Updated Strategic Energy Technology Plan for Europe’s clean, secure and competitive energy futureOn October 20th, the European Commission approved a revision of the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, aligning it with the current policy context of the European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the Green Deal Industrial Plan. This update includes several key changes:
1. Incorporating new priorities: The revised plan will introduce fresh priorities, such as sustainability by design, skills development, research and innovation tailored to societal needs, digitalization, and improving market accessibility.
2. Expanding technology coverage: The scope of the SET-Plan will be broadened to include all strategic renewable energy technologies. This expansion encompasses areas like onshore wind energy, low and medium-temperature geothermal technologies, heat pumps for enhancing building energy efficiency, and innovative energy storage technologies.
3. Dedicated focus on hydrogen: A dedicated workstream will be established to implement the ‘ERA pilot on Green Hydrogen,’ emphasizing the importance of hydrogen in the plan.
The revised SET-Plan will be executed through coordination between the European Union and its Member States, integrating national programs, Horizon Europe, and the newly co-funded partnership called “Clean Energy Transition.” Read the EC press release here.
Launch of the European Partnership for Personalised MedicineThe European Commission has announced the official launch of the European Partnership for Personalised Medicine (EP PerMed) on October 5, 2023, during a high-level conference on Personalised Medicine in Valencia. This launch event took place under the leadership of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and centred around the impact of Personalised Medicine on the advancement of healthcare, ultimately enhancing people’s well-being.
The initiation of this Partnership signifies a significant step forward in advancing precision medicine research within the European Research Area, with the involvement of 49 partner organizations. Its objectives include promoting all aspects and fields of precision medicine, facilitating innovation and knowledge transfer, and fostering its integration into healthcare systems to enable ongoing enhancements. Know more here.
A Transformative EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation?The two recent publications from DG RTD delve into how to strengthen Transformative Innovation Policy in the EU Framework Programme for R&I. The first study assesses the transformative nature of the EU Framework Programme for R&I. Spanning from the 6th framework program in 2002 to Horizon Europe in 2023, the policy brief tracks a significant shift from pure technological innovation to addressing broader societal challenges and Sustainable Development Goals in EU R&I policies.
The second study emphasises that the use of a systems approach, including system-based methods, within the R&I policy cycle can foster adaptability, collaboration, and long-term impact, supporting the Transformative potential of EU R&I policy. Check them here.
Commission publishes report on the Clean Energy Technology ObservatoryOn 24 October, the European Commission published its annual progress report on competitiveness of clean energy technologies (CPR).
As a continuous contribution of in-depth evidence to the report, the Clean Energy Technology Observatory (CETO) monitors research & innovation activities on clean energy technologies and solutions. It also provides a repository of techno- and socio-economic data on clean energy technologies and their integration in the energy system. CETO targets in particular the status and outlook for innovative solutions, including the sustainable market uptake of both mature and innovative technologies. Read the full report here.
Science Business exclusive: Here’s what the member states have in mind for FP10A dedicated task force established by a particular member state is working on creating the initial version of an opinion, expected to be completed by June of the coming year. The documents, which have been reviewed by Science|Business, provide a high-level overview of the member states’ concepts for Framework Programme 10 (FP10).
These include a desire for the European Union to become a leading global hub for research and innovation by the year 2034. The preliminary documents, as revealed by Science|Business, indicate that governments are looking to adjust the balance between fundamental and practical research, enhance international collaboration in a more strategic manner, and improve coordination with other sources of funding in the next European Union research program. Know more here.
The view from France
Antoine Petit, the CEO of the French national center for scientific research, CNRS, believes that the European Union’s upcoming research and innovation program should allocate more funding to support fundamental research. He argues that this increased funding would facilitate collaborative “target-driven basic research” with industry partners. In addition to boosting financial support for basic research, CNRS advocates for improving relations with Switzerland and enhancing cooperation with friendly nations. They also call for reforms in the funding schemes that aim to promote research in less developed regions and more effective coordination of European research facilities.
Petit’s main criticism of the Horizon Europe program is that the distribution of funds is unbalanced, with too much emphasis on financing large consortia engaged in advanced R&D projects. He suggests that the primary focus should be on promoting open science and international collaboration while addressing the research disparities between Eastern and Western Europe. Read more.
Expert Group Publishes Insightful Focus Paper on European Research and InnovationIn a recent development, the Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR) has unveiled a new focus paper. This publication delves deep into the realms of research, innovation, and technology policy analysis in Europe, presenting a comprehensive outlook in the midst of increasing global geopolitical competition. The paper covers a range of strategic themes, such as fostering competitive sustainability, charting a visionary roadmap for Europe’s technological landscape, advocating for a culture of calculated risk-taking, and exploring several other critical dimensions of the research and innovation domain.
By offering these strategic insights, the focus paper provides a resource for policymakers and stakeholders involved in shaping Europe’s future within the global landscape of research and innovation. Know more here.
