EUROTECH Meeting October 2013 Hosted by VTT, Helsinki, Finland

Transcription

1 EUROTECH Meeting October 2013 Hosted by VTT, Helsinki, Finland DRAFT MINUTES Place & Timing: Helsinki (Finland), October Agenda: See the two days-agenda attached. Participants: See list participants attached. EUROTECH Meeting Part I - 20 October 2013 afternoon 1. Welcome by Host VTT, Erkki Leppävuori, VTT Mr Leppävuori welcomed all participants and introduced Ms Steinsmo as the new Chairwoman of EUROTECH. 2. Welcome & Introduction of EUROTECH Strategy Session by EUROTECH Chairwoman, Unni Steinsmo Ms Steinsmo thanked VTT for hosting the meeting, their excellent organization and warm welcome. She also expressed her expectations for this meeting looking at enhancing EUROTECH members collaboration as the trends setters in Europe in order to allow EUROTECH group (via EARTO) to bring forward positive proposals on what R&I policies could be at EU level. 3. Session 1 EUROTECH Members influence to National Research & Innovation Strategic Programing and their possible translation/aggregation into EU recommendations/activities from EUROTECH to demonstrate RTOs capabilities The target of this session was to look at best practices of how RTOs present their plans at national level and what could be learned from those experiences and extrapolate in order to plan further EU activities. Presentations attached have been made by: SINTEF Mr Kristiansen, who noted that the creation of their national research association improved the RTOs success in presenting advices at national level. In 2010 SINTEF published Recommendations for Research and Innovation in Norway which they experienced have been used by the politicians. FhG Mr Neugebauer, who presented FhG latest activities, presenting FhG high-tech strategies linked to the development of high-tech clusters. He also made few recommendations of topics that could be treated together at EU level. TECNALIA Mr San Sebastian, who introduced the challenges of discussing with regional and national governments in Spain. IMEC Mr Van den Hove, who explained that Flanders was organized by four major RTOs, each having their main technology domains (imec with VIB, iminds, VITO) well supported by the Flemish regional government. He mentioned the European e-lg high level group of DG CONNECT that is now just starting and looking at a new strategy to allow Europe to develop an airbus of chips. AIT Mr Plimon, who presented the way Austria was organized today. He stated that since 5 years the negotiations with the national government were good: an expected raise of 15% of the R&D budget in the next 5 years. The national government will keep a target of 3.5% of national spending for R&D. Austria is mainly made of medium size companies ( employees, very focused) so the discussions are now focusing on how to avoid that those companies arrived in a dead-lock with their technological development to maintain their high-margins. SP Ms Khorsand, who explained that Swedish RTOs are not always working together and have very different models (SP is a limited company, other RTOs are some owned by industry or/and European Association of Research and Technology Organisations rue Joseph II, B-1000 Brussels secretariat@earto.eu

