16 October 2024

In its 94-page report, the expert group argues in favour of a transformative research and innovation policy with reference to high-level policy recommendations (Letta report, Commission guidelines, Draghi report) for each of its 12 strategic recommendations. The demands that are particularly relevant for the higher education sector are summarised below according to four thematic areas:

1. Focus on competitiveness: establish a Competitiveness Council to strengthen it on the basis of a green, digital economy.

2. Funding and increase: increase the budget and a portfolio of measures geared towards research and innovation in order to provide faster funding for excellent research and disruptive innovation programmes.

3. (Re)organisation and institutions: Establish diverse, new councils and bodies to (1) address key societal issues, (2) build an inclusive and attractive EU R&I ecosystem and (3) reduce administrative burden by pooling resources.

4. Geopolitics: develop differentiated international cooperation strategies to adapt partnerships to geopolitical developments. Optimising the administration and handling of dual-use technologies.

A detailed analysis of the demands with particular relevance for the higher education sector can be found here (Link Doc).