By DOH JAMES SONKEY
Cameroonian researchers have been urged to make good use of Horizon 2020, the biggest European Union Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020). They were advised by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Paul Tasong, representing Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey, who is the National Authorizing Officer of the European Union Development Fund at the presentation of Horizon 2020 in Cameroon last October 8, 2019 at the Yaounde Mont Febe Hotel after Morocco and Kenya.
The ceremony was also witnessed by visiting Commissioner of Human Resources, Science and Technology at the African Union, Cameroonian born, Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Madeleine Tchuinte, Head of Delegation of the European Union in Cameroon, Ambassador Hans-Peter Schadek, Deputy Head of Unit in charge of Science and Technology Cooperation with Africa, European Union, Fadila Boughanemi.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Paul Tasong said the 4th industrial revolution in Africa to usher in sustainable development and socio-economic growth in the continent can only take place with the development of sciences, technologies and innovation.
On her part, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Madeleine Tchuinte while citing a number of government efforts, said under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, Cameroon has always placed scientific research, technology and innovation at the centre of its development.
Ambassador Hans-Peter Schadek explained that Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe’s global competitiveness. Seen as a means to drive economic growth and create jobs, Horizon 2020 has the political backing of Europe’s leaders and Members of the European Parliament. They agreed that research is an investment in our future and so put it at the heart of the EU’s blueprint for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs. By coupling research and innovation, Horizon 2020 is helping to achieve this with its emphasis on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.
Horizon 2020 is open to everyone, with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster.”
The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation will be complemented by further measures to complete and further develop the European Research Area so as to break down barriers in order to create a genuine single market for knowledge, research and innovation.