Europeans are still failing to show world leadership in technology and research, a new report shows

Europeans are still failing to show world leadership in technology and research, a new report shows. The paper, published on 10 February has evaluated the EU research and development programmes and their impact on Europe's knowledge-base and potential for innovation. While it argues that EU funds for the programmes make a "major contribution", it suggests that more resources, industry participation and simplified administration are needed for them to have a greater effect in future. "We have somehow lost momentum", said Erkki Ormala, chair of the panel issuing the report. "The EU is falling behind. And we are now under pressue not only compared to our traditional rivals like the US or Japan, but also China, India or Brazil. We are facing a much tougher competition in talent and knowledge than we are used to". Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik considers the paper's results as a reason for doubling the funds in his portfolio within the next budgetary period of 2007-2013.