Europe, research and education

First of all, I would like to thank MCAA for sharing the white paper and giving us the possibility to express our comments. Otherwise I confess I would have hardly noticed the document, being absorbed -as all of us – in my day-to-day life and research. Although general and abstract, I found the paper well structured and the reflections and scenario proposed a good starting point for debate and brainstorming. I am personally more intrigued by the idealistic n°5 scenario – doing much more together. In this view, European Union members decide to share more power, resources and decision-making. Importantly, this is a research positive scenario with a strong focus on technology, science and venture capitalists. The major impediment here could be represented by the rising of anti-Euro movements. One key word perhaps is education, which could be crucial for a better integration of Europe and drive the future of Science in the continent. Europe needs to involve citizens in social and political life to ensure democracy and cohesion, and for this engagement people must be prepared with the right knowledge and attitudes. This argumentation can also be translated to Science. European research, together with investments and a unified vision, needs to improve its cultural education and to create a deeper interaction with the business world. Science should be able to communicate to both general audience and policy makers. Public engagement is essential to create knowledge and to limit the rise of irrationality, such as the spread of anti-vaccination movements. The ability to understand and to communicate the language of policy makers can instead lead to a better understanding of the regulatory barriers and bring simplification to the bureaucracy, particularly for those interesting in moving ideas from lab to market. A better education can improve the overall framework for innovation.