Don't overlook the regions in FP7, urges Catalonia
The government of the Spanish region of Catalonia has published its remarks on the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) proposals, calling for specific initiatives to involve European regions in EU research projects. In its position paper, Catalonia argues that the important role played by regions in the advancement of research and development (R&D) is increasingly recognised, and that Europe's regional diversity can be turned into a source of strength 'if managed properly'. The document calls for 'the explicit inclusion of the regions' in FP7, adding that the programme should 'include specific initiatives for them'. Furthermore, while mention is made in the FP7 proposals of the need to improve coordination of national research programmes, the Catalan government regrets that there is no reference to a similar process at regional level. Catalonia would also like to see less of a focus on thematic research priorities in FP7 and more emphasis on open and interdisciplinary research. 'FP7 should tend to the multidisciplinary, which is necessary for the advancement in key aspects. Therefore, the thematic areas should be multidisciplinary and open and not compartmentalised,' the paper states. Boosting the role of private companies - particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) - in EU research is also a priority for Catalonia, but the position paper questions whether businesses in traditional sectors will have a role to play. 'It is not clear if companies from 'mature sectors' can benefit from FP7, since the priority areas (aerospace, biotechnology, etc.) are based on emerging sectors. It should count both traditional and emerging sectors,' the position paper argues. Industrial applications should not be financed with public money, it adds. Elsewhere, the Catalan government urges against the tendency to finance large projects with 'excessive' critical mass, and questions the need for a new 'security' priority for the programme, arguing that the money would be better spent trying to address the causes of insecurity, particularly terrorism. Finally, while the position paper accepts that some degree of externalised management for projects may be appropriate, it warns against 'transferring all weight of management to the coordinators of the projects.'
Countries
Spain