At the launch event, moderated by DG M. Lemaître, Commissioner Ivanova opened with a keynote emphasizing the EU’s commitment to scientific and technological advancement, especially amid challenges like climate change, digital disruption, and geopolitical shifts. The report was then presented by Manuel Heitor from the Expert Group, who summarized its strategic recommendations aimed at advancing European innovation. This report is the culmination of a year-long effort by experts, offering recommendations to strengthen the remaining years of Horizon Europe and to inform future European research and innovation investments.
A Strategic Blueprint for European RD&I
The report, titled Align Act Accelerate: Research, Technology, and Innovation to Boost European Competitiveness, underscores the urgency of aligning Europe’s RD&I efforts with broader EU goals, acting decisively to bolster scientific and industrial capabilities, and accelerating solutions to address societal needs. It outlines four key areas—competitive excellence, industrial competitiveness, societal transformation, and an integrated RD&I ecosystem—as the focus of European innovation strategy.
Key Recommendations: Strengthening Europe’s Innovation Landscape
The report includes 12 recommendations to ensure Europe remains globally competitive, secure, and sustainable. These are:
- Adopt a Whole-of-Government Approach: Align RD&I policy with EU strategic priorities.
- Boost Global Competitiveness: Scale investments in RD&I to reinforce Europe’s position.
- Focus on Four Spheres of Action: Concentrate RD&I on critical, interdependent areas.
- Create an Experimental RD&I Unit: Pilot innovative programs and evaluation processes.
- Enhance Competitive Excellence: Support high-quality, groundbreaking research.
- Establish an Industrial Competitiveness Council: Drive RD&I for economic growth.
- Form a Societal Challenges Council: Address healthcare, climate, and social issues.
- Build an Inclusive RD&I Ecosystem: Attract global talent with a diverse environment.
- Simplify RD&I Procedures: Streamline processes for greater accessibility.
- Develop an Innovation Procurement Program: Stimulate market demand for innovation.
- Strengthen International Cooperation: Foster targeted, strategic partnerships.
- Promote Dual-Use RD&I: Optimize civilian and defense applications for innovation.
A Roadmap for Europe’s Innovation Future
The Align Act Accelerate report is a call to action, advocating that Europe’s RD&I approach must evolve in line with today’s rapid global shifts. The recommendations aim to foster an RD&I environment that not only secures Europe’s competitiveness but also addresses pressing societal needs, setting the stage for a resilient, sustainable European innovation ecosystem.