The European Research Area works on creating a dynamic and attractive environment for researchers and innovators across Europe to address fragmentation in the European research landscape. A latest EU communication finds that while the EU has made significant progress in making the area more attractive, efficient and integrated, there is scope for boosting the potential of the area yet further.
The communication identifies 4 areas where future action is needed:
- Prioritising investments and reforms: the EU is working with EU countries to align research and innovation efforts, and support reforms and investments. But Europe is still far from achieving the target of 3% of EU GDP invested in research and development. More work needs to be done on reducing regulatory, legal, and administrative barriers to private investment, which is essential for attracting more investors and innovators.
- Improving access to excellence: Support provided under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and mobility schemes has helped reinforce scientific cooperation networks. It has also invested over €1 billion to support the development of stronger research and innovation capacities in less performing EU countries. However, more work is needed to reduce bureaucracy and provide better information on available opportunities for researchers.
- Translating results into economic impact: The European Innovation Council has become the largest investor in deep tech in Europe. The European Research Area has supported the development with EU countries of targeted guidance for the economic exploitation of research results and technology roadmaps, but Europe still needs more venture capital to realise breakthrough innovations.
- Deepening the European Research Area: The European Research Area has led to significant progress in improving working conditions and career development for researchers, but more can still be done. In line with European values, Horizon Europe has led the way to further boost gender equality and research integrity, open science and data-sharing efforts. But more effort is needed to address remaining disparities in career development opportunities across the EU and to ensure the long-term sustainability and accessibility of European research and technology infrastructures.
The recent Draghi report and the political guidelines for the next European Commission highlight how research and innovation are critical drivers of economic resilience, competitiveness and wellbeing. This latest communication reaffirms the EU’s commitment to placing research and innovation at the core of Europe’s future growth.
For more information
European Research Area Platform
Political guidelines 2024-2029
Press release: Commission analyses potential to boost European Research Area
