Highlights
🏥 The Commission released a brief outlining AI’s transformative impact on scientific research, highlighting its ability to hasten discoveries and tackle complex global challenges. Know more here.
🤝 The Vanguard Initiative (VI), comprising around 40 highly industrialized European regions, unveiled an innovative funding tool called VInnovate. This funding mechanism, led by José Carlos Caldeira from INESC TEC, targets interregional R&D projects to boost the adoption of emerging technologies in European value chains.
💡 2023 EU Industrial R&D Scoreboard: record global R&D investments drive resilience and competitive edge, with a focus on ICT, automotive, and health sectors, highlighting the strategic impact of R&D in crisis navigation and technological advancements in green technologies and AI. Know more here.
Key Takeaways
– This week, the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation released a new Foresight report, significantly contributing to shaping the upcoming Horizon Europe Strategic Plan (2025-2027). This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the key emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges influencing the global and European Research & Innovation (R&I) policy domain. Know more here.
-Take part in the ongoing public consultation addressing dual-use technologies. The Commission is reviewing existing instruments and plans to report on strategies for targeted support in their development. Additionally, active calls for evidence aim to bolster research security within the EU and overcome legal barriers in cross-border regions. Your participation in these efforts is vital to uphold ethical research practices, strengthen security measures, and fortify resilience among EU researchers and academics.
– This week, EU member states united to enhance research career appeal and improve working conditions for researchers. This agreement stands as a crucial component in fortifying the European Research Area (ERA), aligning with the primary action highlighted in the ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024. Know more here.
Funding
European Innovation Council 2024 work program: less budget, overall continuity and €1.2 billion for strategic technologiesThis week, the Commission approved the European Innovation Council (EIC) 2024 work program, unlocking funding opportunities exceeding €1.2 billion for the year. A significant portion of this funding is earmarked for SMEs and startups focusing on advancing “deep tech” innovations in vital sectors such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, critical raw materials, semiconductors, and quantum technologies.
This move coincides with the Commission’s decision finalizing the restructuring of the EIC Fund, injecting €585 million in capital. This fund will support selected companies within the EIC, leveraging more than €2 billion in additional investments. Know more here.
MSCA Co-funding of regional, national and international programmesThe MSCA COFUND 2023 Call is currently open for applications, with a budget of €96.6 million available. This initiative focuses on doctoral and postdoctoral programs, aiming to promote MSCA’s best practices. These programs emphasize international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral mobility while providing training for researchers at various career stages. The deadline for applications is February 8, 2024. COFUND projects may take the form of doctoral programs that offer research training to candidates, leading to the attainment of a doctoral degree. Know more here.
Concerns arise over RD&I cuts in Horizon Europe: EARTO’s warningThe European Association of Research and Technology Organizations (EARTO) expressed grave concern over the recent proposed Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) budget cuts amid the Council negotiations for the MFF 2021-2027 mid-term revision. The suggested redeployment of €2.1 billion from the Horizon Europe’s second pillar raised alarms within EARTO, emphasizing that RD&I funding should not serve as a bargaining chip in EU budget deliberations, stressing the crucial role these funds play in driving innovation. Know more here.
European Council endorses Multiannual Financial Framework Revision: president Michel’s statementAfter the initial day of the European Council session, President Michel issued a statement endorsing the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) Revision encompassing various aspects and priorities such as backing for Ukraine, migration, external dimensions, strategic technologies for Europe platform, NextGenerationEU interest payments, special instruments, new own resources, and strategies mitigating the impact on national budgets. This comprehensive framework garnered solid support from 26 Heads of State or Governments. President Michel also indicated a plan to revisit these discussions early in the upcoming year. Know more here.
CHIPS Joint Undertaking amends work programme 2023 and opens call for pilot linesThe newly established CHIPS Joint Undertaking (JU) has updated its 2023 work program to initiate an expression-of-interest call. This call aims to solicit hosting proposals for four pilot lines essential for driving Chips for Europe initiatives. With a budget of €1.67 billion available for the establishment of these pilot lines in EU member states, applications are open until February 29, 2024. Notably, CHIPS JU anticipates co-owning 50% of the tools and equipment of these pilot lines to ensure closer oversight over these critical infrastructures. Know more here.
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Commission’s Policy Brief Explores AI’s Role in Revolutionizing Science and InnovationThe Commission released a brief outlining AI’s transformative impact on scientific research, highlighting its ability to hasten discoveries and tackle complex global challenges.
The document advocates for a tailored European Research Area policy to integrate AI into scientific practices. Leveraging existing R&I policies and ongoing discussions on the AI Act, the brief aims to translate AI’s potential into tangible advancements, fostering innovation and economic growth in the scientific landscape. Know more here.
