Barroso also promised some concrete moves, including a “fundamental review” of the way European institutions access and use scientific advice. “In the next Commission, I want to set up a chief scientific adviser who has the power to deliver proactive, scientific advice throughout all stages of policy development and delivery,” he said. Barroso added that this underlines “the central importance” that he attaches to research and innovation.

Barroso also committed to inject more scientific objectivity into policies to deal with climate change, saying he will set up a Commissioner for Climate Action to reflect the fact this, “is a challenge that needs to be addressed across the whole range of our policies.” Barroso also promised investment in new sources of sustainable growth and the building of “networks of the future” ranging from digital infrastructure, to supergrids for electricity and gas. “We cannot and must not return to the previous growth model: it has clearly proved unsustainable. We have to create the conditions where the transition to a low carbon economy is a source of competitive advantage for business, a source of jobs for workers and a source of hope for future generations,” Barroso told MEPs.

Soure: ScienceIBusiness, as accessed on September 21, 2009.