Germany launches Horizon 2020
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has hosted the launch event of Horizon 2020 in Germany.
Topics discussed include research and innovation as the basis for economic growth, Horizon 2020 as an interface between industry and research policy, and the role of the framework programme as a driving force for the Innovation Union.
In her keynote address to delegates, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: “From Hanover to Düsseldorf, from Stuttgart to Dresden, and of course in Berlin, I have seen how Germany’s genius for science and innovation has sustained your economy through Europe’s most trying economic crisis. I have been very inspired by the scientists and engineers, the innovators and manufacturers, that I have met in companies like Bayer and Bosch, and in organisations like the German Aerospace Centre.”
She added: “The strength of Germany’s economy, particularly in manufacturing, is positive proof to the rest of the world that it pays to reform and it pays to keep on investing in the biggest drivers of growth: education, research and innovation. We have learned this lesson too at the European level and the result is Horizon 2020.”
The launch event also featured a panel discussion on ‘What is the role of research and innovation for Europe’s future?’. Participants included Professor Dr Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, president of the European Research Council, Robert-Jan Smits, director-general of Research and Innovation, European Commission, and Professor Dr Horst Hippler, president of the German Rectors’ Conference.