AI Act agreement gets mixed reaction from European techAccording to Science Business, European tech companies responded with varied sentiments following a pivotal agreement on the EU’s AI Act. After extensive trilogue negotiations that lasted through the night and concluded on December 8, involving MEPs, member states, and the Commission, the industry’s reaction was mixed. The legislation, despite late-stage lobbying efforts, will introduce additional scrutiny on advanced general-purpose AI owned by a select few US and Chinese firms. Notably, the Act doesn’t grant researchers the right to delve into these AI models. Know more here.
European Research Executive Agency: AI’s Role in Shaping Europe’s FutureIn this explanatory article from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), artificial intelligence (AI) is presented a pivotal force in reshaping our society. However, while AI brings significant advantages, it also poses challenges. Addressing both is crucial in shaping a digital, environmentally conscious, equitable, and inclusive future for Europe.
The EU prioritizes the central role of AI in steering a secure and ethical digital evolution of our society. To achieve this, the EU is funding research projects driven by AI. These initiatives focus on pivotal aspects such as democracy, security, healthcare, environmental conservation, employment, and education.
AI transcends mere buzz – delve deeper into these projects and understand the diverse impacts of AI. Read more here. |
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Commission welcomes deal on electricity market reformThe Commission has embraced the interim agreement achieved this week by the European Parliament and Council regarding the overhaul of the EU’s electricity market design. This agreement is poised to facilitate the establishment of a renewable-focused energy system within the EU. It aims to reduce energy costs, shield consumers from price fluctuations, and empower them to partake in the energy transition. The reform aligns with the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan, ensuring the EU’s sustainable and autonomous energy supply. As part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, this reform will render the European industry more environmentally friendly and competitive by enabling access to affordable renewable, non-fossil energy sources. Know more here.
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Industry calls for more transatlantic cooperation in semiconductor researchSpeakers at a joint conference organized by Science|Business and the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted the imperative need to bolster the existing collaboration between the EU and the US in semiconductor development. While both regions have a robust history of cooperation in this field, there’s a pressing requirement to strengthen these ties.
With semiconductor R&D being highly costly, duplicating capabilities seems impractical. To maximize the strategic benefits of their substantial incentive programs, the joint conference emphasized the necessity of EU-US collaboration as a crucial step forward. Know more here. |
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2023 EU Industrial R&D Scoreboard is out2023 EU Industrial R&D Scoreboard: Record Global R&D Investments Drive Resilience and Competitive Edge, with a Focus on ICT, Automotive, and Health Sectors, Highlighting the Strategic Impact of R&D in Crisis Navigation and Technological Advancements in Green Technologies and AI.
In 2022, Europe’s industry notably surged its research and development investments, as reported in the 2023 EU Industrial Research & Development Investment Scoreboard.
Private R&D investments within the EU saw remarkable growth, marking the highest rate of increase since 2015, more than doubling compared to 2021 with a 13.6% uptick. Know more here.
Horizon programme: a catalyst for remarkable business growth in EuropeThe Research and Innovation Directorate-General recently released a working paper showcasing Horizon 2020’s pivotal role in propelling business growth throughout Europe. The study revealed that companies benefiting from Horizon 2020 grants witnessed an impressive 20% surge in employment and a remarkable 30% increase in total assets and revenues compared to similar entities. These noteworthy improvements are attributed to the Horizon 2020 program rather than external business factors. The impact was notably significant in sectors such as ‘Information and communication’ and ‘Professional, scientific, and technical activities. Know more here.
EU countries agree on steps to attract and retain research talentThis week, EU member states united to enhance research career appeal and improve working conditions for researchers.
The Council of the EU achieved a political consensus on the definitive text of the Recommendation for a European framework, focusing on attracting and retaining research, innovation, and entrepreneurial talents within Europe. This agreement stands as a crucial component in fortifying the European Research Area (ERA), aligning with the primary action highlighted in the ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024. Know more here.
Commission publishes foresight report paving the way for Horizon Europe’s next Strategic PlanThis week, the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation released a new Foresight report, significantly contributing to shaping the upcoming Horizon Europe Strategic Plan (2025-2027). This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the key emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges influencing the global and European Research & Innovation (R&I) policy domain.
The report plays a pivotal role in guiding European R&I policymaking, influencing the formulation of Horizon Europe’s Strategic Plan and shaping the future landscape of R&I in the EU. The findings derived from this report will be crucial in defining Europe’s approach to R&I in the upcoming years, steering the latter part of Horizon Europe and subsequently informing the following Framework Programme for R&I. Know more here.
MEPs agree position on EU Health Data Space to boost researchThis week the European Parliament approved its stance on establishing a European Health Data Space, aiming to streamline health data sharing within the EU.
The proposed space encompasses both primary and secondary data usage. Primary use involves doctors accessing health records of patients from other member states, while secondary use allows health data utilization for research purposes.
This move is poised to facilitate research on rare diseases, often challenging due to insufficient patient numbers for clinical trials. MEPs endorsed the option for patients to opt-out from the secondary use of their data. Know more here.
