The EFC is taking the lead in establishing a European Forum on Philanthropy and Research. The Forum was among the key issues addressed at the March 2006 conference on ‘Giving More for Research in Europe’, held in Brussels and organized by the European Commission with the assistance of the EFC.

A significant development under way in the European Union is to place research and innovation at the heart of EU and national policies to support growth and job creation. Foundations are flexible and independent institutions that can fund innovative solutions, take a long-term view, strengthen the link between science and society, and leverage resources by entering into partnerships. A European Forum on Philanthropy and Research would enhance cooperation between research foundations and other stakeholders.

The March conference brought together over 200 participants from foundations, universities, industry, European institutions and public authorities. Transparency, accountability and good governance of foundations were also central to the discussions as means to increase both donor confidence and the impact and effectiveness of research funding. Conference participants also outlined the value of a European Foundation Statute to facilitate the cross-border activities of foundations supporting research.

The event was a follow-up to a report, produced for the European Commission, which explored the possibilities of enhancing cooperation between research stakeholders and shaping appropriate legal tools to support foundations’ cross-border work, along with other measures at national and European levels to promote the role of philanthropy in supporting research.

In his closing remarks, José Manuel Silva Rodriguez, Director General, DG Research, European Commission, said he believed the Forum would be an important step towards reinforcing a strategic approach and creating a European agenda in funding research.
 
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Contact eu@efc.be

European Foundation Centre
Chief Executive: Gerry Salole
T +32 2 512 8938
efc@efc.be