The Works of DANTE - Issue 5

The DANTE View on...

A recent EU-supported survey suggests that Europe's citizens see research across Europe as critical to the continent's competitiveness – an opinion not unfamiliar to all of us who work in the Research Networking arena.

The research carried out across all EU member states suggests real confidence in the future growth and the benefits of research and development.  Eighty eight percent of those surveyed recognise the importance of pan-European collaboration and believe that it will better serve both European industry (69 per cent) and the national interest (65 per cent) of member countries. Interestingly 60 per cent of the interviewees feel strongly that research is currently under funded and that more money should be allocated to this area.

This survey demonstrates the importance European citizens place on research and scientific development, and that it acts as a driver of economic competitiveness in 21st Century Europe. Collaboration across the EU will not only lead to a stronger economy, but will also result in advances that benefit all citizens in their daily lives. Research networks are a key enabler of this, keeping European researchers at the forefront of research and development.

Creating a seamless working environment, where researchers have the mobility to roam across network boundaries (both human and technical), will help realise the EU's vision of a European Research Area (ERA). The collaborative working approach pioneered by the research networking community, and the results achieved so far, are helping to make Europe a truly dynamic knowledge economy. It is welcome news that our efforts are so widely supported by the community at large.

Full results of the survey can be found here

The Works of DANTE editorial team