Shaping the European research area: science policies for an enlarged Europe ; the Semmering project, final report

Abstract

"This report documents the activities of the Semmering project and its main results. Set up as a thematic network Semmering organized three major conferences to discuss contemporary S&T challenges with regard to structural reform, research programming, research excellence and research networks. The results of the Semmering project advocate a re-orientation of S&T and RTD policy reform, including of research programming at European level. Specifically the Semmering network is calling for (a) the combination of middle-range incentives to engage the industry and the private sector in the financing of research with long-term continuous financing of research structures by the state in the form of subsidies as well as increased investment into education at all levels; (b) the revision of statistical frameworks for measuring RTD investment; (c) the revision of accounting frameworks at the institutional, programme and project level away from rigid financial rules; (d) new employment policies in the research sectors that balance short- and long-term objectives; (e) a move away from the 'one size fits it all' mentality characteristic of the early stages of the Sixth Framework Programme; (f) a recognition of diversity in research cultures, approach and organizational format as a positive element for the creation of critical mass; (g) the integration of the research community in the process of research programming following the 'self-management' principle." (author's abstract)