The policy credits for science & technology in 2008 increased structurally by 75 million EUR, which is very positive and in line with the commitment made in the Innovation Pact. The VRWB however warns that 75 million EUR more for 2008 and only 25 million EUR more for 2009 is absolutely not enough to achieve the 1% standard (cf. VRWB recommendation 113 'Science & Innovation Budget 2007).
The policy document and the attached budget for 2008 create perspectives for a number of good actions, but they should also really be able to grow throughout 2009. Besides, there are a number of future initiatives, e.g., the continuing path of VRWB clusters, translational research, international dimension for the FWO, etc., which need to get a chance. All this requires a bigger budget than the 25 million EUR which is planned for 2009.
On the other hand, the VRWB is very pleased that the Flemish Government has already released an additional amount of 45 million EUR from the budget excesses for the scientific and innovation policy, in compliance with the commitment made in the September declaration.
The VRWB notes with satisfaction that the policy document correctly pays a lot of attention to supporting the research career path. Concretely, the Council views the proposed tenure track and the Baekeland programme as two of the highest priorities (see also recommendation 118). In connection with the VRWB balance recommendation, the additional resources in 2008 will go towards reinforcing collaboration (more and earlier interaction with companies in SBO, more resources for IOF) as well as towards reinforcing individual players (university support of the tenure track, FWO, BOF, innovation potential of companies).