The component “Strengthening the European Research Area by reforming and enhancing the European research and innovation system” (in short: the “ERA part”) in the “Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area” (WIDERA) work programme, is designed to support the implementation of the second ERA Policy Agenda, which outlines ERA Structural Policies and ERA Actions for the period 2025-2027. It aims to build R&I capacity at the level of institutions and ecosystems to foster the adoption of shared EU values and principles outlined in the Pact for R&I, such as evidence-informed policymaking, freedom of scientific research, societal responsibility, gender equality and inclusiveness.

The ERA and its policy framework & link with the calls and other actions in the 2026-2027 WIDERA work programme 

The European Commission adopted the Communication on a New ERA for Research and Innovation (2020) to improve the European research and innovation (R&I) landscape, to accelerate the European Union's transition towards climate neutrality and digital leadership, to support recovery from the coronavirus crisis, and to strengthen resilience against future crises. The Communication on the implementation of the ERA (2024) takes stock of the progress made since 2020 and highlights areas further actions to achieve ERA’s objectives.

Aligned with the Competitiveness Compass, the ERA sets sights on a single, borderless market for research, innovation and technology across the European Union, that fosters Europe’s competitiveness and accelerates the green and digital transitions. It helps EU Member States to act more effectively together by aligning their research policies and programmes. The free circulation of researchers and knowledge enables better cross-border cooperation, building of critical mass and continent-wide competition. It promotes inclusive gender equality, research ethics and integrity, mobility, skills and career development opportunities within the European Union.

The ERA policy framework is based on

1. the ERA governance, including the ERA Forum, ERAC and the Council;
2. the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe;
3. an ERA Policy Agenda with concrete actions.

The Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe (Pact for R&I, 2021) demonstrates Member States’ commitment to the ERA. It defines priority areas for joint action, sets out ambitions for investments and reforms, and introduces simplified coordination and monitoring. It also outlines common values and principles to guide research and innovation in the European Union and its collaboration with the rest of the world.

The calls and other actions in the 2026-2027 WIDERA work programme are designed to contribute toward the implementation of the four priority areas of the Pact for R&I:

• Priority I: Deepening a truly functioning internal market for knowledge;
• Priority II: Taking up together the green transition and digital transformation and other challenges with impact on society, and increasing society’s participation in the ERA;
• Priority III: Enhancing access to R&I excellence across the Union and enhancing interconnections between innovation ecosystems across the Union;
• Priority IV: Advancing concerted R&I investments and reforms.