The ERA Act: A defining moment that must deliver

ECIU champions bold and entrepreneurial action. As a network of research‑intensive, innovation‑driven universities, we create societal impact that extends far beyond traditional research outputs. We understand what it takes to turn ideas into solutions, to drive regional transformation, and to make the European Research Area a living reality. For Europe to stay competitive and resilient, it must empower universities to cultivate entrepreneurship, accelerate innovation, and generate meaningful change for society.

Skills and talent are the lifeblood of innovation. Through micro-credentials and personalised learning, ECIU champions lifelong learning as a cornerstone of the ERA. This is not optional. Europe must invest in agile education systems that attract talent, support mobility, and build the skills essential for cutting-edge research and innovation. Without this, the ERA risks falling short of its promise.

Drawing on the hands-on experience of our 13 member universities, ECIU has actively contributed to the European Commission’s stakeholder consultation on the ERA Act. Our message is clear: Europe cannot afford fragmented governance, unclear rules, or barriers to collaboration. The ERA Act must deliver coherence, clarity, and trust - conditions that empower universities to lead Europe’s transformation.

ECIU’s key recommendations for a strong European Research Area:

1. Secure and strategic R&D investment

ECIU strongly supports the ERA Act’s target of 3% GDP investment in research and development. However, this commitment must translate into a protected budget for research.

2. European Universities Alliances: catalysts for the ERA

European Universities Alliances are key actors in realising the ERA objectives. With their unique governance and long-term, structural collaboration models, they foster cross-border collaboration, create innovation pathways, and enable integrated ecosystems where research, education, and innovation intersect. By leveraging Alliances, Europe can accelerate knowledge circulation, strengthen interdisciplinary research, and promote co-creation with industry and society. Alliances are not just academic networks - they are engines of transformation for a competitive and inclusive ERA.

3. Create conditions for excellence and mobility

Europe’s capacity to lead in R&I depends on attractive and mobile research careers. ECIU calls for frameworks that enable flexible career paths across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, allowing researchers to move between sectors. Removing mobility barriers, simplifying visa processes, and supporting joint PhD models are crucial steps toward this goal. Moreover, diversity and inclusiveness must remain central components. Attracting talent to Europe requires equal opportunities.

4. Valorisation and societal impact beyond patents

Innovation is not a linear process. Knowledge valorisation must go beyond patents to deliver economic, environmental and democratic benefits. Reward systems must recognise collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and open science. Incentives, not prescriptive rules, should drive impact. Co-creation with citizens and cross-sector networks will ensure research translates into meaningful societal outcomes.

Standardisation and interoperability in data management are essential to enable reuse and maximise impact. European University Alliances can lead the way in building these integrated ecosystems.

5. Clear guidance on AI and research security

Lack of consistent EU-level guidance on AI creates uncertainty and administrative burden, while diverging national rules hinder collaboration and leave researchers unclear on issues like transparency and dual-use. ECIU calls for clear, coherent EU measures, integrated into existing systems, not new structures - supported by training and awareness. Likewise, research security needs a balanced approach: evidence-based measures that protect integrity without compromising academic freedom or openness, alongside legal clarity and risk assessment tools for universities.

Shaping the future together

The ERA Act is a unique opportunity to unlock Europe’s full research and innovation potential. By promoting openness, collaboration and excellence, it has the power to establish an environment in which knowledge circulates freely, talent flourishes and innovation fosters societal advancement.

ECIU stands ready to work with EU institutions, Member States, and stakeholders drive this transformation. Through our network of innovative universities and our dedication to entrepreneurship, regional development and lifelong learning, we are laying the groundwork for a competitive, inclusive and forward-looking European Research Area.

For a detailed overview of our recommendations, explore our full ERA Act questionnaire below.