EU Research and Innovation Policy: Key Agendas for Autumn 2024
As Autumn 2024 unfolds, the European Union’s (EU) research and innovation (R&I) sector is entering a period of strategic transformation, marked by new appointments, evolving policies, and critical budgetary discussions. The upcoming months promise significant shifts that will define the future of European competitiveness, defence, and research collaboration. Here's a look at the key points on the EU’s R&I agenda.
New Research Commissioner: Expectations and Priorities
One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the appointment of a new research commissioner. This individual, set to be nominated and quizzed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the coming months, will significantly influence the EU’s R&I policies for the foreseeable future. The commissioner’s role will be pivotal in guiding the remaining years of Horizon Europe (the EU’s current research and innovation framework) and laying the groundwork for its successor, Framework Programme 10 (FP10).
There is speculation about whether the research portfolio will remain a standalone entity or be merged into a broader portfolio encompassing competitiveness, internal markets, or the economy. As stakeholders wait for the appointment, many are advocating for R&I to stay at the heart of European policy, ensuring continued focus on innovation as a driver of competitiveness.
Defence and Research: The Role of the European Defence Fund
For the first time, defence research is expected to play a more prominent role in EU R&I policy. Ursula von der Leyen, in her campaign for re-election as European Commission President, highlighted defence as a top priority. This includes bolstering the European Defence Fund (EDF), which is designed to support research and development in defence technologies. While the immediate focus remains on urgent defence needs, especially in light of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, long-term plans are also in motion to enhance European defence capabilities through R&D initiatives.
A Clean Industrial Deal: A Pathway to Green Competitiveness
Von der Leyen’s agenda also includes the introduction of a Clean Industrial Deal, which is set to accelerate green technologies across Europe. The goal is to create lead markets in industries such as clean steel and renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on simplifying processes like planning and permitting for green projects. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable industrial practices.
Although many of these plans are part of von der Leyen’s long-term vision, the Clean Industrial Deal could be instrumental in driving R&I investments in green technologies, aligning the EU’s competitiveness with its environmental goals. This initiative ties in with the broader objectives of Horizon Europe and its successor program, which continue to prioritise sustainability across R&I projects.
FP10: Shaping the Future of European Research
One of the most significant discussions in the R&I community centres around FP10, the next iteration of the EU’s flagship research funding program. An expert group has been convened to assess Horizon Europe’s progress and provide recommendations for FP10. This group, led by former Portuguese research minister Manuel Heitor, is set to deliver its findings in mid-October 2024.
FP10 will likely build on the collaborative research strengths of Horizon Europe, which has been critical in fostering partnerships across Europe. The focus is expected to remain on global challenges, such as climate change, health, and digital transformation, while also incorporating new priorities around defence and industrial competitiveness.
Challenges Ahead: Budget and Policy Debates
While the R&I community welcomes the strategic goals outlined by von der Leyen, several challenges lie ahead. One of the most contentious issues is the budget for Horizon Europe. The European Council has proposed cuts of €400 million to the program for 2025, a move that has been met with resistance from the European Parliament and the research community.
These budgetary discussions are particularly significant as the EU prepares for the next long-term budget cycle, beginning in 2028. Many are concerned that R&I funding could be reduced in favour of other priorities, such as the proposed European Competitiveness Fund. Stakeholders are advocating for a balanced approach that maintains strong support for R&I while addressing Europe’s broader economic and defence needs.
The Role of Competitiveness in Shaping R&I
Competitiveness is at the core of von der Leyen’s policy agenda. In addition to defence and green technologies, she has emphasised the need for Europe to remain competitive on the global stage. This includes fostering innovation through R&I investments, particularly in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
A key component of this strategy is the forthcoming report by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, which is expected to provide a roadmap for boosting EU competitiveness. While the report’s release has been delayed, its findings are anticipated to shape much of the EU’s R&I policy going forward.
COST Actions: A Catalyst for Research Collaboration
The development and growth of research across Europe have been significantly shaped by initiatives that foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing among scientists and researchers. Among these initiatives, COST Actions stand out as a unique and impactful program that bridges the gap between different research communities, disciplines, and countries. COST Actions are not just about research funding; they represent a broader, more integrated approach to scientific collaboration that can lead to ground breaking discoveries and innovations.
