EU’s Future Hinges on bold Investment in research, Says Expert
Table of Contents
In a pivotal moment for teh European Union, Ursula von der Leyen stands at a crossroads. The choice she faces is stark: continue with incremental investments or boldly embrace a future where Europe leads in advanced technology and societal support. The latter, according to jan Palmowski, secretary general of the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, is the path that will secure Europe’s long-term competitiveness and survival.
The Case for Transformative Investment
Von der Leyen’s options are clear. She can either invest in scaling up existing knowledge and technologies or opt for a more transformative approach. Palmowski argues that the traditional route of “business as usual” will not suffice in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. Europe must innovate and adapt to remain competitive globally.
Doubling Down on Research
Palmowski advocates for a significant increase in funding for an autonomous European Research Council (ERC) and enhanced support for the European Innovation Council (EIC). These steps are crucial for fostering cutting-edge research and innovation. The FP10 (Framework Program 10) must be designed to support collaborative research efforts across the entire pipeline, including bottom-up initiatives that drive innovation from the ground up.
A Global Research Collaboration
For Europe to thrive, its research efforts must be open to global collaboration. By combining the EU’s research prowess with that of associated research and innovation systems beyond its borders,Europe can create a robust and dynamic ecosystem. This global outlook will not only enhance Europe’s competitiveness but also ensure that its advanced technologies are used in the fairest and moast beneficial ways for society.
The Long-Term Vision
While the transformative effects of these investments may not be immediate, the long-term benefits are considerable. Palmowski emphasizes that these steps will ensure Europe’s competitiveness and possibly even its survival in an increasingly fragmented and nationalist environment. The key is to invest in research and innovation that will pay dividends in the future.
Ensuring Autonomy and Effectiveness
The autonomy of the ERC is a critical factor in this strategy. Doubling the funding for an autonomous ERC will provide the necessary resources to drive innovative research. Additionally, the EIC must be transformed to better support and accelerate the commercialization of research findings.
Summary of Key Points
| Key Point | description |
|————————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Incremental vs. Transformative Investment | Choose between scaling up existing knowledge or investing in future research. |
| ERC Funding | Double the funding for an autonomous European Research Council. |
| EIC Support | Increase support for the European Innovation Council. |
| Collaborative Research | Foster collaborative instruments across the entire research pipeline.|
| Global Collaboration | Combine EU research prowess with global innovation systems. |
| Long-Term Benefits | Ensure Europe’s long-term competitiveness and survival. |
Conclusion
Ursula von der Leyen’s decisions will shape the future of Europe’s research and innovation landscape. By investing in research and fostering global collaboration, Europe can secure its place as a leader in advanced technology and ensure a fair and beneficial use of these technologies for society. The path forward is clear: invest in Europe’s future, and it will work.
Call to action
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how Europe can lead in advanced technology and research. Engage with the guild of European Research-Intensive Universities and contribute to shaping a future where innovation drives societal progress.
Learn more about the guild of European Research-Intensive Universities
Read more about the European Research Council
discover the European Innovation Council
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in European research and innovation.
In a pivotal moment for the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen stands at a crossroads. The choice she faces is stark: continue with incremental investments or boldly embrace a future where Europe leads in advanced technology and societal support. The latter, according to Jan Palmowski, secretary general of the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, is the path that will secure Europe’s long-term competitiveness and survival.
EU’s Future Hinges on Bold Investment in Research, Says Expert
The Case for Transformative investment
Editor: Ursula von der Leyen has a critical decision to make regarding European research and innovation. What do you believe is the most effective approach for her to take?
Jan Palmowski: Von der Leyen’s options are clear. She can either invest in scaling up existing knowledge and technologies or opt for a more transformative approach. The customary route of “business as usual” will not suffice in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. Europe must innovate and adapt to remain competitive globally.
Doubling Down on Research
Editor: what specific steps should be taken to enhance research in Europe?
Jan Palmowski: I advocate for a notable increase in funding for an autonomous european Research Council (ERC) and enhanced support for the European Innovation Council (EIC). These steps are crucial for fostering cutting-edge research and innovation. The FP10 (Framework Program 10) must be designed to support collaborative research efforts across the entire pipeline, including bottom-up initiatives that drive innovation from the ground up.
A Global Research Collaboration
Editor: how significant is global collaboration for Europe’s research efforts?
Jan Palmowski: For Europe to thrive, its research efforts must be open to global collaboration. By combining the EU’s research prowess with that of associated research and innovation systems beyond its borders, Europe can create a robust and dynamic ecosystem. This global outlook will not only enhance Europe’s competitiveness but also ensure that its advanced technologies are used in the fairest and most beneficial ways for society.
The Long-Term Vision
Editor: What are the long-term benefits of investing in research and innovation?
Jan Palmowski: While the transformative effects of these investments may not be immediate, the long-term benefits are considerable. These steps will ensure Europe’s competitiveness and possibly even its survival in an increasingly fragmented and nationalist environment. The key is to invest in research and innovation that will pay dividends in the future.
Ensuring Autonomy and Effectiveness
Editor: How can the autonomy and effectiveness of the ERC and EIC be ensured?
Jan Palmowski: The autonomy of the ERC is a critical factor in this strategy. Doubling the funding for an autonomous ERC will provide the necessary resources to drive innovative research. Additionally, the EIC must be transformed to better support and accelerate the commercialization of research findings.
Summary of key Points
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Incremental vs. Transformative Investment | Choose between scaling up existing knowledge or investing in future research. |
| ERC Funding | Double the funding for an autonomous European Research Council. |
| EIC Support | Increase support for the European Innovation Council. |
| Collaborative Research | Foster collaborative instruments across the entire research pipeline. |
| Global Collaboration | Combine EU research prowess with global innovation systems. |
| Long-Term Benefits | Ensure Europe’s long-term competitiveness and survival. |
Conclusion
Ursula von der Leyen’s decisions will shape the future of Europe’s research and innovation landscape. By investing in research and fostering global collaboration, Europe can secure its place as a leader in advanced technology and ensure a fair and beneficial use of these technologies for society. The path forward is clear: invest in Europe’s future, and it will work.
Call to action
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how Europe can lead in advanced technology and research. Engage with the guild of European Research-Intensive Universities and contribute to shaping a future where innovation drives societal progress.
Learn more about the guild of European research-Intensive Universities
Read more about the European Research Council
Discover the European Innovation Council
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in European research and innovation.
