1. The general framework | 2. The 3rd Research Plan for Catalonia (2001-2004)

1. THE GENERAL FRAMEWORK

The 3rd Research Plan for Catalonia which will be implemented during the period 2001-2004 builds on work begun in the early 1990´s.In 1992 the Generalitat de Catalunya (the Autonomous Government of Catalonia) published its 1st Research Plan for the years 1993-1996.This was followed by the 2nd Research Plan covering the period 1997-2001.These years also saw a substantial increase in the Generalitat's research and development (R&D) investment and significant improvements in the structure of the Catalan science and technology system.

1.1 The political framework

In 1980 the Inter-ministerial Commission for Research and Technology Innovation (CIRIT) was founded as a collegiate organ of the Catalan Government with the responsibility for co-ordinating the R&D activities carried out by the different Generalitat ministries.The objective was to ensure fair distribution of research resources in Catalonia and to maximise the efficiency, effectiveness and beneficial impact of R&D.

However, as a result of the Central Government's interpretation of Article 149.1.15 of the Spanish Constitution (referred to above), the transfer of resources from the central administration to the Generalitat has not taken place. In 1992 the Generalitat appealed to the Constitutional Court against the Law for the Promotion and General Coordination of Scientific and Technical Research (referred to as the Science Law) but the appeal was not upheld.

In fact, there has only been one instance of effective transfer of resources from State to Catalan Government control. In 1981 the Generalitat was granted control of agricultural research in Catalonia which led to the creation of the Institute for Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA). Since its foundation, this centre has been doing an important job within the sector.

However, neither the CSIC (Spanish Superior Board of Scientific Investigators) centres located in Catalonia nor the resources to finance the research carried out in Catalan public universities have been transferred, a fact which significantly conditions the Generalitat's science and technology policy making.

Despite these circumstances, the Generalitat has never ceased to promote the R&D activities carried out in Catalonia using all available resources. Although initially these amounts were relatively modest, the budget dedicated to R&D has increased steadily over the years.

In 1992 the Catalan Government decided to place a new emphasis on research. The position of Commissioner for Universities and Research was created, the Inter-ministerial Commission for Research and Technological Innovation (CIRIT) was reorganised, and agreement was reached regarding the establishment of four-year Research Plans to co-ordinate all research and innovation actions.

Given the legal framework, the objectives of these Research Plans were closely related to those of the plans established at Spanish national level and to the European Commission's Framework Programmes. In fact, one of the key objectives of the first two Plans was to increase the participation of Catalan researchers in Spanish and European Commission programmes and to maximise the beneficial exploitation of the research coming out of these programmes.

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