The public tells the Commission what it thinks of ERA...
Members of the public who have joined the debate on a European Research Area have shown their general support for the concept, while different stakeholders are seizing the opportunity to ask for more support in their fields. A résumé of the final results of the public debate on a European Research Area (ERA), launched by the European Commissioner for Research Philippe Busquin earlier this year is now available. 'I am very encouraged by the positive - and at times challenging - responses I have received,' says the Commissioner in his introduction to the résumé. 'I hope that this résumé, along with a brief, preliminary commentary on the main points raised, will not only demonstrate the quality of the contributions received so far, but also act as an incentive for others to participate in the debate.' Some 190 contributors joined the on-line debate, while around 150 wrote directly to Mr Busquin himself. The summary of their comments and the Commissioner's responses to them is available on-line from web address below.: The comments are laid out in relation to the following sections of the Communication on the ERA: - Comments on the ERA communication in general. - A stock of material resources and facilities optimised at the European level: - - networking of Centres of Excellence and creation of virtual centres; - - defining a European approach to research facilities; - - better use of the potential offered by electronic networks. - More coherent use of public instruments and resources: - - more coordinated implementation of national and European research programmes; - - closer relations between scientific and technological cooperation organisations in Europe. - More dynamic private investment: - - better use of instruments of indirect aid to research; - - development of effective tools to protect intellectual property; - - encouragement of the creation of companies and risk capital investment. - A common system of scientific and technical reference for policy implementation: - - developing the research needs for political decision; - - establishment of a common system of scientific and technical reference. - More abundant and more mobile human resources; - - greater mobility of researchers in Europe; - - introduction of a European dimension into scientific careers; - - greater place and role for women in research; - - giving the young a taste for research and careers in science. - A dynamic European landscape, open and attractive to researchers and investment: - - more of a role for the regions in the European research effort; - - integration of the scientific communities of western and eastern Europe; - - making Europe attractive to researchers from the rest of the world. - An area of shared values: - - tackling the question of science and society in their European dimension; - - development of a shared vision of the ethical issues of science and technology. When questioned on the cost of such ini