[Special programs for the gifted or support for the elite?]

The scepticism prevailing with regard to the promotion of an elite in science--not, however, in the arts or in sports--originates from increasing mistrust vis-à-vis a new power based on knowledge held by certain social classes only. It has to be removed by opening the education system, by establishing new patterns of confidence between scientists and policy-makers, and by linking knowledge and responsibility. The confusion between elite and talent is another cause of this sceptical attitude. The task of education is not, however, to promote an elite, but to promote gifted pupils. Whether gifted young people will eventually become part of an élite is another question.