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In today's Insider Roundup Newsletter:
Editorial: Shaping European competitiveness through strategic investment in research and innovation
Europe’s competitiveness is facing challenges that require urgent, decisive action and a broad mobilisation. Mario Draghi’s recent report on European competitiveness highlights the pressing need to counter slowing economic growth, geopolitical tensions, and technological stagnation by boosting innovation, decarbonisation, and resilience.
The upcoming 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) offers a unique opportunity to align these strategic goals and reposition Europe at a global level. In INESC TEC ’s position paper on FP10, we emphasise the importance of strategic investments in key areas such as digital technologies, green energy, and biotechnology, essential for strengthening Europe’s competitive edge. In addition to driving economic development, these sectors play a critical role in addressing societal challenges like climate change and the energy transition. Our position paper, published prior to Draghi’s report, anticipated many of these strategic priorities, particularly the imperative to close the innovation gap between Europe, the United States, and China. We strongly advocate for a coordinated approach that drives productivity and fosters sustainable growth, fully aligned with the vision outlined in Draghi’s report.
A vision for innovation and technological leadership
Like Draghi’s report, our position paper emphasises technological leadership as the cornerstone of Europe’s future global competitiveness. Europe has historically lagged in the development of digital technologies from the outset and is at risk of continuing to fall behind in critical, high-growth sectors such as cloud services, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. A proactive approach to establishing leadership in these frontier areas, as we advocate for FP10, will be crucial for reversing this trend. As Draghi points out, fostering robust innovation ecosystems will requires coherent policies and a sustained, long-term strategic investment framework.
A thriving innovation pipeline, as we propose for FP10, is crucial for accelerating the transition from laboratory research to market-ready technologies. This is essential for transforming Europe’s research strength into tangible industrial capabilities. This directly aligns with one of Draghi’s key assertions: the urgent need to dismantle regulatory and structural barriers that impede the large-scale commercialisation of technological innovations.
Sustainability and competitiveness: Innovation at the core
Draghi’s report highlights decarbonisation as a critical driver of competitiveness, a perspective that aligns closely with our position on FP10. While Europe has been a pioneer in climate initiatives, its leadership in developing and commercialising clean technologies, such as solar and wind energy, has gradually declined.
Elevating innovation in these sectors is essential for advancing the climate transition and lowering energy costs, enabling renewable energy to play a foundational role in Europe’s economic competitiveness. Achieving this level of industrial innovation will require coordinated, cross-sectoral efforts, including significant investments in energy grid upgrades and regulatory framework enhancements. The strategic mobilisation of public-private partnerships and targeted investments in sustainable energy systems, as we advocate for in FP10, reflect the need for a cohesive, innovation-driven decarbonisation strategy that promotes both sustainability and economic resilience.
Building Strategic Autonomy: Europe’s path to resilience
Beyond innovation and sustainability, ensuring Europe’s autonomy in critical sectors such as semiconductors, clean technologies, and defence is a central focus of INESC TEC’s vision for FP10. Draghi’s report clearly warns of the risks associated with over-reliance on external providers throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to advanced technologies. INESC TEC’s position advocates for FP10 to proactively develop robust and resilient cross-border supply chains as part of Europe’s broader digital and industrial ecosystems, directly addressing this challenge.
Strengthening its foreign economic policy, as advocated for in Draghi’s report, requires deeper collaboration collaboration across Member States to build joint capabilities in strategic industries. FP10 can play a crucial role in fostering these partnerships, with a focus on innovation leadership that will help Europe countering geopolitical fragmentation and strengthening its strategic autonomy.
From vision to action: coordinated strategy is imperative
INESC TEC’s position paper on FP10 is closely aligned with the conclusions and recommendations of Mario Draghi’s report. The Framework Programme must be equipped with the vision and tools necessary to build a stronger, more competitive Europe, as part of a coordinated strategy to address pressing societal challenges and promote sustainable economic growth. As stakeholders across Europe converge around the priorities outlined in Draghi’s report – particularly in the ongoing discussions about the future of the Framework Programme – a blueprint for decisive action is emerging. The responsibility to bring this vision to life now rests with policymakers. Implementing the much-needed policy reforms and enhancements inspired by these recommendations will be a crucial next step in charting a new path that enables Europe to fully transform its potential into tangible outcomes in innovation, sustainability, and strategic autonomy.
