Government calls for future R&D funding to focus on new technologies
1 min read
A new report issued by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has outlined the government's views on the future role of EU funding for research and innovation.
As well as suggesting that future funding should address global challenges and help develop new technologies, the report proposes that grants focus on funding research programmes that demonstrate excellence and added value. It called for emphasis to be put on promoting green growth and highlighted key areas such as ICT, biotechnology and nanotechnology.
David Willetts (pictured), the minister for Universities and Science, commented: "Research and innovation are vital to economic growth not only in the UK but throughout Europe. The UK has one of the most productive research bases in the world and with changes to EU funding in sight it's important that we play our full part in influencing the debate.
"We need to continue to invest in research and innovation at a European level, with a focus on programmes that demonstrate excellence and address global challenges such as climate change. EU funding should also drive innovation and place a greater emphasis on areas such as information and communications technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology that have the potential to meet these challenges head on."
