YERUN, together with other leading European research and innovation organisations, publishes a joint statement to contribute to the discussion on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), put forward by the European Commission in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Our associations offer a shared perspective on the role that the ECF should play within Europe’s research and innovation landscape.
Building on our previous joint amendments to the FP10 proposal, where we stressed the importance of a strong and coherent European investment architecture encompassing the whole research and innovation cycle, this contribution outlines how the ECF can best enhance Europe’s strategic capacities and global competitiveness, while reinforcing, rather than fragmenting, the existing EU framework.
Our central message is straightforward: FP10 and the ECF must remain two autonomous, complementary, and expert-driven programmes. FP10 should continue to serve as the EU’s primary instrument for excellent, open, and collaborative R&I, while the ECF should focus on accelerating the translation of R&I into tangible impact, with the ultimate aim of strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. A clear and well-defined FP10–ECF interface is essential to enable the ECF to deliver effective scale-up and deployment. Respecting the autonomy of both programmes is fundamental to building a prosper future for Europe.
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“Europe’s future competitiveness depends on a strong and coherent research and innovation architecture. FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund should be designed as autonomous but complementary programmes: FP10 to continue driving excellence and collaboration in research and innovation, and the ECF to accelerate scale-up and deployment. Clear scopes and objectives for each programme are essential to ensure that research and innovation results effectively reach the market and society, while preserving the strengths of Europe’s R&I system.” – Silvia Gómez Recio, YERUN Secretary General
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Download the Joint Statement Here
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Signatories
CESAER – https://www.cesaer.org/
Coimbra Group – https://www.coimbra-group.eu/
EUA – https://www.eua.eu/
EU-LIFE – https://eu-life.eu/
The Guild – https://www.the-guild.eu/
LERU – https://www.leru.org/
YERUN – https://yerun.eu/
