TECHNOLOGY FORESIGHT SUMMIT - Unido

82 Technology Foresight Summit
its political future, but in this context it needs to discuss the future of
European science. In fact, science is important not only for industrial, economic
and social development, but also for national security.
It is proposed to coin a keyword named “security” to address issues related
to long-term investment in S&T. The discussion should begin convincing
all citizens about priorities to European science. Possible topics to start a discussion
are: strategic security, social security and security towards basic
human needs.
In conclusion, it is time to begin discussing in appropriate circles what
the public expects from science. If the above general areas are accepted to be
covered by a vision for science in the EU over the next 50 years, the next
step will be the discussion on how to include topics of a more specific nature
in this general frame and how to implement the decisions through science education
and through the establishment of research infrastructures. Discussions
leading to an agreement on a common vision for the future of S&T in the
EU could contribute to indicate the needs and means for further integration.
Comments on the presentations and debate
The plenary session was dedicated to broadly formulated issues of biotechnology,
its impact on the general scientific and cultural development in various
countries, the role of governments and the perspectives of global
development.
Prof. Frank Gannon (Germany) presented the first report on “The
Interaction between Academia and Industry in the Development of European
Biotechnology”. Prof. Gannon emphasized that the interaction between academia
and industry has been a powerful driving force of biotechnology worldwide.
A trend towards complementary actions was initiated in the United
States. In most of Europe, there has been a delay in breaking down the barrier
between industry and academia but it is also now common for scientists
in universities to depend on industry for support for research, which is
relevant to industry, and for industry to look towards academics to provide
cutting edge research for them. A closer analysis points to potential tensions
and distortions if this process is not correctly managed. The academics might
suffer in the long term if they accept money to carry out research at all costs
irrespective of its relevance to their major interests. For countries within the
CEE and the NIS, it is appropriate to look at the progress that has happened
in other contexts. If the error of ignoring research that may have industrial
consequences is clear, the error of performing research at the request of
industry irrespective of its intellectual content is also clear. The alternative
whereby funding is obtained from industry, with a supplement from the government,
could be a major tactical mistake.
Prof. Francisco E. Baralle (Italy) presented a report entitled “Biotechnology:
Current Trends and Future Perspectives for the Developing Countries”.