Science or competitiveness? Science and competitiveness! – Acceptance speech at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

Abstract

In economic political debates, it has been endeavoured increasingly frequently in Hungary since 2002 to reassess the economic role of each sector. Attempts to relieve the state budget affect a broadening range of public services, and standpoints more on the radical side doubt justification for state financing even in case of previously consensual public services. Reassessment of the state's functions and duties is particularly observable in sectors where the link between financing and output is indirect, or where the social benefit of output is only partially or not at all measurable in pecuniary terms. It is a natural aspiration not to provide more abundant funding to the welfare state than what is affordable and matches the development level of the respective economy.