Call for participation: EUA focus group on ‘The future of ERA: towards an ERA Act fit for universities’

This online event will take place on Monday 8 September from 13.00-16.00 CEST.

The focus group will bring together university leaders and experts from EUA member universities to reflect on their expectations, needs and concerns regarding the future European Research Area (ERA) Act.

According to the European Commission’s plans, the ERA Act will introduce legally binding provisions to tackle structural obstacles that voluntary measures set by ERA Policy Agendas have been unable to address. The ERA Act should work towards the fulfilment of a fifth freedom dedicated to the free movement of research, innovation, knowledge and education as part of the EU’s single market. It would do so by strengthening R&D investment, tackling fragmentation through the alignment of EU and national funding priorities, and by fostering the circulation of knowledge and talent across Europe.

While the final scope and provisions of the ERA Act are still under development, this focus group will provide a timely opportunity for universities to express their views on what the ERA Act should look like to best support the R&I mission of universities.

The discussion will help EUA shape its advocacy efforts on behalf of the university sector and feed into EUA’s contributions to the development and implementation of the ERA. Input received during the focus group will also feed into EUA’s response to the upcoming European Commission’s public consultation on the ERA Act.

Questions to be addressed during the focus group may include:

• What legislative measures or provisions should be included in the future ERA Act to implement the fifth freedom and achieve the objectives of ERA? Which initiatives should not be included?
• What do you see as the most significant opportunities for universities in the development and future implementation of the ERA Act?
• What challenges do you anticipate in aligning national and institutional R&I policies with the goals of the ERA Act?

The focus group will include approximately 20 participants, primarily university leaders responsible for research and innovation policy and strategy (e.g. rectors, vice-rectors for research and innovation, heads of research departments, etc.). In the absence of a senior leadership or management position, participants should have demonstrated high level of expertise on both European and national research and innovation policy processes.

Applicants must be affiliated with an EUA member and will be selected based on their role, experience and motivation to attend. EUA aims to ensure geographical and gender balance, as well as a diversity of experiences and institutional profiles.

To apply to participate, please fill in the application form by Friday 11 July.

Application form EUA focus group on “The future of ERA: towards an ERA Act fit for universities”

All applicants will be informed of the results of the selection in the weeks following the application deadline.

Please contact the EUA Secretariat at research@eua.eu should you have any questions regarding the focus group or the open call.