They're Resolute on Institute

Abstract

Despite a resounding lack of support from almost every group it is supposed to reach, the planned European Institute of Technology (EIT) is still moving forward. This week, European Union leaders issued formal plans for spending €2.4 billion ($3 billion) over 5 years on the university, which is supposed to help close what politicians see as Europe's “innovation gap.” Initially floated in 2005 by European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, the EIT has been roundly criticized by scientists and university leaders as ill-conceived and a potential waste of money and effort ( Science , 3 March, p. [1227][1]). Now comes news that industry isn't impressed either. Last week, Barroso's office confirmed that €800 million in hoped-for financial support from companies had not materialized. Yet this week, the commission presented its proposed regulations for governing the institute, via a board that would choose European researchers to form networks called “knowledge and innovation communities.” The proposal still needs approval from the European Parliament and the council of ministers, but critics have largely given up hope of blocking the school's creation, says Geoffrey Boulton of the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. He hopes now “to try to steer it” in a productive direction. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.311.5765.1227a