In today’s Morning Brief:

Evolution of the EU market share of robotics: Data and methodology

The JRC (the EC Joint Research Council) published a report in the scope of the AI Watch initiative, providing:

1. A review of the robotics industry, and looks at the official definitions of both industrial and services robots;
2. a review of the scientific and institutional literature looking at the economic impact of robotics;
3. a description of the different statistical data sources, identified through a comprehensive search, offering relevant information about the robotics industry;
4. an initial overview of the European robotics market shares from the different data sources identified.

You can download the full report here.

Proposal success in Horizon 2020: A study of the influence of consortium characteristics

This study draws on evaluation data to investigate the success of collaborative R&D project proposals submitted to Horizon 2020, the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP). Data on project status and evaluation score are used to identify successful and rejected project proposals. We hypothesize that the social or institutional composition of the project consortium explains the outcome of an early-stage R&D collaboration.

Using regression analysis, we identify “success factors” at the consortium level, related to (a) the network visibility; (b) level of experience and degree of acquaintance; and (c) the research capabilities and excellence or reputation of consortium members. We show that consortia with high levels of experience and reputation, involving a large share of Western European partners and engaged in more application-oriented consortia, have greater chances of success in acquiring H2020 project funding. This result has implications for the scientific community, as well as for the direction of EU research policy.

Download the paper here.

EC indicators of gender balance report in R&I (SHE Figures 2021)

The She Figures 2021 publication uses the latest available statistics to monitor the state of gender equality R&I across Europe and beyond, through providing comparable data and analysis for approximately 88 indicators. The data follow the ‘chronological journey’ of women from graduating from doctoral studies to participating in the labour market and acquiring decision-making roles, while exploring differences in women’s and men’s working conditions and research and innovation output.

Download the full report here.

New rules for Important Projects of Common European Interest

New rules are set to apply starting next year to big cross-border innovation and infrastructure projects that aim to tackle European market failures.

Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) will now have to be more transparent and inclusive to all EU member states, encourage the participation of SMEs, and align their objectives with current EU priorities.

IPCEIs are funded and defined by member states and operate under their own state aid rules allowing government subsidies in key sectors such as microelectronics, batteries and hydrogen.

UNESCO sets international open science standards

The first international framework on open science aims to boost cross-border cooperation and make science more equitable and inclusive.

The recommendations call on all UN member states to invest in open science infrastructures, set up targeted regional and international funding schemes and ensure all publicly funded research respects open science principles.

Today, around 70% of scientific publications are hidden behind paywalls, making them inaccessible to many of the world’s scientists that could be building on the knowledge to speed up research and innovation. The UNESCO guidelines hope to initiate a stronger shift towards using open science as a tool to further scientific progress and reduce inequalities.

Commission welcomes approval of the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe and future governance of the European Research Area

Last Friday, the Council for the European Union adopted a Recommendation on ‘A Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe’ (Pact for R&I), as well as its conclusions on the future governance of the European Research Area.

The Pact for R&I defines common values and principles for research and innovation in Europe, such as freedom of scientific research and free circulation of researchers and knowledge. It also outlines 16 shared priority areas for joint action, ranging from fostering open science for faster sharing of knowledge and data, to reinforcing the scientific leadership and excellence of the European Union, with the involvement of all European regions and citizens.

At the same time, the conclusions of the Council include the first European Research Area Policy Agenda, setting out 20 voluntary actions for the next three years. Among these actions are promoting attractive and sustainable research careers, bringing science closer to citizens and improving EU-wide access to excellence.

Together, the Pact and the conclusions set out a new vision and priorities, confirm the EU’s and Member States’ commitment to the European Research Area and set up a new structure for its management. They mark an important milestone in realizing ‘A new European Research Area for Research and Innovation’.

Read more here.

Citizen’s Energy Forum 2021

The European Commission is organizing the 2021 edition of the Citizen’s energy forum as a virtual event, in the framework of the Conference of the future of Europe.

If you want to learn more and register for this event that will take place between 8 and 9 December, make sure to click here.