Commission seeks feedback on charter for industrial access to Research Infrastructures

The European Commission has opened a public survey to gather input from stakeholders on a new Charter of access for industrial users to research and technology infrastructures. Aimed at companies — especially SMEs, startups, and scaleups — the Charter seeks to simplify companies’ access to Europe’s top-class research facilities, such as advanced labs, scientific instruments, pilot lines, and testbeds.

The Charter aims to improve access to infrastructures through six proposed principles:

1. Increased visibility and availability of services
2. Transparency and quality of services
3. Simplified contract and agreement procedures
4. Safe intellectual property management
5. Priority to companies in the EU
6. Cooperation between infrastructures and access to data.

Launched at the conference “From knowledge to impact: Shaping Europe’s next innovation wave” on 13 November 2025, the survey will inform the Charter, which is part of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy and aligns with wider European research infrastructure objectives. The forthcoming European Innovation Act is set to further promote company access through legislative measures.

Stakeholders are invited to contribute their views by 10 December 2025. The final Charter, based on six key principles including visibility, transparency, simplified processes, and EU priority, is expected in 2026.

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