Maria da Graça Carvalho participated in the round-table discussion on enhancing the participation in the EU Framework programmes for research and innovation. The event was organized by Romana Jordan Cizelj, member of the ITRE Committee in the European Parliament.
The round-table opened with a presentation of the statistical study of Slovenian scientists on the topic, followed by inputs from the representatives of the Council, the European Commission and the Members of the European Parliament.
The European Union has been strengthening its scientific and technological bases throughout 7 generations of Framework programmes for research, development and innovation. These programmes have been reinforcing the highest standards of research in Europe, thus boosting the competitiveness of its economy. As global competition in the areas of research and innovation is growing, Europe needs to advance at the same or higher pace, which requires tapping into its whole intellectual potential, particularly the possibly underexploited. All excellent research and innovation in Europe should enjoy equal treatment within the Framework programme.
However, the Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of the Seventh Framework Programme found that the performance of several Member States, particularly the "new Member States" (EU12) falls short of that of the "old Member States" (EU15) and suggested a deeper analysis of the issue in order to address it better in future.
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