EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva on Boosting Research and Innovation

"Choose Europe" Strategy for Science and Business

• 💡 The "Choose Europe" plan aims to make Europe a top destination for science and business by focusing on openness and independence in science, investing in talent, and accelerating innovation.
• 💰 A significant investment of half a billion dollars over two and a half years is allocated through the Horizon Europe program to support these goals.

Supporting Researchers and Key Sectors

• 🔬 The strategy includes an additional 280 million euros for the European Research Council (ERC) to support top researchers and their teams, emphasizing curiosity-driven basic research.
• 🎯 Key sectors targeted for boosted research and innovation include AI, life sciences, bioeconomy, cleantech, quantum, and space, crucial for European competitiveness and economic security.

Accelerating Innovation and Scaling Startups

• 🚀 Europe faces challenges in the scale-up phase for startups, with a focus on developing pan-European venture capital and implementing a startup and scaleup strategy.
• 🛠️ This strategy addresses four pillars: talent, finance, access to market (including public procurement), and regulatory obstacles.

Attracting Global Talent to Europe

• 🌍 The EU sees a significant opportunity to attract researchers from the United States, particularly as funding for certain research areas is being cut.
• 🤝 Information from European universities indicates strong interest from US-based colleagues looking to relocate, drawn by research freedom and social conditions, not just salary.

Bridging Academia and the Private Sector

• 📈 While challenges exist in translating academic research into private sector success, Horizon Europe facilitates cooperative research between academia and industry.
• 🤝 There's a growing trend of research organizations working closely with private companies and traditional industries investing in European startups and research.

Dual-Use Research and Future Metrics

• 🛡️ The EU is proposing to open funds like the European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator and STEP (Strategic Equity Investment) to dual-use and defense research, recognizing the overlap between civilian and defense applications.
• ✅ Success in a year will be measured by Europe preserving its top position in attracting talent, becoming the best-educated continent, and shortening the time from discovery to market for innovative companies.