The European Commission has now adopted a communication on the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA).
ERA aims to create a dynamic and attractive environment for researchers and innovators across Europe, to ultimately address the current fragmentation of the European research landscape.
Four strategic objectives for ERA were agreed with the member states. The new Communication takes stock of the progress made under these four objectives and highlights where further work is needed:
- Prioritising investments and reforms: wile the Commission has been working closely with Member States to align research and innovation efforts, supporting reforms and investments through cohesion policy funds, Europe’s aim of achieving the target of 3% of EU GDP invested in R&I activities is still not in reach. Low private investment remains a key impediment and regulatory, legal, and administrative barriers must still be addressed to attract more investors and innovators
- Improving access to excellence: Horizon Europe schemes for collaborative projects and mobility schemes such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) helped reinforce scientific cooperation networks. The widening part of Horizon Europe has also invested over €1 billion to support the development of more robust R&I capacities in less-performing Member States. Further efforts are needed to reduce bureaucracy and provide better information on available opportunities for researchers
- Translating results into economic impact: The European Innovation Council (EIC) has become the largest investor in deep tech in Europe, with every euro invested by the EIC Fund attracting four euros from private investors. The ERA framework has supported the development of targeted guidance for the economic exploitation of research results and technology roadmaps with Member States. However, Europe still needs more venture capital to scale breakthrough innovations. The recent launch of the Trusted Investors Network marks a step forward in syndicating European investors.
- Deepening the ERA: The ERA framework has led to significant progress in improving researchers’ working conditions and career development, including adopting the Council Recommendation on research careers, but more can still be done. In line with European values, Horizon Europe also boosted further gender equality and research integrity, as well as open science and data-sharing efforts. Through the adoption of a Council recommendation on research security, further progress was made to ensure the security of European research. However, more effort is needed to address remaining disparities in career development opportunities across the Union and to ensure the long-term sustainability and accessibility of European research and technology infrastructures.
The full Communication can be consulted on the European Commission website.