Research & Innovation
While education lies at the heart of the ECIU University, research and innovation have been ECIU's core activity since the network's foundation in 1997. ECIU offers vital support and a wide array of resources for researchers and innovators across Europe, fostering collaboration and enhancing opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements.
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Position Papers
ECIU on the European Innovation Act
Oct 2025
ECIU welcomes the European Innovation Act and its ambition to create a more coherent, innovation-friendly regulatory landscape that boosts competitiveness and strengthens Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Drawing on the first-hand experience of its innovation-driven member universities, ECIU contributed to the EU’s public consultation on the Act, highlighting the practical realities and opportunities for innovation across sectors.
ECIU Key Messages on the Upcoming ERA Act
Sep 2025
ECIU is calling upon the European Union and its Member States to harness the full potential of the upcoming European Research Area Act (ERA Act) further to develop the European Research Area (ERA). In times of geopolitical uncertainty and the need for competitiveness and technological advancement, we cannot afford to continue as before.
From Valorisation to Impact”. ECIU Proposals to Strengthen Europe’s Competitiveness
Mar 2025
In the paper, arguments and concrete examples are given to strengthen universities as agents for Europe’s competitiveness. ECIU proposes for support for: 1. Resourcing of entrepreneurship activities at universities and recognition of the important role that Technology Transfer Officers play in linking academia with industry. 2. Ensuring availability of financial resources to provide a pathway for research results to be commercialised and preparing the ground for private investors. 3. Clarifying State Aid rules for any technology emerging from university R&I.
ECIU University is Proud to Help Realise the Transformative Potential of the European Universities Initiative
Jan 2025
The Report on the Outcomes and Transformational Potential of the European Universities Initiative has been published by the European Commission. It is a token of proof of the work of alliances in the past years. Being mentioned 97 times throughout the report, shows the impressive share and number of best practices and achievements of ECIU University.
Catalysing Europe’s Competitiveness through Smart Investments in Research and Innovation
Nov 2024
Innovative universities, such as ECIU partners, play a crucial role in helping achieve the needed societal impact of the next R&I Framework Programme (FP 10). ECIU’s key messages for FP10 are: 1. Build upon the unique role of universities driving regional and European competitiveness. 2. Enhance the societal impact of research with bottom-up calls to allow for multifaceted impact. 3. Enhance Europe’s innovation potential through smart investments, and a dedicated and ringfenced 220 billion euro budget for a strong Research and Innovation Framework Programme.
Building a Strong Europe through Horizon Europe. How to enhance impact.
Mar 2023
Europe needs a more holistic approach to university funding, combining all universities missions in the field of education, research, innovation and service to society. Dozens of ECIU experts in the field of education, research and innovation worked together to deliver rich and crystal clear recommendations on how to improve the attractiveness and impact of Horizon Europe.
ECIU Creates Real Impact
Discover how ECIU drives change through collaboration, research, and impactful partnerships across Europe.
ECIU University is an agile, open agora at the European level for solving multi-disciplinary societal challenges, doing research and learning for life. We create an invigorating model of a true European University.
We actively implement innovative educational practices that not only promote sustainable growth in local communities but also empower individuals to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens.
Join a vibrant community of innovators and thinkers
Experience hands-on education that bridges theory and practice. Tackle real challenges while collaborating with peers across Europe.
ECIU offers many opportunities for teaching staff to be involved. Get expert guidance in challenge-based learning and exchange best practices in teaching with peers.
Unlock funding, collaboration, and networking opportunities.
At ECIU businesses find innovative and flexible solutions to real problems through research and educational projects.
Public organisations and cities join forces through research and education projects to tackle real-world challenges.
Our ECIU Brussels Office actively engages in co-creating EU policies.
ECIU offers a long-standing Leadership Development Programme for staff and many other opportunities.