Universities ready to take up generative artificial intelligence, but say guidelines are neededAccording to Science Business, many universities are gradually incorporating generative AI into their work. However, comprehensive guidance on its use is still lacking in numerous institutions. Some are holding off until the European Commission establishes safety guidelines for AI usage in the EU.
Although AI tools are becoming more prevalent in the field of science, only a few universities have created their own regulations to inform academics, researchers, and students on how to use them. A UNESCO survey of approximately 450 educational institutions, released in June, revealed that only about 13% of universities have issued formal guidance to their staff and students. As AI becomes an increasingly integral tool for research management, institutions are eagerly awaiting EU guidelines and sharing knowledge among themselves. This gap in guidance is significant. The impending AI revolution in science and education is inevitable, given that even ChatGPT alone has 180 million users worldwide. When used correctly, AI has the potential to drive groundbreaking research and free up valuable time for researchers and academics. However, to prevent unforeseen consequences, careful consideration should precede its widespread adoption. Read more here.
Meanwhile,we can assure that there are already new guidelines from the European Commission regarding generative AI. These will be discussed at the ERA Forum meeting scheduled for October 26, and national representatives (FCT/ANI) will be questioned about their perspectives on this document and recommendations with an impact on research and innovation organizations.
EU and US researchers to collaborate on integrating AI into 6G networksThe European Union and the United States are increasing their cooperation in the development of 6G wireless communication systems, according to Science Business. Europe is taking this step to mitigate the security risks associated with the use of Chinese 5G equipment in its 5G networks.
One of the 27 6G research projects unveiled last week is the 6G-XCEL (6G Trans-Continental Edge Learning) project, which aims to incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance the capabilities of 6G networks. These projects collectively receive €130 million in funding from the EU.
The funding comes from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) as part of its second Horizon Europe call, although the specific amount allocated to the 6G-XCEL project from either the US or the EU has not been disclosed. Know more here.
Interview: AI could be an opportunity for research managersIn an interview with Nature, the head of Europe’s primary organization for research management professionals discusses the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ongoing struggle for recognition of those who support scientists’ work. One of the most urgent issues they face is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). During EARMA’s 2023 annual conference, which took place in Prague in April, the managing director, Nik Claesen, emphasized that AI could potentially draft superior grant proposals within five minutes in just five years, surpassing what conference attendees might accomplish in a year.
Nature conversed with Claesen to explore the implications of AI for research management and assess how far the profession has come in establishing itself as a recognized and beneficial force within the realm of science. Know more here.
Opinion article in Ellipse magazine: The importance of being a Research ManagerJoana Porcel from ISGlobal and Gabriele Picarella from CRG discuss, in an article for the Ellipse magazine, the increasing significance of research managers in advancing scientific progress and the ongoing European initiatives designed to bolster this professional role. The pivotal role of research management has gained acknowledgment at the highest levels of government and policy formulation.
Within Europe, the European Research Area (ERA) Policy agenda, specifically through Action 17, underscores the crucial role of research management and support structures in elevating the competitiveness and influence of European research efforts. This encompasses providing training, fostering career development, and creating networking opportunities for research managers and administrators. By acknowledging the significance of research management and support, policymakers and funders can play a vital role in ensuring that research is carried out efficiently, effectively, and ethically, thereby optimizing its impact and benefiting society. Read the full article here.
Science Business opinion article: Europe needs a CERN for artificial intelligenceIn an opinion piece exposed by Holger Hoos and Morten Irgens for Science Business, the authors argue that the ‘AI made in Europe’ strategy, initiated in February 2020, has fallen behind, allowing the United States to extend its lead. The primary issue faced by the European Union is its deficiency in size and concentration. The solution, according to the authors, lies in embracing an approach similar to CERN’s, where extensive, well-coordinated, and exceedingly ambitious projects are managed. Read the full article here.
Commission sets out immediate actions to support the European wind power industryThis week, the European Commission is unveiling a European Wind Power Action Plan. This plan is designed to make sure that the transition to clean energy is compatible with industrial competitiveness and that wind power remains a success story in Europe. The Action Plan aims to support a robust and competitive wind energy supply chain, ensuring a consistent flow of projects with secure financing and a fair competitive environment worldwide. Additionally, it is accompanied by a communication on fulfilling the EU’s offshore energy goals, particularly concerning wind power, in line with the EU Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy that was approved three years ago. Know more here.
Extension of the U.S.-EU Science and Technology AgreementAccording to the US Department of State, on October 14, the United States and the European Union (EU) extended their Science and Technology Agreement for an additional five years. This agreement, initially established in 1997, has evolved into a strong and enduring research partnership between the EU and the USA. The collaboration is built on common values and principles, including ethics, research integrity, transparency, openness, and evidence-based policymaking.
Today, both the EU and the United States share common goals in areas such as global health, climate, energy, the environment, and critical and emerging technologies. These shared priorities present an opportunity to further enhance our cooperation, which not only benefits the United States and the European Union but also has a positive impact on the world. Know more here.
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