President and CEO of INESC TEC & Vice-Chair of the INESC Brussels HUB Management Committee
The Insider Roundup
The Insider Roundup is an overview of the main news covered in this edition with an analytical focus. You can listen to the podcast version here (https://pod.co/the-insider) or wherever you get your podcasts! Now also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Deezer, TuneIn and many others. Don’t forget to subscribe!
The podcast transcript is at the end of The Insider Newsletter, along with all the links mentioned.
Thematic Areas
Advanced Computing – Europe’s Strategic Leap in Cloud Computing
The EU’s Bold Move in Cloud Computing: What You Need to Know about the New IPCEI Cloud (The Insider Podcast – Interview with Dr. Alberto P. Martí , VP of Open Source Innovation at OpenNebula Systems & Chair of the IPCEI-CIS Industry Facilitation Group)
Artificial Intelligence – Shaping the Future: EU’s AI Ambitions and Breakthroughs
Bioengineering and Health Technologies – Transforming Health: EU’s Breakthroughs in Bioengineering
ERDERA Partnership: a €380 million effort to transform rare disease research under Horizon Europe ( European Commission )
Electronic systems, Microelectronics and Optoelectronics – Pioneering Innovation in Microelectronics and Optoelectronics
In the Media: Fábio Passos writes on Jornal i about organ-on-chip technology that could revolutionise modern medicine ( INESC-ID )
Marco Piccardo wins ERC Starting Grant worth 1.5 million euros ( INESC Microssistemas e Nanotecnologias )
Power and Energy Systems – Advancing Energy Security and Innovation in Europe
A new study shows how research and innovation can help to ensure energy security in Europe’s clean energy transition ( European Commission )
Creating a Center of Expertise on Nuclear Modelling (JRC DG, LinkedIn, Bernard Magenhann )
Energy Democratisation – INESC-ID Leads U2Demo project, “Peer-to-Peer (P2P) trading and Energy Sharing” ( INESC-ID )
Robotics – Pioneering Electric Mobility: The Future of Passenger Ferries
Transversal Areas
EU R&I Policy – Shaping the Future: Insights into EU Research and Innovation Policy
European Research Area – the new ERA 4 years on: achievements, lessons learnt and the way forward ( European Commission )
R&I Funding – Securing Europe’s Future: New Opportunities in Research Funding
Marco Piccardo wins ERC Starting Grant worth 1.5 million euros ( INESC Microssistemas e Nanotecnologias )
The 2024 benchmarking of innovation procurement policy frameworks across Europe are now available ( European Commission )
Portugal ranked most attractive country for Nearshoring Industrial Investments in 2024 ( aicep Portugal Global and Savills Portugal )
International Cooperation – Global Partnerships: Expanding Europe’s Research Horizons
Application open for On-Site Research internships at National Institute of Informatics , Japan ( INESC TEC ) – for more information contact internationalrelations@inesctec.pt
The Federal Technological University of Paraná in Brazil honoured Vladimiro Miranda with the “Forjadores da Inovação 2024” award ( INESC TEC )
Higher Education – Reimagining Higher Education: The Challenges Ahead
Gender equality, diversity and well-being – Championing Equality and Well-being in European R&I
EU Award for Gender Equality Champions: call for applications opens on 4 September ( European Commission )
Gender equality and well-being in the workplace: what strategies should we adopt in the world of science and technology? ( INESC TEC )
Other – INESC TEC strategic encounter, defense, INOV and innovation acceleration
Note: Various articles of our newsletter are part of the “Funding Newswire” section in Science Business. In this section you can find the latest news in research funding, from calls to policy updates and its implications.
INESC is part of the Science Business Network, so you get free access to this section by signing up with your institutional email (it must be an email address from any of the 5 INESC institutes).
Podcast Transcript – The Insider RoundUp
Welcome back to The Insider Roundup!
This week, we’re diving into some critical updates and insightful discussions that are shaping the landscape of European research and innovation. From new regulatory practices in AI to the highly anticipated Draghi report on European competitiveness, there’s a lot to unpack.
