Irish MEP joins calls for increased research budget
Irish MEP Avril Doyle has spoken of three weaknesses affecting research in Europe, and called for an increase in funding. Insufficient funding, an environment that does not stimulate research and exploit results, and the fragmented nature of activities and resources all weaken Europe's research potential, according to Ms Doyle. 'Through adopting a coordinated approach involving business, universities and government bodies, we will go some way towards closing the innovation gap between Europe and the US and meeting our objective of spending three per cent of GDP on research. As more than 90 per cent of firms are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), any future research and innovation policy must be designed with a strong focus on this sector,' said Ms Doyle. Ms Doyle also warned that if Europe does not increase its investment in research now, the continent will suffer the consequences later. 'Funding for research and development is absolutely vital, and must be substantially increased under the upcoming Seventh Framework Programme for research,' she said. 'While fundamental research is essential, we must also encourage and facilitate research and development in European businesses, and foster innovation. Accessibility, simplicity and transparency must be touchstones of the programme. If we do not increase [research] funding [...] we will certainly pay the price later in terms of a loss of competitiveness, not to mention a brain drain of our best researchers to the US.'