CEOs of 28 leading companies signed a statement reaffirming their strong commitment to EU research and innovation (R&I) funding programmes. The statement was handed over to the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, by BusinessEurope President Emma Marcegaglia and Director General Markus J. Beyrer.
It supports the EU framework programmes (FP) and the importance of the role the private sector plays for the success of EU R&I financing and innovation ecosystem. Companies bring private capital, infrastructures, networks, know-how and skilled workforce, maximising the positive impact of the EU programmes. Funded projects with EU-added value ultimately bring benefits to the European society at large. “The growing momentum with a view to the next programme (FP9)”, President Marcegaglia stressed, “offers an opportunity to increase the EU budget on R&I, reinforce the collaborative approach and overcome the innovation deficit in Europe”.
Said Cefic Director General Marco Mensink: “Cefic member companies Bayer, BASF, INEOS and Solvay are among the signatories to this statement, and more of our members are showing interest in signing.”
Cefic joins BusinessEurope in looking forward to a constructive and fruitful debate with all stakeholders to build a strong programme to deliver economic impact and address societal challenges.