Nova Europa: Europe's Second Renaissance (5)

Unfortunately, the general decline of Europe has also affected its scientific and technological output. The continent that drove the world into modernity in the 18th and 19th centuries has lagged behind the two world powers in the second half of the 20th century. Europe practically missed out on the nuclear and space races of the past century and has lagged behind the US and Japan in the technological advancements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Looking back at the 18th and 19th centuries, Europe gave the world nearly all of its technological marvels. Looking at the late 20th and early 21st centuries however, the contribution of Europe to humanity's science and technology pales in comparison to powers such as the Soviet Union, the US or Japan.

In order to reverse this trend, I propose the creation of a European Institute of Science and Technology, which would serve as the pinnacle of research and development in the continent. This would be the top of a pyramid of scientific research comprising national research agencies, universities and other public and private organizations. The institute should be created, financed and managed by the EU, and its output should be used to improve the lives of all Europeans.

The EU, as well as the national governments, should also pursue a policy of encouragement and active support of private actors in the technology and internet sectors, since a great deal of the great scientific and technological advancements of the past three decades were achieved by private actors in the pursuit of profit. Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Intel or Oracle are some of the best know examples. This clearly goes to show the importance of private initiative in the advancement of science and technology in our time. Internet and start-up companies should be given great conditions to flourish in Europe because the success of these companies often leads to the well being of the general public.    

Europe also needs a space program comparable in means and scope to NASA. The EU should actively support the European Space Agency and help it achieve this goal. If possible, the European Space Agency should also come under the European Union's control, since this would strengthen the link between the agency and the European community and would most likely also allow for a better funding of it. Space exploration is probably the single greatest endeavor ever undertaken by mankind and Europe has, so far, lagged behind the United States, Russia and China. A comprehensive program of space exploration would contribute not only to foster European pride but also a sense of united effort and purpose of its peoples since having a shared space program also means, in a way, having a shared destiny.