Association of Universities in the Netherlands Lange Houtstraat 2 | PO box 13739 | 2501 ES THE HAGUE | T: +31 (70) 3021400
VSNU
Contribution to the ERA Green Paper consultation by:
- Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU)
- Royal Netherlands Academy for Arts and Sciences (KNAW)
- Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
Following the launch of the European Research Area in 2000, the European research landscape has been developed in many ways. The framework programmes have intensified strategic cooperation between public and private research organisations and stimulated the focus of research programmes on pan-European priorities. Member States have prioritized innovation through public-private cooperation and research excellence. The knowledge society gets full attention as a result of the Lisbon Agenda, the Barcelona objectives and the launch of the ERA.
Despite these efforts, recent reports have shown that 'Lisbon' remains a formidable challenge. The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), the Royal Netherlands Academy for Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) are convinced that this challenge should be met head on and without hesitation. In order to meet the set objectives, long term investments and commitment of Member States to the process are crucial.
In the position paper, they comment on the questions brought forward by the Commission and offer a number of suggestions for the upcoming white paper.