University Alliance is disappointed that the EC proposes to divert money from the research and innovation budget to the newly created European Fund for Strategic Investments.
Maddalaine Ansell, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said:
“UK universities get up to 20 percent of their external research income from the EU. So a hit to the Horizon 2020 budget will have a significant negative impact on our research base.
“Investment in science and research leverages private investment and leads to deep and long-lasting social and economic benefits, including job creation and growth. Many Horizon 2020 funding streams are directed towards those parts of the economy with the greatest potential to grow sustainably. They give particular support to SMEs. A reduction to the Horizon 2020 budget will impact on universities’ capacity to drive innovation within SMEs and to promote growth in their local areas and region.
“This latest development is a backwards step.”
Notes for editors
The proposals were revealed in a European Commission legislative proposal this week where plans have been tabled to divert money from the R&D budget to the ‘European Fund for Strategic Investments’.
