Successful Participation In Eu Fifth Framework Programme

Successful Participation in EU Fifth Framework Programme

Modernisation of Science Policy and Management Approaches in Central and South East Europe

This book analyses different aspects of science and technology policy in South East Europe (SEE). Some of these countries, particularly the ones facing political and economic crises, are still not integrated into the international community. Furthermore, their scientific communities have not been able to seize the opportunities offered to them on the international level. This has often been the consequence of the fact that R&D is not supported by efficient science policies. In addition, many of the SEE countries have not been able to develop modern management approaches in science. As a result, national scientific communities often do not have the support and information that they need to become integral and active players in the international arena. Without modern management strategies, these countries will not be able to use all of their intellectual and other resources, which are an essential part of economic development. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of S&T policies in SEE countries for the first time and brings these countries into comparative perspective with Central European and other EU countries. In addition, the volume contains analysis of several important science policy issues (human resource management, management of quality and finance, peer review and networking); in this respect, the volume will be of interest to a wider audience interested in S&T policy-making in general.

A New Deal for an Effective European Research Policy

More than a century ago Louis Pasteur observed that “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world”. His remark has all the more resonance today with the increasing globa- sation of science, technology, and commerce. But it also underlines an important truth: that science has always advanced most rapidly when it is a collective endeavour, with a strong circulation of knowledge. When it comes to forging cooperation in research, Europe has an impressive track record. This year, the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development celebrates its 20th birthday. It is the world’s largest programme in support of transnational research, promoting cooperation, coor- nation, and mobility across borders. The year 2007 will see the launch of the 7th Framework Programme, the biggest and most ambitious so far. This book will show how the new Framework Programme was put together and explain why it took the shape it did. It will also set out its potential impacts and the conditions necessary for it to be a success. In the challenging new global economy, knowledge is Europe’s most valuable resource, and I am convinced that, with its unprecedented scale and scope, the 7th Framework Programme is the right strategy for a Europe that wants to progress towards a knowledge-based economy. However, the Framework Programme is only a very modest part of total public R&D spending in Europe, the bulk of which is carried out by national governments.