EUA calls for one Commissioner for research, innovation and education

On 2 September 2024, the European University Association (EUA) issued a statement calling for one Commissioner responsible for research, innovation and education in the new College of Commissioners to be

In its statement, EUA provides three reasons why research, innovation and education should remain under one politically strong Commissioner:

1. The challenges Europe and the world are facing need research-based approaches. Equally, they require highly skilled, versatile people from different backgrounds with an open mindset to develop and implement solutions. Combining learning with research has proven to be effective in this regard as it ensures that university graduates have the latest, cutting-edge knowledge that Europe needs. Therefore, research, education and innovation need to be much more interlinked, including in European policies.
2. The boundaries between fundamental research, innovation and application are becoming more and more blurred. In this context, it is vital that universities are equipped both to deliver innovation and develop the knowledge base through basic research. To ensure Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity, we need balanced and holistic policies that consider the whole innovation ecosystem, from basic research and research-based learning to disruptive innovation.
3. Research, education and innovation are uniquely intertwined in the missions of Europe’s universities as they work to serve open, democratic and pluralistic societies and cooperate across borders in Europe. The European Universities Initiative has shown that there are limits to developing policies that focus solely on the educational part of universities’ missions. While much has been achieved on that side, efforts to better connect it with research and innovation must be continued in the new mandate.

The EUA statement also highlights the need for policy coordination within the European Commission, notably between the different Directorates-General, as well as with stakeholders.

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