Italy throws its support behind ERA and FP6 - but wants more for the Med
The official Italian contribution to the debate on the future of European research has largely endorsed the Commission's outlines for the next Framework programme and the proposed European research area (ERA), but would like to see a Euro-Mediterranean research area added to the agenda. Written at the end of February and shortly before Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin published the Commission's proposals for the next Framework programme, the Italian ministry of universities, scientific research and technology addresses the Commission's communications on the guidelines for the ERA and the Research Council's conclusions of their meeting in November 2000. Emphasising that many of the initiatives mentioned in these documents are mirrored by reforms enacted in the country's three year national research plan, the paper claims that 'Italy can therefore not only fully support the desired perspectives for the future of European research, but also proceed in tune with the major orientations aimed at realising them through a renewal of its national research system and the definition of relevant operational lines.' Referring specifically to the ERA, which the paper dubs 'complex and ambitious', the Italian ministry argues that the project will require more resources and more commitment. A revision of the instruments and their support systems will be needed to help link them to integration of Member States' policies. The paper warns against trying to do this too quickly, calling instead for a 'balanced transition phase between continuity and renewal'. In terms of content, it advocates that basic research is not overlooked, especially as it is seen as a key element in bringing about a knowledge-based society. Research should also have a clear link to the social growth, sustainable development and employment results it can produce. The idea of a Euro-Mediterranean research area is one that Italy advocates as a good way of addressing a number of issues. These include confirming the role of research as a means of dialogue, peace and safety in dealing with countries outside Europe but within the Mediterranean basin, facing problems of high social relevance and regional development in the area (such as north-south migration flows) and maintaining a focus on developing countries as well as those within the European Union. It would also provide a valuable link between the Framework programme and the funds of the MEDA cooperation programme. The decision to allocate resources to a limited number of key projects in the next Framework programme is endorsed by Italy. 'The operational scheme to be adopted should allow for a harmonious weaving of major technological strategies which Europe cannot renounce if it wants to be part of the international scenario of economic development,' it says, suggesting areas such as information technologies, nanotechnologies and microelectronics. Access to Community resources in this area should be quality-based wide participation, and the larger projects should not be rigid, but rather adapted to single thematic areas. It gives the example of some Fifth Framework programme successes, such as in the case of cultural heritage, to show that some advances are only possible with the collaboration of other countries. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) need to ensure that they are fully integrated into the research process, 'Experimentation of any new instrument, such as collective research, cannot do without a strategy of direct involvement of SMEs in the research projects, corresponding to their actual needs,' says the Italian paper. It goes on to again endorse taking a stance which focuses on a small number of strategic areas and advocates that instruments of cooperation, such as the Eureka initiative, be updated. Upgrading and consolidating research infrastructures will be needed, and should be carried out after wide consultation on national, bilateral, multilateral and variable geometry bases. Full exploitation of the most advanced means of information and communication, such as computational grids and the GEANT research telecommunications backbone, should be carried out. As for the Commission's proposed centres of excellence, Italy gives a qualified approval. 'Italy is in favour of mapping centres of excellence, provided this does not imply a predetermined, definite and static scenario.' One of the areas which most concerns Italy is the issue of researcher mobility. It sees the ERA as a major means of confronting the problems involved and attracting and mobilising researchers, both present and future. In particular, the paper calls for intersectorial mobility between academia and industry, new salary levels and better working conditions. It also requires encouragement of the return of EU nationals working outside Europe. Obstacles such as disparate administrative, fiscal and other rules on researchers need to be removed. There is also a strong recommendation for enhancing women's role in science and research. The implementation of the Framework programme should borrow heavily from FP5, keeping the public call for proposals and evaluation by peer review. But procedures should be shorted and simplified and 'experts should possess adequate competences for such [a] task and their high level competence be recognised by their home countries.' Evaluation should be transparent. The paper does not object to outsourcing as long as there is no conflict of interest and safety measures are put in place. The important goal is to overcome the 'current evident rigidity and excessive bureaucracy' in the system. Finally, Italy's paper emphasises that a joint response to the issues facing Europe is essential and in this context the use of the precautionary principle and ethical considerations are key. 'Italy also strongly favours specific actions aimed at raising public awareness on science and technology through specific diffusion activities (as already provided for both at national level and in the present FP5) and at encouraging and developing a deeper dialogue amongst the scientific community, institutions, political decision-makers, citizens and industrialists.'
Kraje
Italy