A European research identity

EMBO Reports (ER): What type of identity can European science establish for itself in comparison with American science or international science in general? Philippe Busquin (PB): This is one of the questions behind our communication on a ‘European Research Area,’ to specify the nature of the evolution of science in Europe, and here I would make three statements. First: in general, Europe doesn’t spend enough money for research and development; it spends 1.2% of its Gross Domestic Product compared to 2.7% in the United States and 3.1% in Japan. I delivered this statement to the Heads of State at the beginning of this year, and they appreciated its significance. Secondly: research in Europe is very fragmented. We have national programmes, as well as a European programme and intergovernmental organizations. But there is not much organized contact between them. My goal is to create links, to create a web. There is work for everyone, which must be optimized by avoiding a duplication of efforts while at the same time merging diverse programmes dealing with similar subjects to give them a sufficient critical mass.