The European Union Research Commissioner, Janez Poto ycnic, has contested claims that the proposed European Institute of Technology will mean less money for research projects in other institutions, writes Chris Jones in Brussels.
He said last week that the EIT would generate additional research investment. "There have been concerns that we are pulling financial resources from other areas, but the idea is to attract new resources. We need to find fresh ideas, fresh money, fresh interest from industry."
The European University Association and the League of European Research Universities have criticised the diversion of funds from other initiatives to the EIT.
Dr Poto ycnic urged those in academia to speak to legislators. "Everyone agrees that we need more transfer of knowledge between academia and industry. This issue is being tackled in many countries, so it makes sense to do so at EU level."