EuroNanoForum 2013: Horizon 2020
The biannual EuroNanoForum is one of the centrepieces of the scientific conference agenda. This year’s forum is also the largest conference to be convened, as well as the biggest event during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Current negotiations in Brussels are dominated by the EU’s 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework and subsequently the budget for Horizon 2020. Seán Sherlock, Ireland’s Research and Innovation Minister, was scheduled to speak at the conference though was required in the Belgian capital to convene the urgent talks.
Speaking to delegates in place of Sherlock, Ruairí Quinn, Irish Minister for Education and Skills, outlined the background to the conference to attendees.
“The EuroNanoForum was originally designated as a Presidency event and its objectives are very much in line with our Presidency priorities of ensuring stability, sustainable growth and jobs. Within my own portfolio, it is clear that education and skills have key roles to play in tackling the current economic crisis, not just in Ireland, but also across the whole of Europe. I want to thank the European Commission for its support, which has facilitated Ireland hosting Europe’s largest nanotechnology conference of 2013 and the largest EuroNanoForum ever.”
Presidency priority
A key aim of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union has been to achieve a settlement on Horizon 2020, which will run from 2014-2020 and replace FP7. Quinn updated delegates on current negotiations, which are at a critical stage in Brussels.
“We have been working with the member states, the European Commission and the European Parliament to finalise agreement of Horizon 2020 during our Presidency and this work I will assure you will continue right up to the end of June and our Presidency.
“All the important final discussions are all at a very advanced stage and we are optimistic about a positive outcome. It is however, a very complex process to reconcile the various interests of all the parties involved. However, I would like to share the commitment of all parties concerned in advancing positively these negotiations. It is likely that we demonstrate to the citizens of the European Union that we are representing their interests efficiently, and effectively. Therefore, we must make progress as speedy as possible to ensure that there will be sufficient time to implement Horizon 2020 from the very start of 2014.”
Societal Challenges
Horizon 2020 is split into three pillars, with those focusing on tackling the Europe’s grand challenges receiving by far the largest budget allocation. Under current Commission proposals, the Societal Challenges pillar is expected to receive an estimated €31bn, as the minister outlined.
“An important feature of Horizon 2020 is the focus on addressing the major societal challenges, concerns shared by citizens of Europe and indeed elsewhere. A challenge-based approach will bring together resources and knowledge across different fields, technologies and disciplines, including social sciences and humanities. This will help address issues such as climate change, developing sustainable transport and mobility, making renewable energy more affordable, ensuring food safety and security, and coping with the challenge here in Europe of an ageing population.
“Research in these areas offers enormous opportunities for European citizens and for you as researchers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs. As well as these societal challenges and the excellent science, central to the success of Horizon 2020, will be the industrial leadership pillar.”
Jobs, stability and growth
The next EU multiannual financial framework will focus on creating new employment opportunities throughout Europe to help the continent remain internationally competitive and therefore encourage economic growth to assist recovery from the economic crisis. Horizon 2020 will is seen as implementing many of these aspirations in solid goals and is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union. Quinn informed delegates that that this was a key goal for both Brussels, and Dublin.
“For Europe to succeed we need jobs, stability and growth. This is government policy, both in Ireland and across the entire European Union – soon to be 28 member states with the arrival of Croatia next month. Competitiveness, underpinned by technological advances, will be critical to achieve a return to growth in Europe. Giving Europe’s activities and potential in this area, nanotechnology will feature prominently in the return to growth and the industrial leadership pillar of Horizon 2020.
“The scale of the budget for Horizon 2020, over €70bn, is testament to the importance attached to continuing to invest in Europe’s science base.”
Pan European Networks is an official media partner of EuroNanoForum 2013.
Ruairí Quinn
