After approval of the initial draft law that would amend the 2011 regulations on science, technology and innovation, the government intends to strengthen the sector’s capacity and improve its efficiency, coordination and governance, among other measures.
The regulation also introduces reforms to provide more resources and opportunities for research staff to lead a more stable public career in research, development and innovation. We analyze it.
New rights to attract talent
The Economic recession Over the past decade, this has led to a marked decline in the ability to retain and attract research talent in Spain. In fact, it is estimated that between 2011 and 2016 more than 5,000 research jobs were lost and a large number of people had to establish their career outside of Spain.
The reform, which has now begun procedures to become a bill, aims to fulfill Three demands By honoring the working conditions of researchers, reducing bureaucratic procedures for managing R&D and innovation, and ensuring growing and stable public funding for R&D and innovation (up to 1.25% of GDP in 2030).
according to talent attractionAl-Qaeda introduces reforms in the scientific life. The most important is the introduction of a new indefinite contract method linked to the development of scientific and technical activities for all types of research personnel that will facilitate the consolidation of a permanent position.
Law reform also stipulates New work rights researchers in our country, as compensation for the termination of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral contracts.
It is also proven that the file Five-year terms Of the OPIS research staff will evaluate and recognize for the first time all the advantages of research previously conducted in the public sector and at any university, whether in Spain or abroad.
In addition, the health research staff Recognized as a research staff in the sciences system. This will obligate the Autonomous Communities to integrate specific categories of researchers into the staff of public hospitals and public administrations, to integrate researchers into the national health system on a stable basis.
On the other hand, the The technical team Acquires new rights, such as the possibility of professional mobility, temporary internships, or cooperation in technology companies. The standard also recognizes and pays for the first time a technical figure in the General System of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Knowledge transfer and gender equality
The introductory project aims at other axes Reduce administrative burdens in the research, development and innovation sector. For example, with regard to public benefits, the law introduces measures to facilitate both the procedure for granting assistance and the procedure for justification by the beneficiaries.
The reform also aims to strengthen knowledge transfer Create new mechanisms. One is the recognition of a six-year transfer period to encourage direct transfer of knowledge and innovation generated in the public sector to companies.
New slate also seeking Resolving gender inequalities that persist in this area. To do this, it will provide legal certainty for gender equality for the first time, which will result in government agents having and assessing an equality plan on an annual basis.
In this sense, creating a file Gender Equality Badge In R & D & I for centers that certify that they meet the standards of excellence in this field, the need to implement measures to eliminate gender bias and to integrate employees equitably in various projects.
Finally, law reform also thinks about creating Spanish space agencywith a component dedicated to national security, with the aim of directing efforts in space affairs, effective coordination between the various national bodies in the sector and unifying international cooperation and coordination, according to the Ministry of Science and Innovation.