Leading Research Organisations Urge for Continued Focus on Early-Stage Collaborative R&I in Next EU Framework Programme
In a statement released today, ahead of the European Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), ECIU, alongside eleven prominent research organisations, urges that early-stage collaborative Research and Innovation (R&I) remain a top priority in the forthcoming Framework Programme (FP10).
The research organizations claim that sustained investment in early-stage collaboration is vital for driving scientific excellence, enhancing innovation capacity, and securing long-term competitiveness in Europe—while simultaneously addressing Europe's most pressing societal challenges in collaboration with external partners.
The statement also emphasizes the essential relationship between the European Competitiveness Fund and FP10. While the Competitiveness Fund, particularly in its industry-driven formats, should concentrate on deployment-oriented collaborative innovation at higher technology readiness levels, FP10 must serve as the vital framework for nurturing smaller-scale projects aimed at lower technology readiness and supporting outstanding, curiosity-driven early-stage R&I collaboration. The signatories advocate for viewing the Competitiveness Fund as a continuum of collaborative R&I initiatives that originate under FP10.
Furthermore, the statement boldly calls for significant enhancements in FP10 to amplify support for low- and mid technology readiness levels within a streamlined and researcher-friendly structure.
In earlier statements, ECIU has put forward key proposals aimed at enhancing European competitiveness and increasing the impact of research and innovation (R&I) programs. ECIU emphasizes the importance of Europe investing in the knowledge vaporization capabilities of its universities and strengthening the connections between academia, the business sector, and society, with the goal of boosting European competitiveness.
More information