Commissioner Potocnik visits Romanian research community

Brussels, 8 September 2006

Commissioner Potocnik, European Science and Research Commissioner, will be in Romania on 11 and 12 September for an official visit. He will visit two Romanian research facilities, as well as meeting leaders of the science, research and business communities, and government representatives. During his trip he will meet the President and Prime Minister of Romania. He will commend Romania on the efforts undertaken so far to integrate into the European Research Area, and discuss where improvements can be made.

On this, his first visit to Romania since becoming European Commissioner for Science and Research, Commissioner Potočnik will have a series of meetings with senior government and academic representatives, such as the Secretary of State for Research Anton Anton, the Minister for European Integration Anca Boagiu, the President of the Romanian Academy Ionel Haiduc and the President of the National University Research Council Ioan Dumitrache. These discussions will focus on the development of the Romanian system to support science and research, Romanian participation in future Framework Programmes as a Member State of the European Union, as well as other aspects relating to science and research such as national policies on innovation and education.

The Commissioner will visit two research institutes. The first, the National Institute of Research and Development for Earth Physics (NIEP), specialises in the study of earthquakes, an important field of study for Romania, which is one of Europe’s most seismically active regions. The second is to the National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, whose strategic objective puts emphasis on the production of research for industry, and the knowledge-led economic development outlined in the Lisbon Strategy.

In a speech to the Romanian business community at the NIEP, the Commissioner will draw attention to the importance of investment in research and technology for economic growth and encourage Romanian businesses to link up with European technology platforms in their sectors.

In meetings with President Traian Basescu and Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, the Commissioner will draw attention to the many strands of public policy that influence the development of knowledge within a society and can boost research and development, such as tax policy, public procurement, and use of structural funds. He will highlight the important role heads of state and government have in co-ordinating these policies for the benefit of increased economic development and better quality of life.
For more information:
National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies: http://www.imt.ro/
National Institute for Research and Development for Earth Physics: http://www.infp.ro/

Item source: IP/06/1167 Date: 08/09/2006