Greece determined to boost R&D
State funding for scientific research in Greece will more than double by 2010 in a bid to boost the country's competitiveness, the Greek Minister for Development, Dimitris Sioufas, announced during an economic forum in Athens. Hoping to overcome Greece's traditional weakness in research and development (R&D), the government has decided to give top priority to implementing a new and comprehensive national strategy for R&D in an effort to reach the Lisbon objectives of making Europe the world's most competitive economy by 2010. 'There is no doubt that strengthening the competitiveness of the economy and ensuring a dynamic Greek presence in the international economic environment depends on a quantitative and qualitative upgrade of research and innovation,' said Mr Sioufas in a speech at the Athens Business Club 2004, the forum designed to forge contacts between Greek and foreign businesses during the Olympics. The Greek government is targeting an increase in R&D spending from the current 0.65 per cent of GDP (about one third of the EU's average) to 1.5 per cent over the next six years. Mr Sioufas insisted, however, that this measure alone would not be sufficient to increase Greece's competitive edge. 'Research must lead to innovation, indeed, in all sectors, both public and private,' said Mr Sioufas, explaining that he aims to encourage partnership between the private and public sectors and universities. In the framework of the government's new policy, Mr Sioufas told the business forum, emphasis will be given to cooperation between the industry and research organisations, while liaison offices will be created in universities and research centres. Research consortiums in sectors of national priority will also be established. With these initiatives, the government is hoping to increase the number of permanent jobs, especially in the knowledge-intensive sector, to boost productivity and to create a new and better investment environment. 'We want new investment, new businesses, new jobs,' said Mr Sioufas. The government is therefore working on a radical tax reform, investment incentives and a new institutional framework for businesses to actively support entrepreneurship, growth and job creation.
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