At its recent meeting on 26 June, ERAC adopted two documents with recommendations for the future:
With the ERAC opinion on the future Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Member States express their views on how to continue the success of the Framework Programme on on how to improve its impact in the current geopolitical context.
In its opinion on the second ERA Policy Agenda, ERAC provides its views on how to best define and structure the next ERA Policy Agenda in order to establish a consise, impactful and manageable list of actions, which can contribute to the better communication of ERA policies.
Futhermore, ERAC discussed the role of R&I for Europe's competitiveness. Delegations underlined the importance of reaching the 3% R&D target. A set of different experiences were shared and suggested for future practice: (1) Continue raising the importance and impact of investing R&I for competitiveness and addressing societal goals to politicians and society; (2) Developing multi-annual funding schemes for public R&D; (3) setting realistic and ambitious national R&D targets, (4) enshrine targets into national legislation.
In an exchange of views on research infrastructures as strategic investments, ERAC members agreed on the essential role of research infrastructures for excellence and competitiveness and supported the need for a long-term strategy. They highlighted the aim of a holistic approach to strengthen an ecosystem of cutting-edge facilities and services.
Main outcomes of the discussions can be found in the summary report.