BU Research Blog

I heard a very interesting presentation by Scott Hudson from the UK Representation to the EU Brussels (UKREP)  last week who discussed how decisions on funding are made in Brussels.  UKREP exists to present the UK government views to the EU in order to try and influence legislation to make it more beneficial to the UK. They also get involved with UK representative groups in Brussels such as UKRO and  in lobbying etc.

UKREP get involved with the 80 or so Council Working Groups. These groups have representatives fro  all 27 Member States and meet twice a  week to discuss legislation.  One of these councils is responsible for Horizon 2020 and UKREP attend these discussions to present the UK view in order to to stop/ push certain legislation. UKREP work closely with the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to represent the UK view. A rather terrfiyingly complex diagran was shown demonstrating the process in creating legislation.

But back to Horizon 2020. The UK have agreed with most of the proposals for this in particular the 3 pillars  and the greater initiatives to include SMEs as well as the focus on excellence.  They also agree with simplification. But want to be clear on who is benefitting from this,  and ensuring it’s us who is benefiting and not the European Commission.

UKREP also broadly support flat rates of reimbursement but on the back of David Willetts push, have  called for a reintroduction of an option for the recovery of actual indirect costs occurred.

Finally UKREP are continuing to push for a clear role of social sciences and humanities within Horizon 2020. They call for social sciences and humanities throughout all major themes such as green cars etc and not for it to be just seen as something distinct.

Given that UKREP have such great links with BIS it’s important to ensure we have good communication with them too. A key contact within BU for liaising with BIS is Mark Painter so do get in touch with him if you want to learn more about how you can influence BIS.