What are COST Actions?
COST, which stands for *European Cooperation in Science and Technology*, is an intergovernmental framework established in 1971 that aims to support the coordination of nationally funded research activities across Europe. COST Actions are one of the key mechanisms through which this support is delivered. They are essentially networks that bring together researchers and innovators from various disciplines, institutions, and countries to work on specific research topics. These networks are open to all scientific fields, including the humanities and social sciences, and they are characterised by their inclusivity, flexibility, and interdisciplinarity.
A COST Action is a bottom-up initiative, meaning that the topics are proposed by the researchers themselves rather than being dictated by the funding body. This ensures that the Actions are relevant to current scientific needs and interests, and it allows for the exploration of emerging research areas. Once a proposal is approved, the Action receives funding to support activities such as workshops, conferences, short-term scientific missions, training schools, and dissemination efforts. Importantly, COST Actions do not fund research directly; instead, they focus on networking activities that enable researchers to collaborate, share knowledge, and build partnerships that can lead to larger, funded research projects.
The Structure and Process of COST Actions
COST Actions typically span four years and involve participants from at least seven different COST member countries. However, participation is not limited to Europe; researchers from non-COST countries can also join, making the networks truly global. The structure of a COST Action is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to tailor their activities according to the needs of the network. This adaptability is one of the key strengths of COST Actions, as it allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering innovation and creativity.
The process of setting up a COST Action begins with the submission of a proposal by researchers. These proposals are then evaluated by independent experts based on criteria such as scientific excellence, networking potential, and impact. Once approved, the Action is launched, and a Management Committee is established to oversee its activities. This committee is composed of representatives from the participating countries and is responsible for coordinating the network's activities, managing the budget, and ensuring that the objectives of the Action are met.
COST Actions are organised into Working Groups, each focused on a specific aspect of the research topic. These groups are where the core work of the Action takes place, with members collaborating on joint publications, developing new methodologies, and sharing data and resources. The interdisciplinary nature of these Working Groups often leads to innovative approaches and solutions that might not have emerged within a single discipline.
The Impact of COST Actions
The impact of COST Actions can be seen in several areas, from the advancement of scientific knowledge to the development of new technologies and the strengthening of research capacities across Europe. One of the most significant outcomes of COST Actions is the formation of durable research networks that continue to collaborate long after the official end of the Action. These networks often lead to the submission of joint research proposals to larger funding bodies, such as the European Union's Horizon Europe program, thereby multiplying the impact of the initial COST Action.
Another important aspect of COST Actions is their role in supporting early-career researchers. The networking opportunities provided by COST Actions are invaluable for young scientists, allowing them to build connections with senior researchers, gain exposure to different research environments, and enhance their professional development. COST Actions also promote gender balance and inclusivity, ensuring that researchers from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and contribute to the network.
COST Actions also play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that can tackle complex issues such as climate change, public health, and digital transformation. For example, a COST Action might bring together experts in environmental science, economics, and policy to develop integrated approaches to climate adaptation. This ability to connect different fields of knowledge and practice is one of the unique strengths of COST Actions.
UK Eligibility
UK entities are allowed to join COST Actions, even after the UK's exit from the European Union. The UK participates in COST Actions as a member of the COST program, which is separate from the EU's Horizon Europe framework. This means that researchers, institutions, and other entities based in the UK can still participate in COST Actions alongside their European and international counterparts.
As participants, UK researchers can join existing COST Actions, propose new ones, and benefit from the networking, training, and collaboration opportunities that these actions provide. This ongoing participation reflects COST's commitment to inclusivity and its goal of fostering collaborative research across a broad geographical area, including non-EU countries.
Overall, UK entities remain active and integral participants in COST Actions, continuing to contribute to and benefit from this vibrant European research network.
For more information, visit the COST website:
Discovering the Eureka Eurostars Programme
The Eureka Eurostars programme is co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe. It aims to foster transnational innovation by providing significant funding to R&D projects that seek to commercialise novel products, processes, or services with a civilian purpose.
