EC summarises feedback on call for evidence for European Strategy on Research&Technology Infrastructures

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation has summarised the feedback received to the EC's call for evidence for the upcoming European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures. The EC states that it is prioritising this strategy, since these infrastructures play a key role in driving scientific excellence, technological innovation, and industrial competitiveness.

The call for evidence had been open for four weeks and attracted 441 responses from 29 countries. It received replies from: 

• 19 EU Member States, with the highest participation from Germany, Spain, and Belgium; and
• 10 non-EU countries, with the highest participation from the United Kingdom and Norway.

Participants to this consultation included academic and research institutions, companies, public authorities, non-governmental organisations and citizens.

Based on a preliminary assessment, contributions to the consultation focused on five priority areas:

• Improving accessibility of infrastructures, particularly for new users, including SMEs and start-ups.
• Ensuring the sustainability of long-term funding  for infrastructure capacity and operations.
• Advancing digitalisation, data interoperability, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, especially for research infrastructures as scientific data generators.
• Aligning technology infrastructures with industrial needs and strategic EU priorities.
• Enhancing coordination between infrastructures.

Many respondents also emphasised the importance of a seamless continuation of complementary infrastructure services to support the innovation cycle from scientific excellence to breakthrough innovation.

Sectors highlighted as particularly relevant by respondents include health, environment, energy, digital and space. Priorities mentioned range from genomics and cancer research to clean energy, marine science, digital infrastructures and space technologies.

The Commission is now analysing the feedback received alongside other input. The results will feed into the preparation of a Commission Communication on the European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures.

For more information:

EC DG RTD - news

Towards a European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures