ERAC discusses Technology Infrastructures, the European Innovation Paradox and Research Security in Budapest

Upon invitation of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, ERAC met on 24 and 25 October in Budapest.

The meeting started with Director General and Commission co-Chair Marc Lemaître informing delegates about the Commission Communication on ERA which was presented on 22 October 2024. The Communication reviews the state of play in the four ERA priorities: (1) investments and reforms, (2) improving access to excellence, (3) translating research and innovation results into the economy, and (4) deepening the ERA.

DG Lemaître then responded to the many ongoing discussions and rumours about the future Framework Programme for R&I and referred to the political guidelines of Commission President-designate von der Leyen. These guidelines highlight the importance of R&I at the heart of the economy . They state that R&I will take a strong position in the coming years and that the future EU budget should be more focussed, simpler and more impactful, with President von der Leyen calling for a policy-based rather than a programme-based budget. In addition, DG Lemaître referred to the High-level Expert Group's report “Align, Act, Accelerate” that was presented on 16 October 2024, and to the ERAC opinion on FP10 as further important input for the development of the future Multiannual Financial Framework.

Member States co-Chair Barbara Weitgruber informed delegates that her term as co-Chair will expire in January next year and that she will not apply for a second term. The General Secretariat of the Council announced a call for applications for a new ERAC MS co-Chair.

The first round of discussions was dedicated to a 'European Approach to Technology Infrastructures' (TIs), where the Commission is seeking guidance on how to proceed to counteract the current fragmentation and the apparent need for intervention at EU level, in addition to activities in the field of Research Infrastructures (RI). The discussion on the definition of TIs showed the complexity of the issue, and the difficulties to clearly separate TIs from RIs, with many grey areas and numerous specific cases. A number of delegates asked for more work on the definition and the need to also define “Industrial Infrastructures”, while others questioned whether it makes sense at all to separate TIs from RIs in a future policy approach on RIs and TIs. The question of funding, the issue of state aid rules and the connection to industrial policy were highlighted. Delegates called for a practical approach, avoiding bureaucracy, with action at EU level only where transnational value chains exist. The discussion will be continued next year when ERAC is expected to work on an ERAC Opinion on the future of Research and Technology Infrastructure policy in Europe.

The second discussion topic was the 'European Innovation Paradox', and more broadly speaking, the R&I aspects of the Draghi Report on which a discussion document had been prepared by the Hungarian Presidency. Alexandr Hobza presented the key messages of the report in the R&I field. In an animated discussion ERAC delegates welcomed the Draghi report and broadly supported its analyses. Delegates stressed that the step from analysing the problem to delivering concrete solutions must be taken, and that the created momentum should be exploited. Proposals comprised tackling the regulatory environment for (disruptive) innovation, enhancing the venture/risk capital markets, creating better conditions for industry investment in R&I, but also ensuring a strong FP10, including collaborative research (pillar II) and the skills gap, as well as addressing the need to better attract talent to Europe, and realising the ambition that Europe must be strong across all Member States.

The final round of discussion dealt with the next steps to be taken in the area of research security, on the basis of the corresponding Council Recommendation of May 2024. The questions to ERAC were about (1) a research security monitor to establish a baseline of information on what is happening at both national and EU levels, (2) the specific role of research funders and (3) a European centre of expertise and the question if and how to set it up. All delegates highlighted the great importance of the issue and the need for joint action at EU level. The monitor was supported in principle, but the use of already available information, including from the OECD, and a practical approach was demanded. Delegates agreed on the crucial role of funders but also emphasised the responsibility of Member States administrations. The idea of establishing a European centre of expertise was generally supported, and a step-by-step approach suggested, with preference for a solution inside the EC involving the JRC.

ERAC will reconvene in February 2025 in Brussels.