The European Commission has announced a new strategy designed to strengthen research and technology infrastructure and keep Europe at the forefront of global science and innovation.
At the heart of the plan are five areas of action: expanding capabilities through AI and digitalization, simplifying access for researchers, developing talent, reforming governance, and increasing international resilience.
Together, these priorities aim to make the European research ecosystem more accessible, integrated and competitive at the global stage.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, committee member of EU startups, research and innovation, explained:
“Our new strategy will enable European scientists, researchers and innovators, including startups and scale-ups, to easily access cutting-edge facilities and customized services to develop and test products and services.”
Expanding capabilities and adopting AI
The first point of action requires strengthening the European infrastructure ecosystem.
This means mobilizing investments, improving research capabilities, and facilities from clean rooms to particle accelerators are tailored to the needs of users.
This strategy highlights the transformative role of digitization and AI in creating more efficient and smarter, interconnected infrastructure.
Simplify access across Europe
The second focus is to make access easier for scientists, startups and scale-ups.
By providing a range of complementary services across borders, the EU aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and move innovation from research to real-world applications more quickly.
This approach helps to respond to the market and provide socially impactful technology.
Attract and develop world-class talent
You can’t thrive without people. The third action area strengthens career pathways for engineers, researchers and scientific leaders.
This strategy highlights training and skill development along with the means to eliciate international talent.
Through the “European Choice” initiative, the EU is seeking to establish itself as a destination for top-minded selection of research and technology.
Reforming governance for long-term investments
Improved governance is our fourth priority. The committee plans to simplify the decision-making process, adjust funding priorities between member states, and increase adjustments across funding sources.
These reforms aim to provide greater predictability for investors and ensure that public funding has the greatest impact across the research ecosystem.
Building international reach and resilience
Finally, this strategy underscores the importance of strengthening international cooperation and resilience.
The EU is working with strategic partners to address global challenges by integrating candidate countries into the European study region.
Risk management plays a role in protecting European technological sovereignty, particularly important data and facilities.
Ensuring the scientific future of Europe
By placing these five priorities at the heart of the new strategy, the committee is strengthening Europe’s ability to lead the competitiveness of science, innovation and industry.
A stronger research and technology infrastructure not only attracts global talent, but also promises to provide solutions to the most urgent challenges of society.
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