The time for research, development and innovation is now

The current European average for R&D investment is 2.12% of GDP, close to 3% in the most developed countries. Spain stands at 1.24% with 1.40% being the maximum achieved this century.

At Spanish trade union UTC UGT, we have welcomed the creation of the confederal Group of Science and Research (Agrupación de Ciencia e Investigación (ACI) de UTC-UGT). This group will, among other things, closely monitor government actions, ensuring it complies with the provisions of the Spanish Science Pact signed in March 2021, which aims to gradually increase the percentage of investment until reaching 2% of GDP in 2030. As trade unions we have a commitment to society and to a future where science and research have a pivotal place.

For Eurocadres, representing more than 6 million professionals and managers - who account for almost 45% of the European workforce - it is crucial that the social dialogue objectives focus on promoting a change in the production model in certain countries. In particular, our focus should be on Member States where services receive a low level of public social spending, where the average real wage is lower than it should be based on the skills/productivity of the worker and in which the distribution of wealth is unequal, clearly benefiting only companies.

We need production models with an increasing industrialisation based on an active R&D&I policy, both from the public and private sectors, as scientific and technological progress is a key factor for economic and social development in the medium and long term, contributing to the development of culture, progress and well-being of our societies. We are going through difficult times and there are urgent needs that cannot be ignored; but it is no less true that countries that invest more in science will overcome crises sooner and will be better prepared when they occur. The added value that research and science can bring to the country's recovery cannot be underestimated.

The European Union concentrated a large part of its research and innovation activities in the previous Framework Programme, Horizon 2020 (H2020), which integrated all phases, from knowledge generation to activities, closer to the market. Within H2020 this included basic research, technology development, demonstration projects, pilot manufacturing lines, social innovation, technology transfer, proof of concept, standardisation, support for pre-commercial public procurement, venture capital and guarantee schemes.