European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
STOA
MEP-scientist pairing scheme: launching the sixth edition
Written by Zsolt G. Pataki with Amr Dawood, We are drowning in information, but find it increasingly difficult to discern what is factual and what is not. We need to create spaces where knowledge can be exchanged with a fair degree of confidence and trust among interlocutors. In this spirit, STOA‘s MEP-scientist pairing scheme strives … Continue reading
Ten more technologies which could change our lives
Written by Christian Kurrer, with James Tarlton Technological developments, even those still at an early stage, could massively impact our lives in the very short- or longer-term future. To draw attention to ten specific technologies, but also to promote further reflection about other innovations, EPRS is publishing ‘Ten more technologies which could change our lives‘ … Continue reading
Horizon scanning and analysis of techno-scientific trends
Written by Lieve Van Woensel with Victoria Joseph, The Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA) Panel aims to provide the European Parliament with information about techno-scientific advances and to support the Parliament’s Members with evidence so that they can anticipate the possible future impact of these developments. To do this, and to prepare the ground … Continue reading
Health systems for the future – Making EU health systems innovative and resilient
Written by Gianluca Quaglio and Amr Dawood Over the last decade, EU health systems have faced growing common challenges: increasing cost; the rise of chronic diseases and multi-morbidity conditions leading to growing demand for healthcare; shortages of health professionals; technological advances; and inequities in access to healthcare. EU Member States’ future ability to provide universal … Continue reading
What if technology helped society become more inclusive? [Science and Technology Podcast]
Written by Philip Boucher, There are already many ‘assistive technologies’ available, which can help people with disabilities participate more fully in society. More advanced assistive technologies are under development, but is technology the key to a more inclusive society? Assistive technologies (ATs) are designed to improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. While some … Continue reading
What if your personal health tracker could save your life? [Science and Technology Podcast]
Written by Christian Kurrer, Through advances in technology, big data has become a major asset and can open up numerous opportunities in all areas, but how can we use this in the context of health care and ensure it benefits everyone? Advances in healthcare have led to dramatic increases in life expectancy and quality of … Continue reading
Health systems for the future
Written by Gianluca Quaglio and Amr Dawood, The health care sector plays an important role in the overall EU economy, accounting for 8 % of the total European workforce and 8.5 % of EU GDP. All EU Member States face strong and growing economic pressures on their health and long-term care systems, driven by already high levels … Continue reading
Cybersecurity in the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
Written by Zsolt G. Pataki with Victoria M. Joseph, Cybersecurity is an oft-used term today, and many seem familiar with its meaning. However, it is unclear where the responsibility for policy-making on cybersecurity and cyberdefence actually lies. While national security is sometimes accountable, the cyber domain does not confine itself to operating within traditional national borders, limiting the … Continue reading
STOA Workshop: Innovative financing for cross-border transport
Webstreaming Written by Mihalis Kritikos, While EU funding is available for large-scale trans-European transport infrastructures, less seems to be spent on smaller projects in Europe’s border regions, which rely on cross-border transport of goods and passengers. Cross-border projects to remove bottlenecks and bridge the gaps identified between national networks are vital for an efficient and … Continue reading
Blockchain stimulates a lively debate at the European Parliament
Written by Philip Boucher, On 11 May 2017, the STOA workshop ‘Spotlight on blockchain: a new generation of digital services’ provided a unique opportunity for the public to join policy-makers, technology experts and businesses to discover the wide-ranging opportunities and challenges presented by blockchain technology. In the course of the workshop, co-organised with the European … Continue reading
The role of citizens in the future of science
Written by Philip Boucher. The links between science and policy have been strengthened in recent years. We often hear about the role of scientific evidence in policy-making, but policy also has a substantial influence on the way that science develops. Scientific research is not only about advancing knowledge, but also responding to the most important … Continue reading
Opportunities and challenges of 5G in the EU
Written by Mihalis Kritikos. ‘The European Union will manage to gain a competitive advantage if it takes a leading role in the definition and standardisation of 5G technologies’ is how Eva Kaili, (S&D, Greece), Chair of Parliament’s Scientific and Technology Options Assessment (STOA), opened the workshop on ‘Opportunities and challenges of 5G in the EU’, which … Continue reading
What if blockchain changed social values? [Science and Technology Podcast]
Written by Philip Boucher, Blockchain technology could shake up many aspects of our daily lives, from the currency we use to the purchases we make. But what is the impact on our social values, and what can policy-makers do about it? Blockchain technology is a remarkably transparent and decentralised way of recording lists of transactions. … Continue reading
Language equality in the digital age
Written by Zsolt G. Pataki with Amr Dawood, While multilingualism is one of Europe’s greatest assets, it is also one of the most substantial challenges for the creation of a truly integrated EU. Around 80 languages are used in the EU, and language barriers have a profound effect, not only on the establishment of a common … Continue reading
Using technology in the fight against drug addiction
Written by Gianluca Quaglio and Amr Dawood, Disorders due to the abuse of licit and illicit drugs are a major public health concern in the EU, with considerable interpersonal, physical and societal consequences. In the EU, 23 million people are affected by alcohol-related disorders, 24 % of the population smoke, and more than 16 million Europeans (aged 15–34) … Continue reading
Spotlight on blockchain: A new generation of digital services
Written by Philip Boucher, Blockchain technology is a remarkably transparent and decentralised way to record lists of transactions. The technology is complicated, controversial and fast-moving, but is also of increasing interest to citizens, businesses and legislators across the European Union. A new report, ‘How blockchain technology could change our lives’, published in February 2017 by … Continue reading
STOA Workshop: Opportunities and challenges of 5G in the EU
Webstreaming Hashtag: #STOA5G Written by Mihalis Kritikos 5G has been described as the most critical building block of our ‘digital society’, as it promises a new wave of technology services – from driverless cars to smart home appliances – and mobile broadband download rates up to 60 times faster than from the current 4G providers. … Continue reading
What if we were to build skyscrapers from wood? [Science and Technology Podcast]
Written by Christian Kurrer, Can new technologies contribute to a revival of wood as a source for biomass and construction material, and play a leading role in the fight against climate change? Wood has been part of human civilisation for many thousands of years, playing a key role as fuel or construction material, as well … Continue reading
How can citizens influence the direction of European science?
Written by Philip Boucher, Recent years have seen strengthened links between science and policy. We often hear about the role of scientific evidence in policy-making, but policy also has a substantial influence on the way that science develops. Scientific research is not only about advancing knowledge, but also about responding to the most important opportunities … Continue reading
What if intensification of farming could enhance biodiversity? [Science and Technology Podcast]
Written by Lieve Van Woensel with James Tarlton, Could introducing more precision agriculture in Europe allow us to obtain food resilience, while ensuring sustainability and jobs, and taking into account the EU’s wide agricultural diversity? Precision agriculture (PA), or precision farming, involves using technology to improve the ratio between agricultural output (usually food) and agricultural … Continue reading