2 by government, ministry enterprise and then ministry of finances). SP has been invited by ministries to write R&D Swedish plans with other national agencies (strategy relationships & working relationships). In the last 6 years, SP has had a 10% annual growth: acquisitions & organic growth in close relationship with industry. SP moto is: work across boundaries. She gave the examples of the new SP investments in infrastructure: AstaZero, new test track for automotive safety technology (30ME investment, built with half from banking loans received thanked to industry guarantee of use for 10 years) and the new bio-refinery bought very recently to support the wood industry in Sweden. CEA Mr Bernard, who noted that the French government is now looking at setting a new plan for the next 5 years. The CEA is having two main partners for strategic programming in 5 Alliances (with RTOs & universities but no industry) and with the CNRS. Those 5 alliances are on energy, ICT, health, Environment and human sciences. They all have 10 programming groups, CEA leads 5 of them. Mr Bernard himself is involved at EU level as EERA secretary and in the EERA Executive Committee to be presented later on. TNO Mr Mengelers, who expressed that TNO is set up by law and noted that all RTOs presented so far were all having different set-ups but that all work at national level with quite some influence as well as with good links to the industry. In the NLs, the situation is not as positive as in other countries. The current % of national funding in NLs is at about 1.5% (target NLs is 2.5% of GDP), so far lower than the Lisbon target. The NLs R&I policy focuses on 9 top sectors, with an increase of tax relief incentives for industry (not yet clear how this will function for RTOs). He showed the leverage impact of TNO: 1 Euro in TNO = 7 Euro in industrial value, 150 ME in TNO from Dutch government = 1 Billion Euro effect for the society. He noted that TNO will now focus on 5 key issues while aiming at keeping its leverage/impact with less national funding. The Chairwoman thanked the presenters and launched the discussion on how EUROTECH members could better collectively present their efforts at EU level. Mr Mengelers noted that some of the RTOs will have a national fight to carry on and that at European level we had some similar work to do to present applied research compared to basic research. Ms Khorsand noted that despite the variations of national situations, it should be possible at EU level to find 1 or 2 topics of strategic importance to focus our activities on and bring positive proposals on. Mr Declerck noted that on the KETs area would be an area where the RTOs could show their specific value. Ms Sarvaranta explained that the funding model in KETs was going to closer to market activities and that it may become more difficult for RTOs to access this budget: so EARTO could develop tactics to tackle this issue. Mr Heidenkamp asked if with the model of RTOs more aligned in Europe, do we face national barriers and can we communicate on this (how much will be financed by national funds with barriers attached and what will be then possible to do together at EU level). Mr Bernard answered that it was an important topic, the CEA will launch a new activity: France-Europe 2020, to align French R&I activities to EU activities in H2020. So he noted that RTOs are in a position to be aligned on technology issues between not on the finances model at national and EU levels, accordingly the idea to look at this issue more closely is interesting. Mr Treppe asked Mr Mengelers if in the context of national funding decreasing, the need for co-funding of EU projects, this will bring more difficulties to approach EU programmes, and if so, this would increase the need to focus also EU programmes at the place of spreading the activities through many technology fields. Mr Mengelers answered that we will face a more difficult time to find matching funds for EU projects: this will somehow automatically focus TNO EU activities. Ms Steinsmo mentioned that if RTOs have been more visible in showing their impact at EU level, the EC would have offered them better financial conditions. As such she sees that a better dialogue is necessary with EC on what RTOs impact really is. Ms Hagdorn explained that such dialogue should be on RTOs leverage using the example of VTT report, imec figures, etc. which combined could show RTOs in a better position. 4. Session 2 EUROTECH Members European Cooperation Efforts up to now Lessons learned for planning future activities The following presentation were made: EERA by Mr Leppävuori, VTT: EERA so far has 15 joint programmes as part of the SET plan by the EC (300MEuro). The target is to have a legal entity for EERA early next year to get possible direct contract/support from EC. He noted the challenges of having a free-willing supporting model. Lots of discussion between EC/EERA and national members states/eera are on-going. He mentioned that the discussion on impact/leverage of RTOs will become more and more important also at national level in Finland. He noted that EERA was the best benchmark in term of joint programming of national activities (easy at the top level but not always clear at researcher levels). 2

3 AERTOs by Mr Heindekamp, TNO: AERTOs model showed it success in: building EU consortia together at EU level, but less experience on working together for industry, the RTOs group used as expert by the EC, in mobilizing RTOs basic funding for strategic activities, in building trust between RTOs for cooperation. Mr Heindekamp also discussed the next proposal for AERTOs joint research: on bio-based economy, currently now funding possibilities at EU level to be fought for. The idea is to work on such topic is moving from one project to working as one RTO with one programme. EUROTECH members were asked to endorse this bio-based programme. It will be further discussed the next day. EUROTECH WG Security Research, Mr Van de Steen, TNO: The Security topic started with FP7 new security work programme. The main target was FP7 and project making together to build up trust thanks to open and transparent information. Results were 270 granted project participation with 50 as coordinator with a success rate of 33% (average 20%). What did not work was the position papers written because the scope and influence limited with end users. What worked were: the contacts develop with industry, common brokerage events, and broader presentation of EUROTECH at events and with key stakeholders (EC, NCP, different agencies). It now needs adaptation to the new H2020: broader topics, focus on impacts, more DGs involved/end users. The WG also offered support to DG Enterprise to write roadmaps & got position in H2020 security advisory committee (FhG Merle Missoweit). EARPA, Mr Plimon, AIT: He noted that EARPA is a successful example on how RTOs can position themselves in a technology playfield/automotive based thanks to the organization of an efficient platform (40 members RTOs + universities) targeting EU funding. Very clear targeted activities put in place with 8 technology oriented working groups which brought a very high success rate: up to 48% success rate, strengthen position of policy studies. It has a legal based entity in Brussels. JIIP, Mr San Sebastian, TECNALIA: Limited number of RTOs working together on innovation policy, looking at becoming EC & OECD advisers, targeting EC tenders mainly: 23 ME worth of projects. It has a legal based entity in Brussels. Ms Attane summarised that all RTOs-RTOs cooperation models have all some different targets and strategic levels but all showed some successes. 5. Session 3 Discussion on EUROTECH needed Partners to further promote RTOs in Europe The Chairwoman introduced the three following topics: Relations to Industry Inclusion of New Members States in EUROTECH membership Relations to Partners outside EU Ms Steinsmo asked if participants agreed that the group as EUROTECH/EARTO has to: 1) take action to better position themselves at EU level and 2) to further discuss what type of activities could be jointly launched. Mr San Sebastian noted that his conclusions looking at the influencing worked done so far was finally that our work had only very limited impact and that it was now very necessary to take further action. Mr Plimon noted that there was a variation between EARTO & EUROTECH and that if actions were taken they should take care of using the power of the being together within EARTO also with smaller RTOs. Mr Hull noted that members could use some running activities at EU level and try to make such activities successful proving the EC their value. Ms Khorsand noted that activities should be launched using the links with industry. Mr Mengelers noted that at national level we have great influence however may be we are not always happy with their translation into fact at national level. He also expressed that smaller RTOs and larger RTOs have very similar issues in term of positioning. One way to show our interest is to show our best contribution to prove our reason of existence: winning by doing good work, not by trying to demonstrate it (like was done with Technopolis report) Mr Declerck expressed that industry should not see us as competing for EU funding but that we should build real wining partnership with industry to better present ourselves. 6. Wrap-up & Closing of the first part of the meeting by Chairwoman Ms Steinsmo concluded the session by noting that we should have more dialogue with the EC to discuss what we could do for the EC as our client. We clearly have not had enough impact so discussing with the industry and other partners will also become key activities for the future. 3

