News
European Commission: Communication on Europe’s Global Approach to Research and Innovation published
20. May 2021
On 18 May 2021, the European Commission adopted a communication on Europe’s global approach to research and innovation, thereby replacing a preceding EU strategy on international cooperation in research and innovation (as outlined in an EC communication from 2012). Against the backdrop of a transformed and further evolving global landscape with increased geopolitical tensions and endangered fundamental values, this new approach aims to supports the recently coined concept of an “open strategic autonomy” of the EU by modulating its research collaborations with non-EU countries. At the same time, strong emphasis is given to continuing and strengthening the EU’s support for multilateral research and innovation initiatives (e.g. the All-Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance) to address challenges related in particular to the green and digital transition.
The new approach reconfirms Europe's existing commitment to openness as an essential principle for international scientific collaborations but additionally reiterates the aim to establish a framework that creates a level playing field on issues like research integrity, intellectual property and reciprocal access to research (funding) programmes. The EU intends to join forces with international partners to create a common understanding of fundamental principles and values in research and innovation, such as academic freedom, gender equality, research ethics and open science. Such dialogues will notably take place in the ERA Forum for Transition, guided by a European Pact for Research and Innovation (to be adopted by Member States in 2021). The Commission proposes to present guidelines (probably at the end of 2021) on dealing with foreign interference targeting European research organisations and higher education institutions in order to safeguard academic freedom and institutional autonomy. In addition, the Commission will (by the end of 2022) present a code of practice on smart use of intellectual property in an international context to raise awareness among universities, research organisations and businesses.
The implementation of the new approach will be primarily supported by Horizon Europe, the current EU research and innovation framework programme (2021-2027). The Horizon Europe regulation offers enhanced opportunities for third countries to associate to the framework programme but also contains provision to exceptionally exclude entities in order to safeguard the EU's strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security.