Permanently high level of ambition needed to tackle constraints in education and science
27 March 2009
Response of KNAW, NWO and VSNU to the Dutch Cabinet’s economic crisis plans
On Wednesday 25 March the Dutch Cabinet presented its declaration about the social agreements and the measures to be taken to ensure that the Netherlands emerges stronger from the current economic crisis. KNAW, NWO and VSNU are happy that the key words education, innovation and knowledge are in the investment package, yet at the same time they are concerned about the lack of ambition.
The focus on the OESO average for education, knowledge and innovation raises the suspicion that the Cabinet has relinquished its ambition to springboard the Netherlands back to the leading group of knowledge economies. We believe that the Cabinet must resolutely adhere to the previously agreed upon targets of the Lisbon agreement and to the knowledge investment agenda of the Innovation Platform.
We are pleased about the plan to release €280 million over the next two years for the temporary employment of knowledge workers. We had already indicated that as knowledge institutions we were willing to make a contribution in the form of offering temporary positions. We are also positive about the intended investments in sustainable technology and wind energy. Investments in the hard infrastructure and in protective measures against water can contribute to strengthening the knowledge infrastructure, as long as a substantial part of the investment is devoted to scientific research and the investments are based on a clearly motivated strategy. KNAW, NWO and VSNU request that during the realisation of the plans, the Cabinet set aside a substantial amount for scientific research.
The current constraints in research and education require a permanently high level of ambition coupled with the necessary investments. Joint investments in knowledge will ensure that the Netherlands can emerge from this crisis in a stronger position. KNAW, NWO and VSNU are of course more than willing to play an active role in the realisation of all ambitions in the areas of education and science and shall be pleased to enter into consultations with the Cabinet about this.
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For further information please contact:
- KNAW, Hugo van Bergen, +31 6 2159 9939
- NWO, Dominique de Vet, +31 6 2208 1268
- VSNU, Aly Oldersma, +31 6 1472 4703
