On 31 October 2024, the YERUN Policy Platform (YPP) gathered both in Brussels and online, bringing together policymakers and officers from YERUN member universities. The YPP is a cornerstone for YERUN’s policy advocacy efforts, ensuring cohesive engagement with European research, innovation, and education policies.
The meeting focused on key updates centered around the European Research Area (ERA), highlighting YERUN’s active participation in the ERA Forum. Calls were made for prioritising critical issues, such as research careers, assessment standards, and open science. The importance of positioning universities as central actors in ERA discussions was reiterated, aligning with insights from the Letta report and promoting the fifth freedom of knowledge. YERUN’s statement on the future of ERA underscores these priorities and aims to encourage further dialogue to strengthen the role of universities.
Thierry Devars, Policy Officer at the European Commission, presented updates on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), emphasising its impact on promoting research careers and cross-sectoral partnerships. Recommendations from the programme review included advocating for budget increases, streamlined processes, and greater flexibility in implementation. Challenges in member state engagement were noted, as well as the need for better international cooperation. High-level reports by Letta and Heitor were also discussed, with participants highlighting the importance of detailed projections for future academic careers and incorporating emerging technologies such as AI. YERUN reinforced its commitment to supporting MSCA as a pillar for sustainable research careers and aligning its advocacy with broader EU funding mechanisms.
Sivasegaram Manimaaran, Policy Officer at the European Commission, detailed the European Innovation Council’s mission to bridge research and market-ready innovation. The EIC was designed to foster breakthroughs through three key schemes: Pathfinder for early-stage research, Transition for advancing promising innovations, and Accelerator for startups and SMEs. Manimaaran emphasised the EIC’s proactive management approach, which includes support for business acceleration and collaboration with regulators. While universities are key players in the Pathfinder scheme, challenges remain as projects progress, highlighting the importance of collaboration with industry and regional support. Additionally, complementary schemes, such as the Seal of Excellence and a “plug-in” pathway for national projects, were introduced to strengthen innovation pipelines.
The YERUN Brussels Office appreciates the active participation and contributions of its members, which strengthen YERUN’s policy work and ensure the network’s continued influence within the European education, research, and innovation landscape.
