• Proposal for recommendation: Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe open for feedback

In February the European Research Area (ERA) Forum for Transition was established. This is a consultation body that consists of representatives of the European Member States and EEA/EFTA countries and should advise the European Commission DG Research and Innovation on an ERA governance framework. Currently this expert group is considering a proposal for a non-binding Council recommendation for a ‘Pact on Research and Innovation’. This Pact should be “setting out commonly agreed values and principles” in areas like gender equality, open access or researcher career conditions and “guide and update new policy directions and help to monitor and assess progress made.” The Pact should furthermore be “indicating the areas where Member States will jointly develop priority actions” and ensure commitment from EU Member States to mobilise their R&I policies, investments and reforms towards Europe’s current challenges, in particular the green and digital transition.

In parallel to the work of the expert group, a public consultation on the roadmap for a Pact for Research and Innovation was launched on 15 April which is open to feedback from citizens and stakeholders until the deadline on 13 May midnight Brussels time. Furthermore the Commission foresees to gather stakeholder views during the European Research and Innovation Days on 23 and 24 June.

Feedback on Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe

• Public survey on European Research Area policy framework and monitoring system

The European Commission DG Research and Innovation is currently performing a study on the ERA policy framework and monitoring system and indicators. The three main objectives of the study are to:

- “Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing ERA policy framework (governance, monitoring and advisory system) in 2015-2020, including its role in promoting ERA implementation at national level and in stimulating policy reforms in EU Member States.

- Contribute to the political process by assisting the European Commission, Member States and stakeholders to design and co-create a future ERA policy framework.

- Deliver evidence-based proposals and recommendations to monitor progress towards the new ERA’s strategic objectives as part of a future ERA policy framework and monitoring and indicator system (potentially transitioning to an ERA Scoreboard).”

The public survey was launched on 31 March and is open for contributions until the deadline of 24 May. This survey is targeted at national and regional R&I policy makers and national, sectoral and EU associations focused on science, research and innovation and higher education (including universities). Results of the public survey will feed into the study, in addition to desk research and interviews.

Survey on ERA policy framework and monitoring system