An European Institute of Technology EIT: first steps

1
An European Instituteof Technology (EIT)
first steps
2
Background analysis

• 4 main ideas
• Slow decline of the Europes share in knowledge
  creation
• Intensification of the relationship between
  research / innovation and economic development
• Limited efficiency of the transfer process (first
  class research but lack of cooperation between
  research and industry)
• New emerging players (China, India, Asian
  countries) in the game of knowledge (from
  manufacturing activities to the whole knowledge
  value chain)

3
Political background

• Mid term review of the Lisbon strategy
• How to make the best use of the European
• knowledge potential ?
• Towards the society of knowledge
• conclusions of the informal meeting of Heads of
  State and Government at Hampton Court (27 October
  2005)
• T. Blair need to develop strong centers of
  excellence across the EU need to invest in the
  knowledge economy, research and development,
  innovation, university education

4
Proposal for a new tool

• An European Institute of Technology (EIT)
• A project launched by the Commission in February
  2005 and included in the conclusions of the March
  2005 European Council

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Proposal for a new tool

• An instrument among others
• A concept under discussion (no fixed model at
  that stage)
• A number of open questions
• Objectives and mission
• Nature of the European added value (subsidiarity
  principle)
• Relations with existing organizations
• Relations with other EU instruments (education,
  research, innovation)
• Structure of the EIT

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Main objectives

• 3 main objectives
• To answer Europe research, learning and
  innovation needs
• To provide a new demonstration of quality to
  raise quality and to promote excellence
• To provide a reference for the creation,
  dissemination and application of knowledge

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Envisaged strategy

• Improve and encourage innovation
• in the knowledge triangle by
• Integrating education / research / transfer /
  dissemination
• Linking the public and private sectors
• Providing a critical mass and an European
  identity
• Improving benchmarking and dissemination of good
  practices
• Increasing human resources mobility (staff,
  students) between organizations, sectors
  (industry, university) and countries

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Various possible models

• Four models
• A single institution
• A small network (4 6 institutions)
• A large network (15 25 institutions)
• A label / brand (awarded to existing institutions
  or to individual departments / faculties /
  research centers)

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Basic principles / basis for a consensus

• Complementarity with the other EU instruments
  (European Research Council, European Technology
  platforms, etc.)
• Long term perspective
• Autonomy (?? scientific, financial, managerial)
• Accountability (?? financial, strategic, results,
  approaches, outer monitoring, etc.)

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Basic principles / basis for a consensus

• Minimum level of resources required (US MIT
  1,8 billion )
• Participation / commitment of the EU, Member
  States and industry
• Connection with present institutions / activities
  (not reinvent the wheel)

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Future steps and approach

• An inter DG collaboration DG EAC (Chair), RDT,
  ENTR
• A internal joined steering committee between DGs
• A public consultation launched on September 15
  (closing November 15)
• http//europa.eu.int/comm/education/eit/index_en.h
  tml
• Next steps
• A proposal to the 2006 Spring Council of
  Ministers
• In operation for the academic year 2009/10..
  !!!!

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Conclusion

• Very preliminary results from the public
  consultation
• 660 answers (80 from individuals)
• Large consensus in favor of the initiative
• An integrated approach of teaching, research and
  technology transfer, also with a primary focus on
  improving the commercial exploitation of research

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Conclusion

• Very preliminary results from the public
  consultation
• An integrated structure (small network or a
  single institution)
• Priority to a model of interdisciplinary nature
• Added value
• collaboration between the academic and the
  industry
• promotion of innovation throughout the territory
  of the EU
• development of new commercial opportunities
• increasing the attractiveness for students and
  employers