To strengthen the commitment to scientific research as a driving force for development and to set up the Catalan Council for Research and Innovation

It is vital to consolidate and broaden in a sustained manner the commitment made over the past two decades to scientific research with a research support plan that includes a gradual, yet ambitious increase in the basal funding of universities and research institutions tied to programme contracts and conditional to the achievement of research milestones and the passing of assessments. This will allow for strategic planning of research geared to outcomes along similar lines to those of the leading countries in the EU. An independent, expert body is necessary to devise research and innovation proposals centred on the strategic sectors in which Catalonia can generate value over the coming decade and which ensures these proposals are closely aligned with European policies. In this context, it is advisable for a top-tier advisory body to be set up for reflection, debate and consultancy in the medium- and long-term to serve as an instrument for participation from the scientific community, industry and society in defining public research and innovation policies. The functions of this body may be inspired by the US government Office of Science and Technology Policy and said functions should be entrusted to one of the bodies envisaged in the draft Science Act of Catalonia.