In the conference, Giving more for research in Europe, on 27 March 2006, representatives from charitable foundations, universities, research organisations, industry, national and regional authorities as well as non-governmental organisations discussed ways to place research funding at the heart of philanthropic activities.
"The Commission's approach to tackling research and innovation under-investment in Europe is to mobilise all policies and factors, and this includes philanthropy," said Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. "Philanthropy has a long history in Europe. Think only of the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment, when rich supporters of artists and scientists were numerous. Perhaps the time has come to revive this debate in the research field," he continued.
"To promote the role of foundations in financing European R&D, the EU needs to initiate a regulation on a European statute for foundations and national governments need to reconsider their fiscal policies, legal and regulatory framework and matching policies," noted Dr George Papaconstantinou, presenting the results of the expert report Giving more for research in Europe.
The conference participants agreed that a European Foundation Statute would be a good thing as it would enable foundations to go pan-European. Various speakers emphasised the importance of good governance in philanthropy, the crucial role of transparency and accountability to donor confidence and the need for greater impact and effectiveness of research.
The issue of better regulation is already being discussed in the foundations and codes of practice which have been developed by European bodies. "Management of research is as important as its financing," pointed out Yves Mény, the Chairman of the expert group who drafted Giving more for research in Europe.
The European Foundation Centre (EFC) asked for expressions of interest for a 'European Forum on Philanthropy and Research Funding'. The Forum is aimed at existing foundations, trusts, charitable organisation and universities interested in discussing issues related to making more and better use of philanthropy as a source of funding.
