Barroso wants EU technology institute to rival US colleges

COMMISSION President José Manuel Barroso wants to establish a European Institute of Technology (EIT) to rival the best universities in the US.

However, several member states are uneasy with the proposal, fearing it could strip their own third-level institutions of funding and staff.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen indicated last night that, while Ireland broadly supported it, the Government want to see final plans before fully committing.

A key question for the Government, he said, was the type of research the EIT proposed to undertake, and whether that research would help create jobs.

Mr Barroso is to return with precise details of his plan by the end of the year.

The Commission envisages the EIT, first proposed by Mr Barroso last year, as a “flagship of excellence” in higher education, research and innovation. It would not be campus-based. However, there would be a governing board with a small office-based support staff and a set of “knowledge communities” (research centres) across the EU.

The institute would draw funding from the EU, individual member states, and the business community.

Education Commissioner Jan Figel said the last element, in particular, would be crucial. “This is an EU weakness - we have a lack of business engagement,” he said. “Europe consistently falls short in turning R&D results into commercial opportunities, innovations and jobs.” He said the EIT would specifically offer companies new opportunities for the “commercialisation” of research.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the summit last night that eliminating mobile phone roaming charges would be a simple but effective way for the EU to show its relevance to young people.