POSITION | RESEARCH AND INNOVATION | FINANCING
Towards a Strong R&I Programme under the next Multiannual Financial Framework Space for your subline. April 11, 2025 Research and Innovation at the Heart of the European Economy The EU is continuously falling behind in global competition and the innovation gap is further increasing between Europe and its competitors, as highlighted by the Draghi and Heitor reports. In face of a changing international order and new geopolitical challenges, R&I play a fundamental role as a driving force for a self-determined and economically strong Europe. R&I must be at the heart of the European economic and technological agenda. Any upcoming R&I programme must be (1) equipped with an increased budget of 200 billion Euro to address the many challenges Europe is facing, (2) business and competitiveness-oriented, (3) offering attractive conditions for sustained industry participation. (4) focusing on technologies and core areas in which Europe can cement its leading position. By refocusing its collective efforts on this, Europe can close the innovation gap with global leaders, particularly in high technology. The Multiannual Financial Framework must prioritise R&I through higher, stable EU-R&I investments and leverage more private R&I capital and national public R&I investments to achieve the 3.0% target – long-term 3.5% of GDP. Establish a Standalone Budget for Research and Innovation While a certain degree of flexibility in the EU budget is advisable, R&D projects, which are often based on a long-term perspective, should have certainty in their planning. It is therefore crucial that the budget for R&I under the next MFF is ringfenced. Any upcoming R&I programme must include European Partnerships as focal points for cross-border precompetitive collaboration in dedicated research consortia. Funding tools must be linked along the development chain. Expand Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) The aim of public-private partnerships under Horizon Europe is to address global challenges and priorities that require a critical mass of partners and resources as well as a long-term vision. Thanks to this cooperation in well-developed ecosystems, capacities and resources are shared and ideally utilised by many project participants.
Lukas Martin | Digitalisation and Innovation | T: +3227921017 | L.Martin@bdi.eu | www.bdi.eu