EU will become more and more important;
• Collaborative research at the EU level is in industry’s interest...
• ...as well as in the national interest;
• Collaborative research at the EU level is more creative and effective;
• Collaborative research at the EU level will save money.

Source questionnaire: Q.16

A large majority of Europeans also think that:

• Researchers in different countries should co-operate more with each other;
• Scientists and industrialists should co-operate more with each other;
• There should be more coordination of research among the EU member sates;
• European research is important for the developing world;
• The European Union should spend more money on research and less on other things;
• In Europe there should be more people working on research and technological development.

Source questionnaire: Q.17

The full report is published at: http://europa.eu/comm/public_opinion/

The survey was requested by DG Research and co-ordinated by DG Press and Communication of the European Commission.