Published: Fri, 19 April 2013
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My lead committee in the European Parliament is the key Industry, Research and Energy Committee. This committee oversees spending of €80 billion in EU research and innovation funds. It is a key committee from both an Irish and a European perspective.
The future of the European economy rests on our own ingenuity, creativity and how we develop and apply our knowledge base. We must strive to foster innovation in our third level institutions and SMEs as they are the drivers of economic progress and create the greatest co-operation possible between the business world and third level institutions.
The European Union needs to invest more in R&D, according to the latest OECD figures, we are spending 1.7% of GDP compared to the 2.68% in the United States and 3.44% in Japan.
Over the course of my term, I will work to ensure that these vital components of economic recovery and growth are to the fore in policy formation. Ireland must be at the forefront in developing the knowledge economy and creating jobs for our young people.
Renewable energy, particularly wind, wave and tidal power, is an area where Ireland, with its abundance of natural advantages, can truly be a world leader. I am working hard to ensure that the huge opportunities available to Ireland in harnessing wind, wave and tidal energies are taken advantage of with European Union support.
Industry, Research and Energy
Committee responsible for:
The website of the European Parliament’s Industry, Research, and Energy Committee can be found here.
Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science: Carlos Moedas
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research’s website can be accessed here.