The Flemish Science Policy Council and its committees have been holding in-depth debates about 'Fiscal and para-fiscal instruments designed to lend support to innovation in research', paying special heed to a labour cost initiative for researchers in knowledge-based institutions and companies.
With the federal government preparing to roll out the measure for the business community (planned for 1 January 2005 but postponed owing to budgetary considerations), the Flemish Science Policy Council thought it best for all the various ideas and concerns raised during the discussions to be combined in one comment.
First of all, the Flemish Science Policy Council does indeed welcome the measure but nonetheless has one or two remarks to make. For example, there is a need for clear definitions, both for 'researcher' and the 'type of cooperation'. Criteria also have to be decided upon for the accreditation of scientific institutions qualifying for this measure. The Flemish Science Policy Council is anxious to emphasise the extent to which the measure should serve to promote science and innovation. The measure also has to offer sufficient legal certainty and there has to be a dependable estimate of the financial feasibility. Lastly, the advantages of the measure should outweigh the burden of proof and all that goes with it (administration).