Remobilising both public and private investment in R&D and innovation Interview with Mr Jean-Christophe DEHALU, President of the Science Policy Pole (SPP), Wallonia priority sectors for the Walloon economy and the strengthening of the valorisation of the results of RDI projects, the revaluation of STEM courses or the strengthening of the orientation of Frenchspeaking students towards these courses. Over the coming months, the Pole will be attentive to ensuring that these intentions are translated into concrete actions.
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hat are the missions of the Scientific Policy Pole? The Science Policy Pole is an advisory body whose main mission is to provide advice on science, research and innovation policy. Bringing together actors from different backgrounds (companies, trade unions, universities, colleges and research centres) with the desire to exchange and work together, the Science Policy Pole wants to bring real added value to the Walloon RDI (research, development and innovation) policy thanks to its work, studies and opinions.
On which themes do you plan to submit own-initiative opinions? Once again, one of the themes of prime importance for the SPP is the attractiveness of the STEM sectors. The number of new STEM graduates in French-speaking Belgium is a weakness of our innovation system (14% in 2017 for 17% in Belgium and 26% at EU level). This situation has a strong impact on the economic development of the region. The Pole has already submitted several opinions on this topic and will continue its reflections during this year. © CESE Wallonie
It is also responsible for evaluating the Walloon Region's scientific policy every two years. On this occasion, it publishes a report that carries out an in-depth examination of the Walloon research and innovation system, identifies its strengths and weaknesses and makes recommendations to remedy them. The latest version of this report was published last December.
The question of the good use and efficiency of European funds also arises. This issue is absolutely fundamental given the particularly difficult economic and budgetary context, and the Pole will reflect on concrete proposals.
What is your assessment of the Walloon Government's RDI policy? Within the framework of the regional policy declaration 20192024, the Walloon Government has defined its RDI priorities for this legislature. The SPP has carried out a detailed analysis of this document and noted with satisfaction that many of the priorities put forward by the Walloon Government correspond to the cluster's priorities. In particular, we can mention: the strengthening of public funding for research to reach 3% of GDP invested in RDI in 2020, 4% by 2035 and 5% by 2050, the desire to develop the evaluation of policies carried out to improve the efficiency of the use of public funds, investment in
What are the main challenges facing Wallonia in terms of RDI? In the coming years, the main challenge will be to deal with the consequences of the health crisis and to revive the Walloon economy. Indeed, the Walloon Government should do everything possible to remobilise both public and private investment, particularly in RDI. These investments are more than ever essential to restore the competitiveness of Wallonia and its companies in order to achieve the necessary transition desired by Wallonia. Action must be taken without delay to encourage both businesses and universities, colleges and research centres to regain momentum, renew partnerships and reinvest in research projects.
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In order to support this dynamic, the Walloon administration should adapt its operating methods by aiming for greater flexibility and speed in the processing of research proposals. In this respect, the reinforcement of the digitalisation of the services of the Walloon Public Service, and more broadly of all public bodies, is an absolute priority. The systematic evaluation of public policies is also a fundamental element in ensuring the effectiveness of public action.
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Finally, an improvement in the valorisation of RDI results must also be aimed at without further delay in order to strengthen the creation of added value and quality jobs.
