This position paper reiterates the strategic importance of fostering a united and prosperous knowledge-based society in Europe, which needs to remain a high priority despite the uncertain political and economic context.
Despite its high-impact on society and economy, Horizon 2020 is significantly underfunded. Therefore EUA advocates for a quantitative and qualitative increase in EU research funding for the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP9), and suggests to open a discussion on a possible ring-fencing or shift of funding from European structural and investment funds (ESIF) or other sources for a more ambitious and well-functioning research programme.
The position paper embodies the sector’s views on the topic shaped by the Horizon 2020 mid-term review, the EUA Vision for FP9 and consultations of EUA’s Research Policy Working Group and its Expert Group on Regional Strategies for Smart Specialisation.