Let’s start with AI and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). The GPAI recently introduced a code of practice, an important development in the EU’s ongoing efforts to regulate artificial intelligence responsibly. For a deep dive into this topic, Euronews has an excellent article featured in our newsletter. Karin Tafur also provides a concise summary on LinkedIn, highlighting the key points of this initiative and its potential impact on AI governance in Europe. You can check out her post for a quick overview here.
Next up, let’s talk about innovation procurement in Europe, a topic that’s gaining traction but remains underutilized. Lieve Bos commented on this issue on LinkedIn, stressing the need for public buyers and suppliers to engage more actively in innovation procurement. The European Commission has opened a public consultation to gather insights from stakeholders involved in this process. If you’re a public buyer or supplier, this is a great opportunity to have your voice heard. You can find more details and contribute to the consultation here.
Shifting gears to energy policy, Bernard Magenhann , the Acting Director General of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), shared some insights from a recent workshop at the JRC in Petten, NL. The discussion focused on integrating nuclear and non-nuclear energy research to better anticipate future energy needs and develop comprehensive scenarios for European energy production. The idea of creating a Center of Expertise on Nuclear Modelling in Petten could be a significant step forward in aligning Europe’s energy policies with scientific research. You can read Bernard’s full post here.
Now, onto a key political development— Maria Luís Albuquerque’s role in the new European Commission, as well as the announcement of Ekaterina Zaharieva as the new EU Research Commissioner. The new college of commissioners has been nominated, bringing with it significant shifts in responsibilities that will shape the future of European research and innovation.
Maria Luís Albuquerque, representing Portugal, has been confirmed as the Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and Savings. This role is critical as it places her at the heart of the EU’s financial regulatory framework, which includes oversight of financial services, capital markets, and savings—a portfolio with significant implications for the economic stability and financial innovation within the Union.
In parallel, Ekaterina Zaharieva has been appointed as the new EU Research Commissioner. Zaharieva’s portfolio will likely emphasize the integration of research with EU strategic goals, such as sustainability and technological sovereignty, aligning with the broader objectives laid out in recent EU strategies, including the Draghi report.
Speaking of the Draghi report, which was recently released, it has already sparked considerable discussion in the research and innovation community. While the report emphasizes the need for Europe to accelerate innovation and close the gap in advanced technologies, it has also faced criticism for its somewhat narrow focus on technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness, potentially at the expense of fundamental research.
Mattias Björnmalm, PhD , Secretary General of CESAER , has expressed concerns about the report’s implications for universities of science and technology. He highlights the importance of supporting modern and stable research careers to attract top talent, which is essential for Europe to maintain its leadership in science and technology. He also stresses that while the report’s focus on reducing dependencies and enhancing security is commendable, the real challenge lies in balancing these goals with the need for open collaboration and innovation across borders.
This brings us to the editorial by João Claro , President and CEO of INESC TEC , where he addresses some of these very issues. João emphasizes that while the Draghi report sets an important direction for Europe’s competitiveness, it must be complemented by a broader vision that includes sustained investments in research and innovation through FP10. INESC TEC’s position is clear: Europe must not only strive for technological sovereignty but also ensure that innovation is inclusive, sustainable, and driven by collaborative efforts across the continent.
As João Claro points out, INESC TEC had anticipated many of the strategic priorities outlined in the Draghi report in its position paper on FP10. However, he also highlights areas where the report could go further, particularly in fostering the conditions necessary for groundbreaking research to thrive alongside technological advancements.
For a more detailed discussion on these points, including how they tie into the future of FP10, be sure to check out the editorial in this issue of The Insider newsletter.
As these changes unfold, we’ll be closely monitoring how they impact the future of EU research and innovation policy. In fact, one area where these developments are already making waves is in the field of clean energy.
In this edition we dive deep into a critical study recently spotlighted by Rosalinde van der Vlies on LinkedIn, the Director for Clean Planet at the European Commission. This report, published on September 4, explores how research and innovation can safeguard Europe’s energy security as we transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.
The study outlines the evolving nature of energy security, shifting from reliance on fossil fuels to the need for secure access to clean energy technologies, materials, and components. It offers a strategic roadmap with scenario modeling, SWOT analyses, and a prioritized list of R&I actions. However, the report also identifies significant gaps and areas requiring further research.
