Potocnik: EU Programme Crucial for Slovenian Science
In addition to the EU framework programme on research and EU initiatives, Slovenia needs a carefully drafted state strategy for successful development of research, EU Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik said in his address Monday to the Ljubljana-based Jozef Stefan Institute.
An umbrella strategy that would involve the coordination of individual strategies of the relevant ministries, research organisations, universities and companies, would contribute to the optimal use and balance of available resources, Potocnik said.
Meanwhile, research development in Slovenia also depends on an adequately drafted national research and development programme, which is to be adopted in 2006, according to Potocnik.
The commissioner explained that the implementation of the 7th framework programme on research and development, which is the main EU document in the field, would depend on the adoption of the EU budget for the 2007-2013 period.
In the draft budget, the commission proposed a doubling of research funding, but failed to garner support from the member states. Potocnik attributed this to the fact that many governments still advocate traditional budget items, namely agriculture and cohesion.
"The decision of the member states on the financial perspective, especially the framework research programme budget, will be the moment of truth," Potocnik said. "The EU leaders will decide between a Europe focused on redistribution of wealth, or a Europe whose economic growth is based on knowledge," he added.
An important source of additional finances for science and research in the new member states are the EU structural funds, which should be used to strengthen national structures, said Potocnik, adding he does not question Europe's ability to achieve a breakthrough in competitiveness.
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