In this episode I’m joined by Thomas Brent from Science Business for a practical status update on Widening in FP10. We go back to the roots of the debate: why Widening was created in the first place, how it was meant to help countries with weaker research capacity connect more effectively into the framework programme, and why some people have long argued that it does not fit neatly inside an excellence-based funding system. Thomas explains why that debate is now less dominant than before and why, despite some remaining criticism, Widening now looks likely to remain part of the next framework programme.
From there we dig into what is actually on the table in the FP10 discussions. We talk about the proposed increase in the Widening budget, the idea of placing Widening in a new fourth pillar, the possible creation of “transition countries”, and the controversial conditionality around public investment in research and development. We also touch on the current state of the negotiations, the role of member states, and why the coming months should give a clearer picture of where the political compromises are heading. It’s a useful episode for anyone trying to follow the Widening file without getting lost in Brussels process language.
Time codes:
01:46 Guest introduction and fly in
04:06 The Original Debate – Excellence vs Development
11:34 The FP10 Proposal – Splitting the Widening Countries
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Niels Tudor-Vinther. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Niels Tudor-Vinther och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