Key takeaways include the importance of understanding risks across different clean technologies, such as the varying vulnerabilities of batteries versus geothermal energy. The study also emphasizes the need for policy intervention in areas like digital vulnerabilities and the critical importance of a systems-level approach to ensure the resilience of Europe’s energy ecosystem.
In conclusion, the study calls for more granular, technology-specific research to build a robust and flexible energy system capable of withstanding future challenges. For INESC, this report is a vital reference as we engage with the European Commission and contribute to shaping future framework programs, aligning with our mission to drive innovation for societal and environmental progress.
Innovation, however, is not confined to the energy sector alone. Another exciting development in European innovation is unfolding in the field of artificial intelligence.
Now, shifting our attention to a particularly exciting development in AI: the concept of a “CERN for AI.”. The International Center for Future Generations, in their report CERN for AI: The EU’s Seat at the Table, advocates for a pan-European institution modeled after CERN, designed to accelerate innovation and secure Europe’s place in the AI landscape.
So, what’s the case for this ambitious vision?
The logic behind a CERN for AI is compelling, rooted in the need for Europe to scale up its AI capabilities to match those of the US and China. Despite leading the world in responsible AI regulation, the EU lags in innovation, with its fragmented ecosystem and limited access to top-tier computational resources. A centralized institution like CERN for AI, backed by a projected €30–35 billion budget over three years, could change that by providing the infrastructure needed to develop trustworthy AI—an area of critical importance as we face unprecedented security, ethical, and societal challenges.
Core Arguments Defending CERN for AI
Trustworthy AI as a Core Mission: One of the primary motivations behind the initiative is the development of trustworthy AI. Private companies, often driven by profit motives, have been criticized for moving too quickly and sacrificing long-term safety for short-term gains. A CERN for AI would pursue multiple research bets, focusing on developing secure, reliable, and ethical AI systems that benefit society as a whole. The EU has the opportunity to lead this charge by aligning with its regulatory strengths, creating a system that guarantees democratic oversight and public good, rather than leaving the task solely to private entities.
Scaling Infrastructure: Europe faces a significant challenge in terms of compute infrastructure. With US companies like OpenAI , Google , and Microsoft leading in this space, Europe must centralize its efforts. A CERN for AI would provide the necessary computational power and talent to keep pace with international competitors. The scale and coordination needed to develop frontier AI models require a level of investment and centralization that fragmented national initiatives cannot achieve on their own.
Pooling Talent and Resources: Europe produces top-tier AI talent, but much of it is lost to non-European companies. A CERN for AI would create dedicated talent and compute hubs, providing researchers with the resources and infrastructure they need to stay in Europe. This approach would counteract the current brain drain and support a thriving AI ecosystem across the continent.
Economic and Geopolitical Considerations: From a geopolitical perspective, Europe’s ability to develop its own advanced AI systems is becoming a matter of strategic autonomy. As AI becomes increasingly central to economic and security concerns, reliance on external actors could leave Europe vulnerable. A CERN for AI would help safeguard Europe’s autonomy by ensuring that critical AI systems are developed within the Union.
However, the idea is not without its critics. Several important questions have emerged from both the research community and the private sector:
Critical Questions
Is Centralization the Best Path?: One of the most significant concerns is whether centralizing AI efforts is the right strategy in an era where innovation thrives in decentralized ecosystems. Critics argue that Europe’s strength lies in its diversity, with different countries bringing varied expertise and perspectives to the table. Centralizing AI research under one institution might stifle the very innovation it seeks to promote by limiting diversity and creating bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Private Sector Tensions: The private sector currently leads in AI development, with companies such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI at the forefront. Many argue that the private sector’s agility and profit-driven innovation have been the main drivers behind recent AI advancements. The introduction of a large, public-funded institution like CERN for AI raises questions about how it would collaborate with or compete against these companies. Would it risk duplicating efforts or, worse, slow down the pace of development? Moreover, how would CERN for AI ensure that it doesn’t become reliant on private-sector resources, which may lead to conflicts of interest?
Economic Feasibility and Returns: A €30-35 billion investment is a significant commitment. While the potential benefits are vast, the risk of failure is real. Some critics argue that Europe’s AI investments should focus on smaller, more agile initiatives rather than a singular, expensive project. There is also the concern of ROI—would a CERN for AI be able to generate enough economic value to justify such a high price tag? Critics point to previous moonshot projects that have failed to deliver on their lofty promises.
