Director-General of the Directorate for Science and Technology, Hrvoje Meštrić, PhD, participated in the Informal Meeting of Ministers responsible for Competitiveness (Research) that took place in La Hulpe, Belgium, 14-15 February 2024.
Three policy debates took place during the meeting. The first policy debate focused on the
Transformative nature of the European Framework for Research and Innovation, during which the importance of further pursuing a strong Excellence Pillar, as well as the pillar dedicated to addressing global challenges and fostering industrial competitiveness, was emphasized.
During the Ministerial working lunch, the topic
Stimulating intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration: universities, research centres, companies, policymakers and citizens was discussed. On this occasion, it was underlined that intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration is one of the three strategic objectives of programme funding agreements signed in December 2023 with 25 public research institutes and two universities of applied sciences. The importance of developing the skills of young researchers was further emphasized and a call for grants on “Strengthening the competences of students and young researchers for smart specialisation and industrial transition” was also announced.
Finally, during the third policy debate on
Technological Development to accelerate industrial decarbonisation and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness, the importance of innovative public procurement was highlighted, and additionally, the DIG-IT project was presented with the objective of advancing research and innovation with a digital and green focus.
Multilateral Dialogue on Principles and Values for International Cooperation in Research and Innovation took place on 16 February 2024 in Brussels, bringing together various partners from all over the world with the aim of adopting the Declaration of the Belgian Presidency on the subject. Director-General Meštrić stressed that the Republic of Croatia supports the objectives of the Declaration presented, in particular those relating to a reliable, open, accessible, inclusive, and secure international environment in the context of research and innovation.
In conclusion, all countries present supported the text of the Declaration, which underlines the importance of international cooperation using common values and principles, the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, as well as the importance of multilateral dialogue as a global platform for an open exchange of views, experiences, and best practices.
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