R&D News

A new programme for SMEs aims to increase participation and success rates

With the final budget still unknown, the European Parliament makes provisions for getting the most of what may come

The EU must take action to translate expertise in key underpinning technologies such as biotechnology, photonics and nanotechnology into industry-powered growth, says EU Commissioner Antonio Tajani

The UK’s big guns of medical research have united with patients’ group to pre-empt the expected call by some MEPs to end funding of human embryonic stem cell research, when the plan for Horizon 2020 is debated in the European Parliament

Beyond measures to improve the framework conditions for innovation there is a need to concentrate resources in priority areas. Governments must let entrepreneurs show the way to these Smart Specialisations, says Dominique Foray

After long and hard negotiations, science ministers have given their approval to the proposal to reconfigure EU research around seven Grand Challenges

Under-investing in R&D is not a symptom of the economic crisis, but lies at its root cause. Horizon 2020 must be fuelled with sufficient funding to become Europe’s development engine for the future, says Ioannis Tsoukalas, MEP

Key MEPs are calling for specific measures to widen the horizon of the EU’s flagship research programme and ensure there is more participation from member states with less-developed R&D systems

Increasing investments in research should not be considered as making the debt or deficit higher - they are essential to generate more wealth and competitiveness. This will provide rapid returns and contribute to a better balance sheet, says Antonio Tajani.

Scientific breakthroughs arise when excellent researchers are given the freedom to explore beyond the bounds of formulaic R&D programmes. A Howard Hughes-type grant scheme for Europe would promote this, says Gunnar Öquist