Editorial – The impact of physics in the European economy
Since its establishment in 1968, the European Physical Society [EPS] has held a dual role of learned society and federation of National Member Societies. After 45 years, these Member Societies are 41 and the EPS represents a very large and varied community of physicists. One of the main objectives of the EPS is to give them a coherent voice on matters of common relevance, despite the existence of much educational, scientific, social and geographic diversity.
Along this line, one of the crucial issues to be addressed in today’s evolving European scenario is related to the overall investment in physics, both at the European and national level. How worthwhile is it to support physics in all of its facets, from education to research, to business and industry?
With this purpose, the EPS has commissioned an independent statistical analysis through a corporation specialized in economics and business research [Cebr], based on public domain Eurostat data. It is the first time that such a study has been performed over 29 European countries all together: the EU27 countries, plus Norway and Switzerland. The 4-year interval 2007-2010 has been examined, 2010 being the most recent year for which official data are simultaneously available for all these countries.
The Cebr analysis is contained in a detailed report which was completed in December 2012, while the most relevant results are highlighted in an Executive Summary by the EPS, dated January 2013. Going through this 4-year picture of the European economy, the conclusion is that activities and businesses related to physics-based industries have indeed contributed significantly to employment, innovation and growth in Europe. Please see the EPS website for further details and downloads.
The study performed by Cebr for the EPS will be presented at the forthcoming EPS Council Meeting in Strasbourg, France (5-6 April 2013), then in a series of important events, such as the EC WIRE IV conference in Cork, Ireland (5-7 June 2013) and the CERN Council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland (20-21 June 2013).
All this along the guidelines of the EPS Strategy Plan 2010+ which have been pursued since 2011 and will be further pursued by the next EPS President, John Dudley, to whom I am very pleased to pass the baton after two years of great opportunities.
Thank you EPS!
Luisa Cifarelli,
EPS President
