- Action 16: Improve EU-wide access to excellence
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Key findings Action 16: Improve EU-wide access to excellence
During the review period, ERA Action 16 initiatives sought to improve access to excellence across the EU’s research and innovation ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on enhancing synergies between Cohesion policy instruments and the Horizon Europe Programme:
- The ERA Forum sub-group on ‘Access to Excellence’ facilitated the creation of synergies among various authorities at national level dealing with R&I and Cohesion policies as well as between Horizon Europe and ERDF programmes. During its mandate period of 18 months it acted as a platform of exchange, collecting information on synergy implementation in Member States (backed by a survey), providing policy updates, sharing good practices on building synergies across programmes, monitoring the roll-out of synergic initiatives and defining activities aimed at boosting scientific and innovation excellence throughout Europe.
- Targeted support was implemented through Horizon Widening Actions, with multiple calls under the Excellence Hubs, Hop-on Facility, ERA Chairs, Twinning, and Dissemination and Exploitation Support Facility, funding over 200 projects in 2024, with combined investments exceeding EUR 315 million. These actions supported the development of R&I capabilities across less research-intensive regions.
- The Horizon Europe WIDERA Pathways to Synergies programme led to the selection of 16 proposals in 2023.
These efforts have helped to improve access to excellence across the EU’s R&I system, including low R&I performing countries. Despite progress, important challenges remain in effectively implementing synergies. The RIMA report highlights the need for user-friendly guidelines, enhanced training for managing authorities, streamlined processes, and better communication on the benefits of synergy. Coordination between stakeholders at EU, national and regional levels also requires improvement to align planning and execution of R&I and Cohesion policy programmes.
- Action 17: Enhance public research institutions’ strategic capacity
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Key findings Action 17: Enhance public research institutions’ strategic capacity
During the monitoring period, ERA Action 17, especially implemented through the Horizon Europe projects RM ROADMAP and CARDEA, has advanced the promotion of excellent research management across Europe:
- Insights into the EU-level research management landscape and current challenges have been identified.
- The umbrella term ‘Research Manager and Administrator’ has been picked and adopted in national and organisational contexts.
- A comprehensive Career and Competence Framework outlining career paths and skills for research managers has been developed.
- A network of 116 Research Managers’ Ambassadors has been established, fostering collaboration across 40 EU and Associated Countries.
- A mutual learning platform and several training opportunities have been launched.
These efforts have strengthened the European research ecosystem and advanced the recognition and development of Research Management as a profession. An awareness campaign promoting the profession and supporting capacity-building in less R&I-intensive regions is being prepared. In the longer term, reflecting on the sustainability of these achievements beyond the duration of project-based initiatives and strengthening capacity-building towards Widening Countries is considered necessary.