EU outlines digital age strategy

The European commission has unveiled a strategy to promote better access to online scientific information.

Speaking at a major conference in Brussels, EU research commissioner Janez Potocnik outlined how Europe can best capitalise on the “excellent work” of its researchers.

“New ideas are usually built on the results of previous research,” he said.

“We must make sure that the flow of scientific information contributes to innovation and research excellence in the European research area,” he said.

On the eve of the event, a 19,000-name petition from the research community was handed to Potocnik calling on the commission to guarantee public access to publicly-funded research results shortly after publication.

The conference, on scientific publishing, heard that digital technologies are reshaping how research information is viewed and published.

Potocnik said the commission had earmarked around €50m to help coordinate infrastructures for storing scientific data across Europe.

A further €25m has been set aside, he told delegates, for research on digital preservation.

To improve current and future access to scientific information, he said the EU will also support experiments with “open access”.

“There is no quick fix,” Potocnik said. ”That is why we have to look at how we can find a way forward.”

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