Unlocking the full innovation potential of Europe

Unlocking the full innovation potential of Europe

On 14 October, ERRIN Director Pirita Lindholm participated in a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament titled “Unifying European R&I for Global Leadership and Competitiveness – Widening in the next Framework Programme”, hosted by MEP Eszter Lakos. The event brought together EU policymakers, Member State representatives and R&I stakeholders to discuss how Europe can close the innovation gap and strengthen its global competitiveness through inclusive research and innovation policies.

Widening: A strategic commitment

Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva opened the event by emphasizing that Widening is not merely a technical instrument, but a political and strategic commitment to Europe’s future. MEP Christian Ehler stressed that Widening should be embedded within the FP10 negotiations rather than the broader Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), where it risks being diluted among competing policy priorities. He also proposed that R&I investments become mandatory within the future Cohesion policy framework, reinforcing the importance of territorial innovation.

Jean-David Malo, Director at DG RTD, and Commissioner Zaharieva both highlighted the role of innovation ecosystems, with Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) presented as a promising example of cross-border collaboration.

ERRIN’s Key Messages

ERRIN shared several strategic recommendations to strengthen Widening within FP10:

  • A dedicated fourth pillar in Horizon Europe that includes Widening is welcome. However, Widening measures should also be mainstreamed across all pillars, with active participation from coordinators, demonstrators, and mentors from Widening countries.
  • Stronger policy and funding coordination is needed at European, national, and regional levels. The proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans in the new MFF should include a robust place-based innovation dimension.
  • Europe must unleash untapped potential by fostering collaboration between territorial innovation ecosystems with varying levels of performance, reinforcing the #TeamEurope approach.
  • Current instruments like European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) and Excellence Hubs are still too fragmented and underfunded. A clear, ambitious support framework is needed to connect ecosystems across borders.

This roundtable built on the work done by the European Parliament's Widening Task Force led by MEP Eszter Lakos, bringing together MEPs, umbrella organisations such as ERRIN, and stakeholders from Widening countries – including ERRIN members – to strengthen participation and inclusion in European R&I. The Task Force is a vital step to ensure the voices of Widening regions are heard at the policymaking table. 

Geographical balance in the European Competitiveness Fund

The week after, the issue of geographical criteria in the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) was debated in the General Affairs Council. Ministers from Widening countries strongly advocated for geographical balance, arguing that the ECF should support inclusive growth across all regions. 

Since 2021, Widening and deepening engagement has been a network priority for ERRIN. We continue to advocate for a more inclusive R&I ecosystem by promoting diversity in regional research activities and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders.

📄 Read ERRIN’s input paper on Widening in FP10 here.