MADRID, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday presented his government's plan to boost science and innovation in the country.
The plan foresees 1.056 billion euros (1.2 million U.S. dollars) in government funding for new investment in science, research and development, and contains 17 different measures focusing on health, the transformation of the Spanish science system and also on attracting talent and promoting business.
A purse of 396.1 million euros will be spent in 2020 and 2021 as direct aid on the country's science and innovation system.
The move marks a turnaround in policy after years of cutbacks in investment in science and R&D (research and development) in Spain. The 31-page document accompanying the plan reveals that between 2010 and 2017 investment in science in Spain fell by 5.9 percent, while it rose by an average 27 percent in the rest of the European Union and by 31 percent in Germany. The same period saw China increase its investment in the sector by 99 percent.
"This is a long-term investment that Spain has never taken seriously enough," commented the document. Sanchez said the ongoing coronavirus crisis showed the need to fund scientific research and innovation.
"Spain cannot continue to turn its back on science, it must firmly bet on science. If we want to be prepared for future health emergencies, if we want to take measures that ensure health and well-being, competitiveness and sustainability, if we want to create qualified jobs, new industries, a fairer society and a more resilient economy, we have to bet on science," commented the prime minister during the presentation held at his official residence of the Palacio de la Moncloa in Madrid. Enditem
