A joint Statement by many of Europe’s most influential research and innovation associations has been published. The statement passionately advocates for a significant increase in research and innovation funding for the next European Framework Programme (FP10), which will follow Horizon Europe in 2028.
Insight Media joins this call as we also recognise the urgent need for enhanced investment to drive Europe’s competitiveness through collaborative research, development, and innovation (RD&I).
The global landscape of technology and innovation is advancing at an unprecedented pace. However, the European Union is lagging behind its international competitors, particularly in private RD&I investments. This disparity not only hampers our ability to harness our full scientific and technological potential, but also threatens our long-term economic competitiveness.
To enhance Europe’s competitiveness most effectively, the new funding programme must be driven by strategic EU priorities and clearly defined industrial needs.
The brilliant EU Framework Programmes have always served as pivotal tools in addressing these challenges – and they have been getting better at that each time. By alleviating market failures and reducing the risks associated with RD&I investments, the programme stimulates private sector contributions and fosters a collaborative environment conducive to successful innovation.
But it is vital that we increase this funding going forward if we are to secure Europe’s position in the global innovation race.
With this very much in mind, the Joint Statement urges the EU Institutions to significantly boost the RD&I budget for FP10. This increase is not merely a financial necessity but a strategic imperative. National RD&I investments should meet or exceed the target of three per cent of GDP, thereby leveraging further private investments.
FP10 must prioritise cross-border collaborative RD&I with robust industrial participation. Pillar II of the Framework Programme, which fosters collaboration between various sectors and breaks down silos, should receive substantially more funding. This pillar is essential for building long-term public-private partnerships, reducing investment risks, and promoting technological neutrality across the internal market.
As such, the statement argues that the strengthening of Pillar II is crucial for two main reasons:
- Fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): These partnerships are foundational in strengthening Europe’s RD&I ecosystems, ensuring the adoption and scaling of new technologies, products, and services. This, in turn, enhances quality of life and economic competitiveness.
- Reducing risks and stimulating investment: By demonstrating the EU’s commitment to technology-intensive sectors, FP10 can incentivise industry investment within Europe, supporting the green and digital transitions and ensuring a level playing field.
Having participated in EU funding programmes since the days of FP6, Insight Media firmly believes in Europe’s potential in the global innovation race. By significantly increasing RD&I funding, we can foster innovation, drive competitiveness, and pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.
So we stand with our partners in advocating for this critical investment, confident that Europe can and will rise to the challenge, securing its place at the forefront of global innovation. Even though we have four years left on Horizon Europe, it’s never too early to start planning for how we can make the next funding programme even more of a cornerstone of Europe’s technological and economic resurgence. Let’s start that planning now.