Science in times of crisis

Spain’s science and technology system is in urgent need of updating before it can raise its standards of competitiveness. In this context, the economic crisis provides an opportunity to introduce changes that are absolutely necessary. As well as reforming the financial system and the labour and pensions markets, changes should also be made to the system for the creation of knowledge. This includes universities, public research organisations (especially CSIC) and research centres linked with hospitals.

The future must be built on talent, and to that end we must train, attract and retain the finest minds so as to ensure that we achieve that much-desired "knowledge-based economy". This task will require the participation of teachers, researchers, politicians, philanthropists and the public in general, who must be made aware of the importance science has for their well-being.