Busquin continues to promote ERA
More than a year after first elucidating his concept for a 'European Research Area' (ERA), the European Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, remains as passionate as ever in promoting his plans around Europe. Speaking to the BIT (Bureau for international research and technology cooperation) forum in Vienna on 29 March, he stressed the need for greater coherence of European research policy and the need to open up research programmes and initiatives in the individual Member States. The next Framework programme will concentrate on a small number of scientific and technological priorities, he said. 'In the same spirit, we must encourage national programmes to concentrate on the most advantageous areas, and to open up their national programmes to researchers from other countries of the European Union.' Explaining the main points of the Commission's proposal for the next Framework programme, which was presented to the European Council in Stockholm on 23 and 24 March, Mr Busquin reiterated the importance of science taking account of society, and the need for researchers to consider and understand the impact of their work. He explained how the Commission's plans take stock of a perceived need for benchmarking of European R&D and innovation, to promote scientific excellence in Europe, to open up national research programmes, to improve information communication technologies in Europe, to stimulate private investment in R&D and innovation, and to really mobilise research in Europe, as well as to agree on a community patent; and to improve linkages in Europe's research infrastructure. 'To get ahead in tomorrow's world, Europe should move towards a type of globalisation which is inline with the aspirations of our citizens,' said the Commissioner. 'I am convinced that the solutions are there - if Europeans really want them - heralding a period of long term prosperity in the new century.