Brussels Office of the Max Planck Society
Helping to shape European research policy
The European Union’s research policy is of particular importance to the Max Planck Society, firstly because of its many networking relationships with European partners and secondly, because knowledge is the raw material of Europe. Whilst it is true that Europe is home to a rich research topography characterized by functional diversity, it is also facing some tough competition from scientific institutions around the world. The European Research Area is characterized by mobility, freedom of movement, and the open exchange of knowledge. The Max Planck Society would like to see European research policy oriented towards a consistent focus on excellence, because research and innovation are the primary guarantor for jobs and prosperity. As such, the Max Planck Society plays an active role in Brussels as an advisor, initiator and stakeholder.
Shaping European research policy
The European Union’s research policy is of particular importance to the Max Planck Society, not only because of its many networking relationships with European partners but also because knowledge is our continent’s most valuable resource. While Europe is home to a rich and diverse research topography, it faces fierce competition from scientific institutions around the globe. As research and innovation are the primary drivers of jobs and prosperity, the Max Planck Society argues for a consistent focus on excellence in European research policy. In Brussels, it plays an active role as advisor and initiator at the interface of science and policy-making.
Taking on global competition
The European Research Council (ERC) is the flagship institution for promoting research excellence in Europe on a global scale. Since its foundation in 2007, it has become an international point of reference as well as the most important driver of excellence in European research. By now, it is clearly relevant to the system as a whole. Accordingly, the Max Planck Society advocates permanent scientific autonomy and a larger budget for the ERC, thus allowing to fund more qualitatively outstanding projects while at the same time making Europe more attractive for talent worldwide.
Strengthening investment in research and innovation
Beyond the ERC, too, more resources and more efficiency are required to translate the results of excellent basic research into sustainable innovation. Faced with unprecedented challenges – from intensifying global competition to complex societal and environmental issues that call for novel solutions –, the EU must significantly step up its investment in research and innovation in order to affirm itself in an increasingly volatile geopolitical setting.
Address
Max Planck Society
Brussels Office
Avenue de Cortenbergh / Kortenberglaan 116
1000 Brussels
Belgium
E-mail: brussels-office@max-planck-brussels.eu
