Convergence regions can benefit from FP based on excellence, argues Potocnik
Janez Potocnik, Commissioner for Science and Research, has defended the Framework Programme's principle of excellence against concerns that it unduly penalises research actors in less well-developed regions of the EU. Speaking to representatives of the EU's so called convergence regions in Warsaw, Poland, on 13 February, Mr Potocnik said: 'Some say that research actors in convergence regions, because of their problems in terms of infrastructure, economic and institutional organisation, are bound to lose out in the competitive approach of the Framework Programme, and that the vicious circle of the excellent is therefore reinforced to further exclude the 'less excellent'. This is not true for a number of reasons.' Through the framework programmes, innovative companies in convergence regions have made links with major technology networks and strengthened their profile and capacity, he pointed out. Universities, meanwhile, have picked up innovative ways of adapting their research models to become the drivers of development in their regions. 'Framework Programme projects have helped to combat regional insularity and technological provincialism,' the Commissioner added. Under the plans drawn up for the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), Mr Potocnik pointed particularly to the 'Unlocking Research Potential' scheme, which will allocates 554 million euro to convergence regions to support secondments of research staff, acquisition of equipment, technology transfer and the organisation of conferences. '[A]ll regions need to stand up to the challenge of building a knowledge economy. We will try to provide convergence regions with the support they may need to climb on the bandwagon,' concluded Mr Potocnik. 'It is important to bear in mind that European research needs to continue striving for excellence. We must create and support global champions, because we are now engaged in a global venture.'