Strategic Compass: Who's Rewriting the Rules of European Research and Innovation?

Has Europe's approach to innovation shifted? This episode of "The Insider" examines the European Commission's Competitiveness Compass, a strategic initiative that aims to redefine how research and innovation are funded across Europe.

The Competitiveness Compass introduces changes that align research funding more closely with economic and industrial objectives. This shift has sparked extensive discussion among European academics, researchers, and policymakers. We highlight opinions from José Carlos Caldeira of INESC TEC, Marta Agostinho from EU-LIFE, and Silvia Gomez Recio of YERUN, who evaluate the potential effects on the research community and Europe's global competitive stance.

This episode addresses concerns about whether these changes could compromise the core principles of independent scientific research in pursuit of economic goals. We also consider how this strategic direction might affect Europe’s standing as a leader in innovation while continuing its dedication to fundamental research.

We discuss the implications of focusing on industrial and economic outcomes over scientific discovery and whether this focus could fundamentally alter the European research scene. The conversation aims to identify a practical balance that fosters economic growth without neglecting Europe's long-standing tradition of scientific excellence.

Tune in for a detailed analysis of the Competitiveness Compass and its implications for reshaping European research and innovation.

Takeaways

• The Competitiveness Compass represents a significant shift in EU research funding.
• There is growing concern about the influence of industrial priorities on research.
• Researchers fear a loss of autonomy and bottom-up research initiatives.
• Long-term funding strategies are essential for sustainable research growth.
• The EU's research funding is often treated as a secondary priority.
• National governments are increasingly relying on EU funding to compensate for underinvestment.
• The European Research Council's independence is at risk due to new funding priorities.
• Global competition necessitates a reevaluation of Europe's research strategy.
• Attracting top talent requires a commitment to open and collaborative research environments.
• The future of FP10 is critical for the sustainability of European research.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to the Competitiveness Compass

02:45: The Shift in Research Funding Priorities

06:09: Concerns Over Industrial Influence in Research

08:50: The Need for Long-Term Research Strategy

11:52: Impact of Funding Shifts on Research Landscape

15:15: Balancing National and EU Research Funding

18:05: Global Context of Research Funding

20:52: The Challenge of Attracting Talent

24:08: The Financial Commitment to Research

26:55: Conclusion and Future of European Research