A European strategy for research and innovation

Submitted by Imogen Allan on 26 May 2021

The EU is aiming to further support international research and innovation partnerships in the context of a rapidly transforming global landscape. It aims to promote multilateralism, openness, and reciprocity.

This can be achieved by tackling key global issues, such as climate change and potential future pandemics, and by strengthening autonomy.

On 18 May, the European Commission adopted an approach for Research and Innovation and outlined Europe’s strategy for international cooperation.

Speaking on cooperation, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, said: “Openness has always been a cornerstone in our cooperation with the rest of the world. Our response to the pandemic has shown the benefits of more open science, and of sharing data and results for the benefit of people in Europe and the rest of the world. This strategy will help us to create a global critical mass of research and innovation to help us find solutions to today's pressing global challenges.”

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: “To make sure that this openness works, and that researchers can cooperate across borders as easily as possible, we not only need support from major funders like the EU, but also a clear framework that creates a level playing field on issues like ethical and people-centred research, the fair treatment of intellectual property, and reciprocal access to research programmes. We will actively engage with partners who share these values and principles.”

The new strategy builds on two key objectives:

  • Research and innovation that helps innovators work together to find solutions to global challenges;
  • A level-playing field for international cooperation in research and innovation.

Concrete actions the EU will take to achieve these goals are:

  • Supporting researchers to help accelerate sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries;
  • Disseminating guidance on how to deal with foreign interference targeting EU research organisations.

Read the full press release here.

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