Experts to advise EU research funding
The European Commission will set up a group of experts to advise on how to maximise the impact of the EU’s investment into research and innovation.
The commission decided on 21 September that the group will be chaired by Pascal Lamy, who is both a former European commissioner for trade and director general of the World Trade Organization.
The group is being established as part of the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020, the EU’s current research and innovation funding scheme.
The experts are set to formulate a vision for future EU research and innovation and draw up strategic recommendations on maximising the impact of EU’s future investment in this area.
Their work will be based on the available Horizon 2020 interim evaluation results and other factual evidence such as the results of the related public consultation, which will be launched in October 2016.
European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas said: “Europe’s future depends on a significant and consistent investment in research and innovation. This group will build upon the formidable experience and expertise of its members and its chair, Pascal Lamy, in order to help us ensure that each euro that we invest generates maximum impact. It’s our duty to our citizens.”
Lamy, said: “The EU’s research and innovation funding is already making a big difference, increasing our growth and competitiveness while addressing the main challenges of today. But with limited budgets, we need to make sure we are getting as much impact out of our investment as we can. It will be the task of my group to explore all the paths that lead to this goal.”
The group will comprise up to 12 qualified, independent members. They are currently being selected from over 350 candidates that responded to an online call for expression of interest. The selection process is expected to be finalised in November 2016.
