In its
Communication on the financial perspective, the Commission states that in order to "become a beacon of excellence attracting researchers and investments", Member States must continue their efforts to create a genuine 'European Research Area' (ERA). They must also follow up their words with some deeds by to increasing research investment to 3 per cent of GDP by 2010.However, more direct financial research support at EU level is also necessary. The Commission proposes to significantly increase EU research funding, which is currently at 0.04 per cent of GDP. According to the Communication, Community action should focus on five main areas:
1. Providing grants to research teams, which will be selected on a competitive basis at European level; although this is not explicitly stated, this indicates a renewed Commission effort to create a 'European Research Council' along the lines of the US National Science Foundation.2. Strengthening research infrastructure, education and training and promoting researchers' transnational mobility.
3. Setting up public-private partnerships at EU level in key research areas such as hydrogen & fuel cells, nanotechnology, mobile telecommunication, solar energy etc.
4. Stimulating networking and collaboration at laboratory level to develop 'poles of excellence' through the new instruments of the 6th Framework Programme.
5. Coordinating national and regional reasearch programmes and policies to improve efficiency and avoid duplication of research efforts.
The Commission's proposal also emphasises the need for increased investment in the space and security policy, in which science and technology play a key role.