Ethical and Security Risks: While the promise of trustworthy AI is central to CERN for AI’s mission, concerns remain about the security risks involved in such an ambitious endeavor. AI models that surpass current capabilities could be misused by malicious actors or even pose unintended consequences. How would CERN for AI ensure the safety and security of the research it produces, especially in an era of growing cyber threats and international competition?
Timing and Bureaucracy: Finally, some argue that Europe’s complex political landscape could make it difficult to move quickly enough to establish such an institution. With the US and China rapidly advancing in AI, can the EU afford to wait for the political will and consensus needed to launch CERN for AI? Critics warn that the window of opportunity may be closing fast, and that Europe’s decentralized, slower-moving political system could be a major impediment.
The European Model
At its core, the CERN for AI concept reflects a particularly European approach to grand challenges—an emphasis on public investment, international collaboration, and long-term societal benefit over short-term profits. The original CERN became a symbol of European scientific leadership and international cooperation. A CERN for AI could serve a similar role in this new era, addressing AI’s technological, ethical, and geopolitical dimensions with a uniquely European vision.
However, as the debate continues, the question remains: is a centralized, publicly-funded institution the right path for AI, or should Europe focus on leveraging its existing ecosystem in a more distributed manner? The next few months and years will be crucial in determining whether this bold idea becomes reality or remains just that—an idea.
Meanwhile, amidst these broader discussions on Europe’s research strategy, there are already significant achievements being made at the individual level that contribute to the continent’s scientific advancement. One such achievement is the recent breakthrough by INESC Microsystems and Nanotechnologies.
We were very very happy to announce last week that Prof. Marco Piccardo , from INESC Microsystems and Nanotechnologies and Instituto Superior Técnico, has been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant, securing €1.5 million for his groundbreaking project, metaPOWER.
The project, titled “Space-Time and Vectorial Meta-Optics for High-Power Structured Laser-Matter Interactions,” represents a major leap in the field of plasma science. Over the next five years, Prof. Piccardo’s work will push the boundaries of high-power laser-plasma interactions, an area critical to technologies like fusion energy and particle acceleration. High-power lasers—at terawatt and petawatt levels—are essential for creating and controlling plasma, but doing so requires advanced techniques for beam control at these extreme energy levels.
What makes metaPOWER particularly innovative is its focus on using high-damage-threshold metasurfaces, a cutting-edge nanotechnology, to precisely structure high-power lasers. As Prof. Piccardo explains, “We will mold plasma using structured lasers as our sculpting tools, unlocking unprecedented control over laser-plasma interactions. This opens new possibilities for advancements in fusion energy, particle acceleration, and radiation sources.”
Prof. Piccardo is no stranger to high-level achievements. In addition to his role at INESC MN, he is a Visiting Professor at Harvard University and was recently recognized as a Young Scientist by the Portuguese National Academy of Sciences. His vision for unifying metasurfaces and plasma physics is now becoming a reality, with the ERC grant providing crucial support to achieve a paradigm shift in how we understand and control laser-matter interactions.
This is the first ERC Starting Grant awarded to INESC MN and marks a significant milestone for the institute. It also highlights the exceptional talent within the INESC ecosystem, further elevating our visibility in cutting-edge scientific research.
Congratulations to Marco and his team! You can read more about this groundbreaking project on the INESC MN website and learn about how metaPOWER is poised to reshape the future of plasma science.
As we can see, the landscape of European research and innovation is evolving rapidly, with significant developments across various sectors—from groundbreaking advancements in clean energy and AI to the individual achievements that propel our collective progress. These stories underscore the importance of continued collaboration, strategic investment, and innovation that not only addresses today’s challenges but also paves the way for future breakthroughs. We’ll continue to bring you the latest insights and analysis, helping you stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most.
Thank you for tuning in to The Insider Roundup. Stay curious, stay innovative, and we’ll see you in the next episode.
Obrigado!
Ricardo Migueis
Head of INESC Brussels HUB
We invite you to engage, to reflect, and to join us in shaping the discourse that will define the future of research and innovation in Europe. Check the full version of the newsletter below or directly on our website.
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