EU leaders advance accession talks with Ukraine and MoldovaIn a historic move, EU leaders, despite Hungary’s earlier threat of a veto, agreed on Thursday (14 December) to initiate accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. European Council President Charles Michel announced this pivotal decision, stating, “The European Council has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine & Moldova.” Additionally, the leaders granted candidate status to Georgia and outlined plans to commence negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once it meets the required membership criteria, tasking the Commission to report on this by March for a potential decision. Know more here. |
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Exploring INOV’s strategic engagement in ECP’s ceramic and crystal agendaINOV’s Cybersecurity Director, Nelson Escravana, highlighted this week the ECP | Ecocerâmica e Cristalaria de Portugal agenda, emphasizing its profound importance. This groundbreaking initiative aligns seamlessly with INOV’s institutional objectives, involving teams across 4 out of 5 strategic areas. Offering a glimpse into the future of the ceramics and crystal industries, this transformative project promises innovation and growth. Know more here.
Vanguard Initiative Introduces VInnovate: A New Interregional Funding Mechanism for InnovationThe Vanguard Initiative (VI), a European network of approximately 40 heavily industrialized regions with a decade-long history, has recently introduced an innovative interregional funding tool named VInnovate. This new instrument emerged from the efforts of the Funding and Financing Task Group within the Vanguard Initiative, initiated by a joint proposal from Portugal’s Norte Region and South Holland Region. Coordinated by José Carlos Caldeira, INESC TEC’s administrator representing the Norte Region, this fresh funding mechanism aims to support interregional R&D projects and enhance the adoption of emerging technologies for the advancement of European value chains. Know more here.
INESC TEC’s robots already traverse the vineyards of DouroThe “Synergy Day: Robotics and IoT for Vineyards,” organized by INESC TEC with support from InovTechAgro, Sogrape, and ADVID, showcased IoT solutions for monitoring tasks in the terraced vineyards of Douro, utilizing three robots poised to revolutionize the winemaking industry. Filipe Neves dos Santos, a researcher at INESC TEC, highlights that these solutions will enhance intelligence, profitability, precision, and automation in agriculture and forestry. “Our robots, operating in perennial crops, will streamline tasks for producers in precision spraying, monitoring, vegetation cover maintenance, soil fertilization, as well as selective pruning, harvesting, and logistics.” Know more here.
Job Opportunities– INESC TEC has 44 vacancies in different work areas, such as Mobile Robotics, Computer Science, and more. Recently they opened a position for the study and development of a fiber optic sensor for monitoring the curing process of concrete structures, and another in industrial Robotics Research. Find more at INESCTEC website and via LinkedIn
– INESC ID is offering 6 research scholarship with different duration, mainly in the Blockchain area. More info
– INOV is hiring a Analyst/Programmer and a Full Stack Software Engineer. More info
– INESC Coimbra has announced a PhD position Behavioral Operations Research and multi objective optimization in residential energy management systems. More info |
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DECEMBER
– Co-Designing Diamond Open Access Recommendations and Guidelines for Research Funders, Sponsors, and Donors by Science Europe, 4 december, Brussels, 14.00–16.00 CET. Register here.
– 10th Symposion on European Civil Security Research – organised by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 5-6 December, 11:30- 18:00 (CEST), Brussels and online. Register here.
– European Partnership Stakeholder Forum 2023. 5-6 December, Brussels. Registrations open.
– Strategies for R&D resilience in shifting security paradigms – Science Business Network Conference, December 6; 13:30 – 18:00 CET, Brussels. Register here.
– The Widening: 2023 Annual Conference. 06 December 2023 (TBC). 13:30 – 17:30 CET. Place TBA. Public event. More info
– Research and innovation Conference 2023, 7 December 2023, 9:30am – 4:30pm (GMT), a UK Universities event. Register here.
– CHIPS meets Chips: Transatlantic cooperation in semiconductor research by Science Business, 12 December 2023, 2:00 PM-6:00 PM CET/8:00 AM – Noon EST, Brussels, Belgium. Register here.
2024
– Innovative Health Initiative Call Days for calls 6 and 7, 10 to 16 January 2024, Brussels. Register here.
– Annual Network Conference. 06 February 2024. 09:00-17:30 CET. Brussels. Public event. More info
– International conference CBRNE Research & Innovation, March 19, 2024 – March 21, 2024, Strasbourg. Register here.
– 4th Workshop on Neuroengineering: Brain-on-a-Chip Platforms. 4-5 April 2024. i3S – Institute of Research and Innovation in Health. More information here.
– 8th World Conference on Research Integrity, 2-5 June 2024, at Megaron Athens International Conference Centre (MAICC), Athens. Travel Grant applications open on 26 June 2023. More info
– Conference: IAMOT – International Association for Management of Technology 2024, 8-11 July 2024. Porto, Portugal. Organised by INESC TEC and FEUP. More info |
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