Science Europe releases position on the European Research Area

In its assessment of the European Commission's 2012 communication "A Reinforced European Area Partnership for Excellence and Growth", Science Europe expresses its concern that pressures to 'complete' the European Research Area (ERA) by 2014 may be closing off opportunities for dialogue and preventing Europe from "learning to take advantage of its real strengths: its diversity and the interconnection between national and European policies". 

Given the limited knowledge about the complexity of factors influencing the effectiveness of national research systems, this association of major European funding agencies and research organizations suggests that instead of reducing EEC Priority One to a 'competitive versus non-competitive' funding dichotomy, the current approach to EEC policy should be rethought to allow for greater mutual learning. 

The Science Europe Declaration explains that although "competitiveness is an important element in science policy and its recognized fundamental role in stimulating excellence, there is no reason to assume that the various countries require identical science policies (...). Different funding models can either stimulate or obstruct the implementation of different strategies, implemented in different regional and national contexts".

At a time when the European Commission and EU Member States are reviewing the Commission's approach to the EEC, and the 'EEC Roadmap' for 2015 is being prepared, Science Europe's statement aims to contribute to the debate on the future of the EEC, offering suggestions for speeding up its implementation. Amanda Crowfoot, Director of Science Europe adds, "Science Europe is fully ready to discuss the review of the EEC policy with the European Commission and other stakeholders."

Science Europe is made up of 52 funding agencies and research institutions from 27 countries, representing a global annual budget of 30 billion euros. Created in October 2011, its aim is to promote the collective interests of its members and provide a platform where they can collaborate on scientific policies and scientific research. Miguel Seabra, President of FCT, is the current President of Science Europe.