'We call on the Conference on the Future of Europe to discuss and deepen Research & Innovation issues over the months to come, so as to place R&I at the core of the debate on the EU’s future challenges and priorities'.

This is the main message included in the manifesto 'Research and Innovation for the Future of Europe', which was launched last November by ERRIN and a number of other European research and innovation actors. The manifesto has already been endorsed by 94 organisations and associations. Supporters represent the entire European R&I landscape: over 600 universities, more than 400 research institutions and RTOs, 140 business associations, over 150 regional and local bodies.

Today, the Manifesto has been delivered to the Conference Plenary members, which will meet on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 January to debate the first 90 recommendations adopted in recent weeks by the European Citizens’ Panels on ‘European democracy / Values and rights, rule of law, security' and ‘Climate change, environment / Health', and related recommendations from National Citizens' Panels.

According to the CoFoE procedures, the Plenary is tasked to debate Citizens’ recommendations 'without a pre-determined outcome' and put forward, on a consensual basis, its proposals to the CoFoE Executive Board, which will draw up a report – i.e. the outcome of the Conference - 'in full collaboration and full transparency with the Plenary'.

The Manifesto Research and Innovation for the Future of Europe is public on researchforeurope.eu and can be still supported both as an organisation and individually. Find the full press release attached.