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Research and innovation are high on the political agenda of the European Union as key factors of growth and economic competitiveness.
INRA backs the EU’s objectives (Lisbon objectives) and plays its part as a leading research organisation by striving for excellence, contributing to European competitiveness and supporting European common policies.
The EU’s plans for economic development are based on values shared by INRA and reflected in European agricultural, food, land and social models. These models are defended by the EU in negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). They propose sustainable production systems that, rather than being governed by economic imperatives alone, take into account the importance of maintaining biodiversity, respecting the well-being of animals and the health of consumers, etc..
INRA boasts a number of assets which will ensure that high priority is given to agricultural research in the European Research Area, currently under construction. These assets include:
- scientific potential;
- institutional relations with a large number of European organisations;
- significant influence in regions of France;
- relations with many partners in agriculture and the agri-food industry;
- research themes, the majority of which are in line with those of the EU;
- mission-oriented research, which meets the EU’s objective to transform knowledge into products and services;
- organisation which combines the biotechnical, physical and social sciences;
- infrastructure, from highly efficient laboratories to cutting edge experimental facilities;
- experience in training through research and the capacity of its facilities;
- leading role at EU level in the areas of food and nutrition, agriculture and the environment.
Proposals made by INRA with a view to creating a European dynamic of excellence in the life sciences (Food and Nutrition – Agriculture - Environment) may be found in a document submitted in preparation for the 7th Framework Research and Development Programme (PDF).
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