4 EUROTECH Meeting Part II - 21 October 2013 morning 1. Welcome The participants were welcomed by Host VTT, Mr Leppävuori, VTT & EUROTECH Chairwoman, Ms Steinsmo, SINTEF. 2. Session 1 Introduction to Finish Research & innovation Landscape The Finnish Research & Innovation System was presented by Mr Lehto. The Finish government decided to invest every year 17MEuro aligned with H2020 societal challenges that will be looking at how solving those challenges. The Finish policy will be looking further at SMEs, introducing tax credit schemes (introduced this year and for 2 years as a pilot test), using public procurement as tool for innovation policy, look at facilitating structural change taking place in the ICT sector (collapse of Nokia led the developments to many SMEs in this sector). Finland will also be looking at renewing the concept of strategic centres for science, technology and innovation. This presentation was followed by Mr Kalliokoski who presented VTT latest strategic developments. A new structure and a new legal status (non-profit organization) will be launched in 2015 to adapt to the decrease of 20ME basic funding expected in few time. The new strategy has been developed for the period New order in priorities/objectives has been set: first priority is to support competitive development for industry (role of innovation emphasis). VTT will look for stronger collaboration with universities on knowledge supply side to translate this into innovation for industry. VTT 3 competence and technology focus areas will be: knowledge intensive products and services, smart industry and energy systems, solutions for natural resources and environment combined with a transversal area called business ecosystems, value chains, and foresight. VTT new organization comes from a 3D matrix to a linear type of organization light matrix organization. It will have 3 business areas based on the technology areas quoted above, they will be managed by smaller management teams. There will have two transversal services: CTO office with Strategy/EU affairs and a Business support group for administration/finances, HR, ICT, etc. This new organization will be launched in Session 2 Latest H2020 Developments Ms Steinsmo wrapped up the conclusions of the day before: few recommendations were made on key issues to have impact & leverage. Mr Mengelers expressed his concern that we should be aware that EUROTECH should not tumble on EARTO business: preparation for EARTO could be done in EUROTECH but EUROTECH should not be a separated business, so ideas/trends to be launched in EUROTECH and implemented in an EARTO setting. Accordingly, members agreed to ask EARTO to launch a new Working Group to look at impact (based on the first attempt made) to be used for further dialogue with EC and industry at a higher level (Action EARTO Secretariat). Members should provide name of experts that could support this effort (Action All). Overview of key issues related to H2020, Ms Attané, EARTO On the issue on LRI dossier, Mr Mengelers noted that we should be very aware of the interest of smaller RTOs should also be taken care of so EARTO will keep monitoring the developments. It is not yet clear what the impact of the non-full costs model will have on our smaller members yet within EARTO. This issue will be picked up by EUROTECH WG Financial Experts & EARTO WG Financial Experts (Action EARTO Secretariat). Participants agreed to further think on what should be the activities of EUROTECH/EARTO towards H2020 implementation and what topics could be launched for further RTOs-RTOs cooperation within H2020 to be organised then by EARTO. EARTO Secretariat will prepare a summary of the ideas so at to launch further discussions/actions on this (Action EARTO Secretariat). In addition, the issue of the reading of the TRLs scale for the evaluation of proposals during H2020 was discussed, action on this will be launched by EARTO Secretariat to define EARTO own reading of the TRLs to deliver criteria for impact for the evaluations of proposals (Action EARTO Secretariat). Members should provide name of experts that could support this effort (Action All). 4

