‘Protect funding,’ says optics industry
The International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE) has aired caution against possible cuts to Horizon 2020 funding.
According to SPIE, the EU’s next research funding programme is important not only to the optics and photonics sector, but also to the economic competitiveness and quality of life of Europeans.
Commenting on the potential reduction in funding, SPIE CEO Dr Eugene Arthurs said: “In the current budget squabble, Horizon 2020 should be protected and not reduced as part of a general budget agreement or sacrificed to appease a factional interest. The innovation community is acutely aware that cutting Horizon 2020 would signal that the EU leadership only talk the talk when it comes to innovation.”
Arthurs added that investment in research and development was desperately needed if the EU was to meet its target of spending 3% of its Gross Domestic Expenditure (GERD) by 2020 and stay ahead of competitors. Currently, the EU and US invest 2.7% of GERD, whilst some countries in Asia have already exceeded the target.
The European Commission has proposed a budget of €80bn for Horizon 2020. However, final confirmation of funding for the research programme will not be decided until European leaders agree the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.
SPIE was set up in 1955 to advance light-based technologies and serves nearly 225,000 constituents in approximately 150 countries.
