EU-LIFE

In view of the upcoming communication of the European Commission on the ERA, and based on previous interactions with ERAC, EU-LIFE welcomes publicly the initiative to re-think and re-design the ERA and hereby presents its views on the key aspects for its future. ERA strategy: • EU-LIFE welcomes the initiative to re-design the ERA narrative and in particular, the clear reinforcement that knowledge is at the centre of ERA. Innovation is about delivering solutions based on new knowledge. We strongly support the notion that directionality is important but focus on the research ecosystem is the critical basis. In other words, to achieve innovation and effectively address global challenges, we need the right ecosystem in place. ERA should be about developing and nurturing this rich ecosystem. • We welcome the drive to strengthen knowledge as culture in our society: ERA should speak to the heart of citizens and be at the centre of the European ideal. We strongly support the narrative of “knowledge as culture“, given the current context of post-truths and alternative facts and the lack of science-driven policies during the current COVID-19 pandemic. • Articulation with open science is paramount. Likewise, we support special attention to inclusiveness and widening across Europe as they are the basis to a sustainable ERA. Member States’, European and institutional levels are all crucial: • It is, however, essential to strike the right balance between strengthening the ERA at the Member States (MS) level and at the European level. Leaving knowledge and research solely at the national level is a dangerous strategy that does not serve the needs of the citizens and should not be pursued. • Therefore, leverage of the ERA depends also on a renewed strategy at European level, beyond monitoring national implementation. This includes a clear framework and reasonable resources at the European level – in Horizon Europe and beyond, since realisation of the ERA requires transversal synergies with many different sectors. • It is urgent to address what needs to change to ensure political ownership and commitment at both Member States’ and European level. Namely, a more federated approach regarding coordination of policies such as on taxes and pensions to support circulation of people. • We support some flexibility regarding national approaches providing it comes with clear commitments (at a political level and long standing, i.e., not subject to ever-changing, short governing cycles) and with clear milestones of implementation (including resources, investment). • A key omission in the narrative is activity at the institutional level. It is crucial to include the institutional level as a driver of the ERA since institutions - research performing organisations, universities, and industry - are the ultimate enablers and providers of the ERA’s aims. • Include international stakeholder organisations in the dialogue more often and sooner. We recommend ensuring continuity of contributions and expertise built since 2000, for example the ERA stakeholders platform (with a revised format). Implementation measures: • At the implementation stage, measures should evolve from “launching change” to “supporting and evaluating change in practice”. This means planning for long-term supervision of change where change and long-term monitoring should be happening - not only on paper, not only measuring indicators. • We propose that the ERA should collate case studies and existing examples of good practice that can inspire countries, regions, locals and institutions. Role models should be highlighted to showcase the added value and inspire others as to how the ERA can work at each level. There are several initiatives - EU-LIFE is an example – that show how the ERA can work in practice.

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Meeting with Jean-Eric Paquet (Director-General Research and Innovation)

6 Jul 2020 · Position paper of EU-LIFE: How to ensure health safety in Europe – The vision of the EU-LIFE institutes

Meeting with Mariya Gabriel (Commissioner)

5 Dec 2019 · Research and Innovation

Meeting with Antonio Lowndes Marques De Araujo Vicente (Cabinet of Commissioner Carlos Moedas)

25 Apr 2019 · Life Sciences in Horizon Europe

Meeting with Keith Sequeira (Cabinet of Commissioner Carlos Moedas)

19 Sept 2018 · Horizon Europe