- The signatories demand a State Pact that contemplates long-term strategies aimed at promoting frontier science and business innovation.<\/strong><\/li>
- The document aims to add and provide strategic solutions to the recent Pact for Science and Innovation that the Government has just announced.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
SOMMa, ASEICA and AseBio, entities that bring together almost ten thousand researchers from the public and private spheres, dozens of research centers and nearly 300 leading Spanish companies in the biotechnology sector, join their voices to urge political leaders to transform the country . More than 40 organizations in the field of science and innovation, among which is BIOVEGEN,<\/strong> sign a document that requests, among other measures, exceed 2.5 % of investment in R&D&I in 2027 to achieve a structural change in the economic model<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given yesterday's approval of the preliminary draft of the new general budgets of the State and the windows of opportunity represented by the Reconstruction Plan, the "Green deal" and the missions of the new Horizon Europe Framework Program of the European Union, the signatories consider that The time has come to put R&D&I at the center of the future strategy for a sustainable and resilient recovery of Spain<\/strong>. Added to the above is that citizens have recently been able to appreciate the need to have a solid research capacity for the challenges we are facing. In contrast, Spain currently invests only 1.24 % of its GDP in R&D, a figure much lower than the EU average (2.12 %), and even further away from countries such as Germany, Denmark or Austria (around 3 %).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The document proposes administrative and legal changes and the implementation of strategic actions so that science and innovation are the engines of our country's recovery. The transformation of the economic model would counterbalance the dependence on sectors greatly affected by the current pandemic and would give Spain new opportunities and a stronger position for the future. Crystallizing the great Spanish potential in R&D&I would lay the foundations for a solid recovery through a sustainable, competitive economic model based on high added value.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe current context has abruptly exposed the shortcomings of our economic model. Spain is projected as the most affected of the advanced economies, making it imperative to firmly commit to a change of model in the face of economic reconstruction. This is a turning point that cannot be lowered, making it essential to commit to a model that ensures the future and relevance of Spain. Taking urgent measures taking advantage of the general state budgets is the minimum to start. At the same time, a state pact for R&D&I is necessary, now more than ever.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>Luis Serrano, president of SOMMa and director of the Center for Genomic Regulation<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCovid-19 has revealed what we have been warning about for some time: the urgent need to invest in science and innovation to ensure the health of our citizens and to develop an economy based on knowledge and not entertainment. It is time to take the bull by the horns: we need stable long-term plans and short-term solutions to face these challenges. Let's say it once again: research is not a luxury, it is the only way we have to ensure the health and quality of life of our fellow citizens. And this does not depend on ideologies, it is a cross-country project.\u201d<\/em>. <\/p>Xos\u00e9 Bustelo, president of ASEICA.<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis call to our political representatives, the administration and society itself is nothing more than a joint demand for a long-term strategy that promotes science and innovation in our country and places them at the heart of its strategy. Innovative companies and entities are committed to this effort if we have an adequate and stable framework that allows us to work collaboratively with the rest of the agents in the R&D&I ecosystem and thus contribute to the transformation of our production model.\u201d <\/em><\/p>Ion Arocena, general director of AseBio.<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The call led by SOMMa, ASEICA and AseBio proposes three axes of measures, the first of which focuses on strengthening basic and translational frontier science. It affects aspects such as the simplification of expense management and associated bureaucracy, the increase and optimization of investment, new talent recruitment programs, and mechanisms that favor the stability of research projects promoted by public organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second axis proposes measures to strengthen innovation and promote the transition to a sustainable economy with high added value. It is proposed to promote public-private cooperation and the innovative business fabric, as well as the creation of a patronage law. The need to undertake a profound reform of the aid model for business R&D&I and a legal framework that minimizes uncertainties and provides stability and security to the R&D&I system is also indicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Linking the previous ones, the third axis focuses on mechanisms to increase synergies between the academic and business sectors. To this end, the development of a long-term national strategy that includes the autonomous communities, increasing the capacity to transfer the knowledge of universities and research institutes into innovative solutions and the creation of new technology-based companies is considered key. Finally, the signatories appeal to cultivate the value of science as a reference for citizens, the business community and political action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The document aims to add and provide strategic solutions to the recent Pact for Science and Innovation that the Government has just announced.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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