EU commissioner visits techno centre during birthday celebrations

8th November 2007

EUROPEAN Commissioner Janez Potočnik will join Euro-MP Eluned Morgan today at the Techniquest children's science centre in Cardiff Bay, which celebrates its 21st birthday this month.

As well as touring Techniquest the Commissioner for Science and Research will meet with First Minister Rhodri Morgan and the Vice-Chancellors of Welsh universities. He will also visit projects that have benefited from the EU's funding stream for science, the ‘Seventh Framework Programme' (FP7).

Eluned Morgan wants to see Wales drawing more and more cash from the Framework Programme in order to help build a strong knowledge-based economy to drive jobs and growth.

ELUNED MORGAN said:

"Over the next seven years Wales will benefit from around £1.3 billion in European regional funding through the EU's Convergence Programme. But this is really our last bite of the cherry in terms of regional funding. Wales must ensure it now positions itself to reap the benefits from the EU's other funding streams.

"The Seventh Framework Programme has a seven year budget of £37 billion and future programmes will grow even further as the EU works toward its Lisbon Agenda to become the world's most competitive knowledge economy. Welsh businesses and universities must equip themselves to access this cash.

"If we are to successfully compete in the global economy Wales must stay ahead in the innovation game. Framework funds will be vital in helping us achieve this."

Notes
• The Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) is the European Union's main instrument for funding research in Europe.
• Since their launch in 1984, the Framework Programmes have played a lead role in multidisciplinary research and cooperative activities in Europe and beyond.
• FP7 is both larger and more comprehensive than earlier Framework Programmes. Running from 2007 to 2013, the programme has a budget of 53.2 billion euros over its seven-year lifespan, the largest funding allocation yet for such programmes.
• Commissioner Potočnik will visit Techniquest between 9am and 10am on Thursday 8th November. Media are invited to attend by prior arrangement.