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Mapping Weak Signals

Inspired by: FP7 » Administration rather than results a priority

version: 3 / updated: 2011-02-04
id: #1599 / version id: #1047
mode: VIEW

Originally submitted by: Anthony Walker
List of all contributors by versions (mouse over)
Last changed by: Anthony Walker
WI-WE status:
submitted unpublished archived

Source of inspiration

European Commission Framework Programme for RTD (FP7)

Theme/activity of inspiration

CAPACITIES: SMEs

Optional reference/s to FP7 project/s

Use the following format: Project Acronym (Project Reference No.). Use commas if more than one project is associated to this Wild Card, for example: ALFA-BIRD (213266), SAFAR (213374), LAPCAT-II (211485)
PRESTO INNOFIT

Signal's headline

(max. 9 words)
Administration rather than results a priority

Signal's description

(approx. 150 words)
Please describe the Weak Signal (approx. 150 words)
Organisations utilising public money for 'paperwork exercises' rather than R&D and results oriented research. More public money is wasted without a sufficient return on investment until projects become solely a paperwork exercise rather than based on scientific excellence.

Keywords

Public funding, administration, return on investment, scientific excellence, research results

Mini-description

(max. 250 characters)
Organisations utilising public money for 'paperwork exercises' rather than R&D and results oriented research. More public money is wasted without a sufficient return on investment until projects become solely a paperwork exercise.

Signal's first apperance

before 2000

Signal's potential evolution

It could lead to...
issue type of issue/development potential impact on society timeframe for the issue to become at least 50% probable
#1 Reduction in effectiveness of research. EC overburdened with excess bureaucracy which is ineffective. continuation
 		very harmful
 		now-2025
#2 Less diversification of research topics due to requirements of funding. Open to fraudulent activity due to manipulation of reporting procedures. Less money going to research (more interest in administrative requirements and less researchers involved). new/emerging
 		mainly harmful
 		now-2025
#3 High growth in intermediaries / slow growth in industry. Research becomes more elitist (less scope for new participants). re-emerging
 		harmful
 		now-2025
#4 Failure of Lisbon agenda concept as EU unable to compete with US and Far East. discontinuation
 		mainly harmful
 		now-2050

Under what assumption the Weak Signal might evolve.

Without simplification of procedures but still ensuring good use of money and appropriate use of results (dissemination or exploitation)

Importance

please specify
please select
Level 1: important for a particular country Wher research is carried out funded publically
Level 2: important for a particular world region Where research is carried out funded publically
Level 3: important for the European Union Where research is carried out funded publically
Level 4: important for the whole world Where research is carried out funded publically

Filters preventing the signal's monitoring

information/communicational filters (media/editorial interests, language, reasoning)
institutional filters (rules, laws, regulations)
economic filters (business/market interests)
political filters (party or ideological interests)

Comments on selection:

Fear of fraud, poor management of projects or results on the shelf all put pressure on increased bureaucracy

Key driving forces of this signal

Please use these boxes to provide up to 2 drivers of HIGH importance. Click on HELP to see examples:
Driver 1 Driver 2
Technological/Scientific Poor management Poor use of results
Economic Fraud
Political Fear

Major risks & opportunities associated to the signal

Please choose the most appropriate timeframe option(s) to which you would like to provide inputs.
Risks Opportunities
before 2015 Ineffective use of public funds

Potential stakeholders' actions

short-term actions
(now-2015) 		longer-term
(after 2015)
Policy actors (at the international, European and national levels) Simplify paperwork
Academic/Research sector Be conscientous

Signal's relevance for European Grand Challenges

where? please justify:
particularly relevant Europe world
Ethics and abuse of S&T Still need to ensure research is ethical
Governance and trust in democracy Ensure low-level fraud
Work-Life balance and mental health Mental health of scientists
Economic prosperity/dynamics Reduction in useful research reduces knowledge...wisdom

Pan-European strategies influencing the signal

please justify:
particularly relevant
Increasing the efficiency and impact of public research through Joint Programming (i.e. combining national and pan-European research efforts) or the optimisation of research programmes and priorities, for example. Without increased paperwork and rules

Signal's relevance for future R&D and STI policies

Note: RTD = research and technology development; STI = science, technology and innovation
Balance required between administrative procedures and results driven research. Exploitation of research crucial.