SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 13th May (EUROPA PRESS) –
In a meeting on Monday in Tenerife, the Government Council of the Canary Islands has given the green light to commence the process of drafting the new Canary Islands Science Law, proposed by the Minister of Universities, Science, Innovation, and Culture, Migdalia Machín.
The initiation of the new Canarian Science Law drafting showcases the clear dedication of the Canary Islands Government to advancing science and innovation to foster research and scientific advancements centred on people, boosting company competitiveness, and creating and sustaining new jobs for R&D&I professionals, as outlined in the ‘Pact for Science and Innovation’.
Currently, science and innovation in the Canary Islands operate under Law 5/2001 dated 9th July, which was approved more than 20 years ago in the Canary Islands Parliament. This law now requires a thorough review and update to align with the current reality, as highlighted in a government statement.
While the 2001 regulation was groundbreaking in regulating R&D&I in the Canary Islands, the evolving European and national regulations in science and innovation, coupled with the expanded powers of the Canary Islands in this field following the Autonomy Statute reform, necessitate the establishment of a new autonomous regulatory framework that can adapt to the sector’s current requirements, emphasised the Government.
The key aims of this new legislative proposal are to foster open, participatory, inclusive, and responsible research and development across all knowledge domains; enhance public funding and terms to stimulate private investment; support research personnel and their mobility across various public and private research institutions; promote scientific and technological entrepreneurship, including establishing technology-based enterprises; and drive digital transformation in companies and public bodies, among other factors.
COMMITMENT TO NATIONALITY STATE DEBATE
The commencement of procedures to introduce this new law is also encouraged by the Canary Islands Parliament. During the General Debate on the State of Canarian Nationality on 27th March 2024, the Parliament urged the Canary Islands Government to abide by the Canarian Pact for Science and Innovation to lay the groundwork for a knowledge-based economy, focusing on science and innovation as strategic assets vital for well-being and growth. Furthermore, it called for the revision of the current regulatory text to reinforce an economic development model where R&D&I is pivotal in ensuring our economy’s competitiveness.
The formulation of the upcoming legislative framework will lead to the Canary Islands Research, Development, and Innovation Plan, enhancing the coordination of science, technology, and innovation policies in the Canary Islands with those of other public administrations. This initiative will strengthen local institutions and bolster the capabilities of their employees.
Specifically, this plan will design sector-specific and cross-cutting programs, financing initiatives in research, development, and innovation, with the strategic subsidy plan covering various R&D&I projects.
