MEPs blueprint to boost Europe's research and innovation
- Ensuring a standalone Framework Programme 10 with an increased budget
- Streamlining research funding for greater impact and efficiency
- Fostering collaboration across borders and strengthening the European Research Area
- Empowering researchers with simplified processes and increased support
MEPs propose to strengthen Europe's research and innovation capabilities, ahead of the upcoming 10th Research Framework Programme (FP10).
The Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy proposed to bolster the EU's research and innovation policy and set the foundation for the upcoming 10th Research Framework Programme (FP10), in a report adopted on Wednesday on the implementation of the flagship Horizon Europe programme.
MEPs call for the FP10 to be a stand-alone Union Programme with a substantially higher budget, in order to reach the target of spending 3% of GDP on research and development (R&D) and ensure the funding of at least 75% of excellent proposals submitted.
Need for radical simplification
MEPs acknowledge the administrative burdens faced by participants under the current programme, and emphasize the need for radical simplification in the application and management processes of the FP10. Further, based on extensive stakeholder feedback, FP10 should focus on three core objectives:
- Creating a European competition of ideas by accelerating the development from fundamental science to innovation scale-up;
- Supporting strategic research initiatives which require large-scale and European collaboration;
- Advancing the European Research Area.
MEPs highlight the role of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Research Council (ERC) as key drivers for innovation, with proposals to expand their budgets and ensure their autonomy. This support is crucial for fostering breakthrough technologies and supporting high-risk, high-reward research, which is essential for addressing societal challenges effectively.
Moreover, MEPs advocate for mission-oriented programmes, focusing on bottom-up research ideas and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. They underscore the importance of international cooperation while ensuring that academic freedom is respected and protected across the EU and in associated countries.
Quote
"With this report, I, along with a strong majority of the ITRE Committee send a clear message to the Commission to uphold the Treaties and keep FP10 as an independent Union Programme. I want to especially underline that including FP10 in the announced Competitiveness Fund, would mean a focus of R&I funding on short-term policy ambitions. This would be detrimental to fundamental and blue-skies research" said lead MEP Christian Ehler (EPP, DE).
Next Steps
The non-binding report was adopted with 67 votes to 5, with 9 abstentions. It will be put to a vote by the full House during a forthcoming plenary session.
Background
Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship funding initiative for research and innovation, operates with a budget of €93.4 billion over a seven-year period from 2021 to 2027. The program aims not only to advance scientific exploration but also to address critical global challenges such as climate change and align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while enhancing the EU's competitiveness and growth.
Despite significant investments in research and development, the European Union continues to lag behind global competitors such as the United States and China in R&D spending. While the EU invested 2.24% of its GDP in R&D in 2022, the United States and China allocated 3.5% and 2.4%, respectively. This persistent underinvestment not only widens the innovation gap but also hampers Europe's ability to translate scientific advancements into marketable products and services, MEPs say.
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