Proposal Approved for Directive on Commission's Regulation Regarding
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a political foundation with a focus on the intersection of science, politics, and higher education policy, plays a significant role in shaping the future of these critical areas.
Established in 1969, the foundation has been supporting outstanding doctoral students, preparing them for leadership positions, and offering scholarships for habilitands (postdoctoral researchers) since 2015. This commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers is a testament to the foundation's belief in the importance of investing in talent.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Science Network brings together renowned personalities from the realms of science, policymaking, and academia to develop positions on science, research, higher education, and innovation policy. These individuals work to address fundamental and current issues, shaping the direction of these vital sectors.
The foundation is also involved in a research project examining scientific policy advice in Germany, with the aim of developing proposals for its further development. This project underscores the foundation's interest in understanding and improving the role of scientific advice in policy-making.
In addition to its research projects, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has an independent expert committee that develops statements on science and higher education policy. These statements are informed by the foundation's extensive network and research, providing valuable insights into these areas.
Industrial countries, including Germany, are expanding their research systems. Initiatives like the "Excellence Strategy" and the "Pact for Research and Innovation" support universities and non-university research institutions, fostering a knowledge-intensive economy.
Science, research, and technology are the foundations of knowledge-intensive industries, stimulating economic life. They also help us understand the world by uncovering natural laws and their mechanisms. However, they hold great opportunities and risks, requiring significant funding and state support. The question of what should be funded and where research priorities should lie is a question that needs to be addressed.
The culture of the "knowledge society" is shaped by curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the spirit of discovery and invention. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is interested in the "human-centric perspective" of scientific and technological change, integrating science, research, and technology policy into larger contexts, connecting it with society and economic policy.
In resource-scarce countries like Germany, scientific and technological know-how is the most important productivity factor. The foundation recognises the importance of this know-how in driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
Society and science interact with each other, but science needs a high degree of autonomy. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung understands this balance and works to support scientific research while ensuring it remains accountable to society and aligned with its needs and values.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's publications and website projects related to science, research, higher education, and innovation policy provide valuable resources for those interested in these areas. These resources contribute to the foundation's mission of promoting a well-informed and engaged public discourse on these critical topics.
In conclusion, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's work in supporting outstanding researchers, conducting research on scientific policy advice, and developing statements on science and higher education policy demonstrates its commitment to shaping the future of these vital areas. By fostering a culture of curiosity, supporting research, and promoting a human-centric perspective on scientific and technological change, the foundation is helping to build a knowledge-intensive society that benefits us all.
