Expert Group highlights added value of European R&I, EUA supports call to strengthen FP10 and protect its budget

The report highlights the significant added value that the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (R&I) provides for Europe and puts forward twelve recommendations to maximise its impact into the future. The European University Association (EUA) welcomes this document, which echoes many recommendations from the Association’s own vision for FP10.

In its reaction to the report, EUA highlights the recommendations that are of crucial importance to universities and offers suggestions to further strengthen them. For instance, the proposal to split the current Pillar 2 into two Councils – an Industrial Competitiveness and Technology Council and a Societal Challenges Council – requires careful consideration. This division could create silos, potentially undermining the programme’s collaborative spirit, which is essential for addressing complex societal challenges and boosting Europe’s competitiveness.

EUA especially welcomes the Expert Group’s  calls to:

• Increase the budget of the next EU R&I Framework Programme (FP10) to €220 billion.
• Ring-fence the FP10 budget.
• Increase national expenditure on R&I to meet the 3% GDP investment target.
• Reinforce the structure, governance and budgets of the European Research Council (ERC), the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Innovation Council (EIC).
• Ensure the full independence, authority, and quality of the ERC Scientific Council and the EIC Board.
• Recognise the role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in providing solutions to societal challenges.
• Foster an attractive and inclusive R&I ecosystem.
• Ensure simplification for beneficiaries by reducing complexity, increasing agility and improving user orientation.
• Adopt a proactive, strategic approach to international cooperation.