What is the Eurostars Programme?
Eurostars is recognised as the largest international funding programme dedicated to supporting innovative SMEs. It emphasises collaborative R&D projects, encouraging partnerships among SMEs, universities, and research centres across 37 participating countries. Even organisations from non-participating countries are welcomed to join a Eurostars consortium, making it a truly global initiative.
The programme's core objective is to bolster projects led by innovative SMEs, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to transform ground breaking ideas into market-ready solutions. Each year, the programme facilitates approximately €250 million in public-private investment, funding around 680 organisations.
Why Choose Eurostars?
Participating in Eurostars offers numerous advantages:
- Access to Public Funding: Successful applicants receive substantial grants from their national funding bodies, significantly offsetting R&D costs.
- International Network: Participants join a growing network of SMEs, universities, and research centres, fostering long-term relationships and collaborative opportunities.
- Expert Support: The programme provides access to a network of industry experts, enhancing the quality and impact of R&D projects.
- Market Expansion: Many companies experience a 15% increase in annual turnover, with 69% entering new markets and 68% improving their market share.
- Visibility and Credibility: Participation boosts the visibility of organizations within their specialist fields, often leading to enhanced perceptions from private investors.
Competitive Edge
Despite the competitive nature of Eurostars, the average success rate is high in comparison with other comparable programmes, averaging at 29%. The submission and evaluation processes are centralised and transparent, ensuring all applications are judged fairly by industry experts.
Eurostars is not just about funding; it is about creating a sustainable ecosystem where R&D relationships evolve into lasting business partnerships. The programme's emphasis on market-driven innovation means that projects are not only scientifically sound but also commercially viable.
Business Benefits Beyond Funding
Participation in Eurostars often leads to transformative outcomes for businesses. Apart from financial support, companies benefit from increased market visibility and improved business relationships. The statistics speak for themselves: companies involved in Eurostars projects report significant market expansion and enhanced technological capabilities.
Moreover, the programme's emphasis on collaboration fosters a culture of innovation, pushing companies to explore new ideas and markets. This collaborative spirit is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, where staying ahead of the curve often means joining forces with like-minded innovators.
How to Get Involved
The process to apply for Eurostars is straightforward but rigorous. Interested parties must form a consortium with at least one other independent entity from a participating country. The innovative SME must be the primary applicant and project leader. The consortium can include other SMEs, large companies, universities, and research organisations (each country operates its own eligibility criteria, so it is imperative to read the guidelines for each participating country).
The next deadline for Eurostars applications is 12th September 2024. Prospective applicants should begin preparations well in advance to ensure their proposals are robust and comprehensive. For a free consultation to discuss your project, contact RedKnight today.
New release of EU Funding & Tenders Portal launched
The European Commission (EC) recently announced the launch of the latest iteration of the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, marking a significant milestone in its journey to enhance user experience. Drawing on the invaluable feedback from a diverse community of over 1.5 million users, which includes EU funding applicants, beneficiaries, tenderers, and experts, the EC has worked to implement improvements that cater to user needs and preferences.
This new release introduces a range of enhancements aimed at providing users with a more intuitive and immersive experience. Among the notable updates are refreshed interfaces across the Portal, with the homepage now prominently showcasing the EC's core services and functionalities. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, the funding page search engine has been revamped to deliver more precise and relevant results, ensuring users can easily discover funding opportunities that align with their interests and objectives.
For logged-in users, the EC has introduced affinity-based recommendations of 'calls for proposals,' tailored to their specific profile and preferences. This personalised approach ensures that users never miss out on relevant opportunities that could take their project forward. Additionally, to further streamline navigation, the EC has integrated a global search feature at the top right corner of the Portal, allowing users to quickly access the information with ease.
The EC’s commitment to continuous improvement means it is constantly striving to enhance user experience on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. To provide a comprehensive overview of all the latest updates and novelties, interested stakeholders are invited to watch a 3 minute informative video, which highlights the key enhancements and previews what's to come in the future.