5 KETs latest developments, Ms Sarvaranta, VTT Ms Sarvaranta mentioned that it will be a difficult route to maintain a good market share for RTOs in the KETs programme. If you are not active in the PPPs under the KETs, it will be very difficult to access the KETs related calls. Members active in the High-level expert group of the KETs ( ) should bundle together to make sure that RTOs position is somehow protected. Some tenders/ec studies are now running where RTOs are cooperating looking at best practices and criteria for multi-kets, crosscutting KETs roadmap, KETs observatory, one new in preparation on the implementation for KETs action plan. There is also the HLG KETs Sherpa group looking at early stage KETs prototyping facilities for SMEs and future RTO collaboration on technology infrastructures. There are also other WGs on KETs integration, promotion of KETs at national/regional level, KETs skills and education, EIB task force on KETs, study on innovation and industrial ecosystems. Members agreed to keep a watch on the developments related to the KETs, activity to be supported by EARTO Secretariat (Action EARTO Secretariat & All). Round table of EUROTECH members active in EU High Level Groups on latest developments in the group they participate No real feedback at this time. Members are asked to Feedback from members on their views on the European Research Council (Round table) Not done, to be picked up next meeting (Action EARTO Secretariat). 4. Session 3 Other EU Developments of Interest European Research Area, Ernst Kristiansen, SINTEF Due to the lack of time, the presentation by Ernst will be circulated only. Members should provide name of experts that could support this effort (Action All). Revision of the GBER State Aide Rules, VTT Mr Karhunen made an overview of the work planned in EARTO on this issue in November and on the main issues linked to this dossier that main limit RTOs commercial activities. More activities will be organized by EARTO WG Legal Experts planned on 15 November Members agreed to further contact their national governments to warn again them on this issue and ask for support (Action All). EARTO Secretariat will also contact LERU & Business Europe to ask if they have concern on this too and ally if possible (Action EARTO Secretariat). Structural funds Example of Regional R&I Strategy, Mr San Sebastian, TECNALIA Mr San Sebastian presented the challenges linked to the complex financial engineering linked to the structural funds use as well as the way such funds were planned to be distributed. Members agreed to further look at those funds. EARTO secretariat has already received also the advice from the WG H2020 to further look at those and will initiate a new WG of experts on this topic in the next months to allow exchange best practices on how to use those funds (Action EARTO Secretariat). 5. Decision on EUROTECH Fee Members agreed that EARTO secretariat will levitate a 3KEuro fee for the next 2-years work, knowing the costs of EUROTECH support is about 14-15KE per year. EARTO secretariat will send invoices in the next months (Action EARTO Secretariat). 6. Decision on AERTOs BIOBASED ECONOMY Members agreed to endorse the idea of AERTOs to look at future planned on bio-based. 7. Wrap-up & Closing by EUROTECH Chairwoman, Unni Steinsmo, SINTEF Next meeting will be taking place in Grenoble on March 2013 and will be hosted by the CEA (Action CEA). Ms Steinsmo closed the meeting by thanking VTT for hosting the meeting, all the participants for their active participation and EARTO secretariat for the preparation work. 5

6 New Action List No. Action Responsible Status 1. EARTO will re-launch the Working Group to look at All RTOs impact (based on the first attempt made) to be used for further dialogue with EC and industry at a higher level. Members should provide name of experts that could support this effort. 2. Check impact for smaller RTOs of the new H2020 Secretariat financial schemes with the help of the EUROTECH & EARTO WGs Financial Experts. 3. EARTO Secretariat will prepare a summary of the Secretariat discussions/actions on further possible collaboration on H2020 implementation 4. EARTO Secretariat to define EARTO own reading of the Secretariat & All TRLs to deliver criteria for impact for the evaluations of proposals. Members should provide name of experts that could support this effort. 5. Keep a watch on the developments related to the Secretariat & All KETs, activity to be supported by EARTO Secretariat 6. Keep agenda point on Feedback from members on Secretariat their views on the European Research Council for next meeting. 7. Members should provide name of experts that could All support ERA reporting effort of EARTO secretariat 8. Members agreed to further contact their national All governments to warn again them on this issue and ask for support. 9. EARTO Secretariat will also contact LERU & Business Secretariat Europe to ask if they have concern on GBER revision too and ally if possible. 10. EARTO will initiate new WG on Structural Funds in the next months. Members would are ready to send Secretariat & All experts for this group, please inform EARTO secretariat. 11. EARTO secretariat will send invoices in the next Secretariat months of 3KE fee. 12. Next meeting to be hosted by CEA CEA 13. Organise next meeting with new hosting organisation Chair, Secretariat & CEA 6