'New €80 billion science programme to innovate industry' - Sean Kelly MEP
"The European Commission today unveils an €80 billion proposal to revive EU research and innovation in the areas of science and industry," Sean Kelly MEP said in Brussels this morning. With a keen interest in innovation, Mr Kelly has recently been appointed to the key Industry, Research and Innovation Committee of the European Parliament, which will oversee and shape the €80 billion fund . "In my view, Europe needs to focus on encouraging private sector investment in research and development. Entrepreneurs and innovative people will lead us back to prosperity. The Commission's proposal for this massive investment will help support R&D, facilitate access to finance for SMEs and ensure European businesses are competitive on a world stage. Europe needs to up its game in the links between business and universities - and Irish universities stand to benefit with this new proposal. " Today's proposal, Horizon 2020, will help implement the Europe 2020 objectives of modernising and simplifying R&D. The European Institute of Innovation and Technology, which brings together leading business and academic partners in major innovation challenges, will play a central role in the Horizon 2020 scheme. "By developing science and innovation, we will foster economic growth, create new jobs and lead the world into the future. As a member of the Parliament's lead committee in this area, I will be calling for greater EU-US cooperation on technological and scientific projects. Support for the private sector is of the utmost importance. Other challenges that this €80 billion budget could address include cyber security, medical advances and renewable energy technologies - Ireland is strategically positioned to be a hub in this innovation strategy, with our large pharmaceuticals, medical devices and ICT industries," Mr Kelly added. The EU currently runs the largest publicly-funded research programme in the world with the seventh framework programme carrying a budget of €55 billion for 2007-2013. Mr Kelly is committed to ensuring research and innovation remains a top priority in Europe and a key part of the jobs and growth recovery plan. "EU-funded research is responsible for the development of mobile phone technologies in the past and I am confident it will yield similar breakthroughs in the future," he concluded. Further information: Sean KELLY, MEP Tel: +32-2-2845206 Cliona Connolly EPP Group Press and Communications Service Tel: +32-2-28 41335
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