By Martin Banks - 29th January 2009
EU commissioner Janez Potocnik has told an audience of research experts that Turkey is a "relevant and serious" research partner for Europe.
Speaking in parliament on Thursday, the commissioner for science and research cautioned, "However, our efforts could be even more effective if complimentary actions were taken by public authorities in Turkey."
He said that in doing so, key players in science and research will make Turkey "more attractive" to invest in research and to innovate.
"That would be good for all of us, both in Ankara and in Brussels," said the Slovenian official.
He pointed out that Turkey had itself set a target for increased investment in research - 2 per cent of GDP by 2010 with half of it coming from the private sector.
Turkey has also initiated its own Turkish research area and has a national strategy plan to increase investment in R&D, he said.
"Do you need any more examples to illustrate how Turkey is moving in the right direction in developing a system of joined-up modern research capacity?" he asked.
Potocnik was a keynote speaker at a one-day seminar, organised by the ALDE group, on the current state of research and development in Turkey. It was attended by several experts from both the EU and Turkey.
He said the event was an opportunity to "showcase" the "strong partnership" between the EU and Turkey in research and technology.
"Both the EU and Turkey value scientific excellence. We also know the value of research cooperation as a pre-accession tool and a means to enhance our relationship by working together on global challenges."
The commissioner said he was "particularly pleased" that Turkey, in 2007, had requested association to the 7th framework programme (FP7).
Cooperation, he said, had taken place on a "wide range" of subjects, including food safety and the effect of GMOs on human health.
He warned, though, that Turkey’s involvement in FP7 "could be improved", adding, "Their success rate is lower than the EU average."
"That is why I encourage Turkey to keep on doing what it has been doing - to keep on the path it has chosen and aim, just as in Europe, to avoid fragmentation of research efforts."
Speaking by video link, UK MEP Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE group, said, "It is hugely important that we use every opportunity to develop a joint working relationship on R&D between the EU and Turkey.
"Turkey has a vibrant research sector and I hope we can harness this to the best R&D brains in Europe."
Italian ALDE member Vittorio Prodi, another speaker at the conference, said, "Today’s event is an important opportunity for experts from the two sides, Turkey and the EU, to get to know each other better.
"It is also a chance for us to demonstrate to our Turkish friends the EU’s expectations for Turkish accession to the EU."
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