[Science and economic development].

Abstract

In times of great turbulences at a planetary scale, as a result of economic and social disparities, of environmental erosion, cultural uniformization and progressive weakness of international ethical and legal international institutions, the reinforcement of scientific research appears as one of the crucial keys to correct the present trends. Increase of knowledge and its adequate application are not only the fundamental pillars of the urgent general enhancement of the quality of life, but also economic competitiveness is based on knowledge. In this communication recent data on the ERA (European Research Area) are presented and commented as well as the proposal of a European Fund (of 2000 million of euros initially) which, administered by a European Research Council, would improve the EU trade and productive perspectives and, above all, will avoid or reduce the present brain-drain of those who, lacking opportunities in Europe, emigrate to other countries, particularly the United States.