On October 22nd in Strasbourg, the European Commission issued a press release announcing new strategies to foster a more cohesive, efficient, and appealing single market for Research and Innovation (R&I). Placing R&I at the heart of the European Research Area (ERA) aligns with the Commission’s vision to make it a cornerstone of the EU’s future growth. Building on the recommendations of the Draghi report, there is an emphasis on leveraging R&I to drive the EU’s global competitiveness.
Since its launch in 2000, the ERA has aimed to cultivate an environment that attracts top researchers and innovators, and the recent press release outlines four key areas for development:
Prioritizing Investments and Reforms: Although various funding instruments—such as cohesion policy funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Horizon Europe’s Policy Support Facility, and the Technical Support Instrument—have boosted R&I investments, the EU has yet to meet its 3% GDP target for R&D.
Improving Access to Excellence: Horizon Europe initiatives, including Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), have strengthened the EU’s scientific foundation. However, bureaucracy and complex application processes continue to limit researchers’ access to available resources.
Translating Results into Economic Impact: The European Innovation Council (EIC) has become Europe’s largest investor in deep tech. Yet, scaling innovations requires more funding. To bridge this gap, the Commission introduced the trusted investors framework to mobilize additional capital.
Deepening the ERA: The ERA has advanced working conditions and career development for researchers, supported by Council recommendations on research careers, gender equality, research integrity, open science, and research security. Nevertheless, more progress is needed to eliminate career disparities across the Union and to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of research infrastructures.
In conclusion, these strategic priorities underscore the EU’s commitment to building a robust ERA, ultimately strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in R&I. By refining funding processes, expanding support for research excellence, and deepening institutional frameworks, the EU seeks to create an R&I environment that attracts talents, drives innovation, and delivers impactful economic results.