In Seville, our aim was to obtain information about the functioning of the Institute for Research ? the Institute for Prospective Technological specialization. This is one of the seven institutes established by the European Commission in order to have global research and comparisons of EU prospects. The other six institutes were established in Italy, Belgium and Germany.
In principle, all of the institutes operate by selecting experts and scientific institutions from across Europe. There is no reason for Slovenian knowledge centres to not be chosen, although I was unable to confirm whether they have been or not. The basis of their research is also used in the consideration of applications for European funding. That is why they are that important for Slovenia.
The areas covered by the Institute are important both for companies, as well as food producers and medical research centres. With the right kind of projects, financing can be given. The institutes report to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the EU Council. Most of their findings are also publicly available. Their results so far are largely tied to food safety and health, particularly in the prevention of cancer.
I would like to provide a non-exhaustive list of trends tied to global research and benchmarks:
The first area is KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWTH based on smart specialization. To this end, there are 106 smart technology platforms registered in the EU, including ones from Slovenia. They also assist in preparing projects for funding, whether from cohesion funds or from the research and development funds. Europe can only compete with other regions using the most innovative knowledge and research. Therefore, there is a great need to establish formal links between knowledge centres and companies.
The second area is the INTELLIGENT PLATFORM, which covers the digital age. The deployment of eHealth will mean greater accessibility, a reduction in costs and waiting times and also treatment at home via telemedicine. Digitization will mainly affect lifelong learning and distance learning. Most of all though, the speed of information will create a new world.
The third area is ENERGY, TRANSPORT AND IMPACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Energy dependence is growing. Spain has many industries such as the chemicals industry that have high energy demand, which also means high costs. Energy efficiency will play a very important role. Carbon credits being one of the key issues still today in the European Parliament.
The fourth area is SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION, which includes standards for BATs. These are the Best Available Technologies, the labeling of products with the least impact on the environment. All this will reduce competitiveness on the global market. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between all of these factors. Consumers will change their attitude especially towards waste.
The fifth area is focused on GROWING FOOD AND LIFE SCIENCES. There is a direct connection between food and health and there needs to be a clear definition of genetically modified food. What will also be interesting is the research on the effects of one branches development on all others, especially in the strategic planning of stakeholders.
The conclusions of the meeting were geared towards organizing a workshop in the European Parliament on these issues. The reasoning is to promote a greater understanding of the basis for the new legislation, which the European Parliament is helping to create.
The South of Spain is otherwise very beautiful, especially its baroque buildings and friendly people. The message that needs to be shared however is that it is necessary to create a network today, so that you will be able to apply for funding for all of your innovative ideas.
More detailed information is available on the website: http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu
Zofija Mazej Kukovič
