Austrian minister promises more money for basic research
Austrian Research Minister Johannes Hahn promised to invest more public money in basic research as he presented the country's annual report on research and technology to the national parliament. 'Whenever the budget for research is increased, this will also benefit basic research accordingly,' said the minister. The annual report shows a steady increase in research spending: 2007 will see an 8.1% increase compared to 2006, with total investment amounting to €6.84 billion. The federal government alone is allocating €2.3 billion to research (up 10.5% on 2006), of which almost 68% is going to universities and research institutes. The report also highlight's Austria's eighth position in the European Innovation Scoreboard, and states that the country is very successful in the production of top quality medium-technology. Austria's 'excellence strategy' is also elaborated in the report. This will involve the establishment of clusters of excellence, doctoral schools, financing for overheads, and the strengthening of research infrastructure and international ties. While the government will do its bit to increase investment in basic research, Mr Hahn would also like to see the private sector channel more funds in this direction. The history of science has shown that huge quantum leaps in research have been based on findings from basic research, which could not have been foreseen when the studies in question began. 'Curiosity has changed the world,' said the minister.
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