ERA Structural Policies (2025-2027)

« Back to Policy Agenda

Note: In the milestones sections of the ERA Structural Policies below those milestones that have been achieved are shown in "standard text", while those planned but not yet achieved are indicated in "italics".

Enabling open science via sharing and re-use of data, including through the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)

Open science is essential for increasing accessibility, transparency and collaboration in research. Therefore, this structural policy aims at making open science practices the ‘new normal’. It seeks to create a better EU legal framework for open sharing, seamless access and reliable re-use of research data and other digital research objects used and produced along the research life cycle. 

The reports of the EOSC Tripartite Governance Meetings can be accessed HERE.

Meetings (past/upcoming):  Yearly ‘EOSC Symposium’ events Two EOSC Tripartite Governance meetings per year
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Develop a high-value EOSC federation and increase its uptake. Increase the amount and productivity of FAIR research data in Europe. Identify areas for legislative and non-legislative measures to ensure an EU copyright and data framework fit for research. Assess the impact of open science policies and practices through an open science policy intelligence platform.	EOSC Partnership INFRAEOSC calls in WPs 2025-2027 EOSC Federation (implementation based on in-kind contributions by participating organisations) EOSC Steering Board (EC expert group) EOSC Open Science Observatory EOSC Association Task Forces
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
Launch of the economic study “Economic analysis of options for improving EU legislative and regulatory frameworks with impact on access and reuse of publicly funded R&I results and of publications and data for scientific purposes”: 7 July 2025 INSPIRING ERA webinar on ERA ACTION 1&2: Secondary publication rights for research: 19 May 2025 INSPIRING ERA Workshop on ERA ACTION 1&2: EU copyright rules and data access rights for research in the age of AI: 9 July 2025 MoU of the first ‘wave’ of EOSC Nodes to collaborate towards an operational EOSC Federation EOSC OS Observatory Annual report	EOSC Federation becomes fully operational Enrolment of new Nodes to the EOSC Federation EOSC Partnership phasing out strategy Proposal for new EOSC governance/financing model after 2027 Expansion of EOSC Open Science Observatory to include assessment of impact of open science (implementing an open science policy intelligence platform) EOSC Open Science Observatory Annual report Finalisation of the economic study “Economic analysis of options for improving EU legislative and regulatory frameworks with impact on access and reuse of publicly funded R&I results and of publications and data for scientific purposes”: March/April 2026	Enrolment of new Nodes to EOSC Federation Decision for new EOSC governance/financing model after 2027 Opening of call for proposals for an INFRAEOSC Programme Co-fund action Kick-off of new action to support EOSC Open Science Observatory EOSC OS Observatory Annual report

Strengthening sustainability, accessibility and resilience of research infrastructures in the ERA

Since 2000, the Commission with European countries and relevant stakeholders have worked towards an effective landscape of research infrastructures, notably through the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). To make sure that top-quality, sustainable research infrastructures are open and accessible to researchers in Europe, continuous efforts are needed. Research infrastructures are a key component of the ERA and indispensable elements of economic growth and societal wellbeing.

Meetings (past/upcoming): Four ESFRI Forum meetings per year
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Long-term EU strategy for research infrastructures, including a new strategic approach for EU support. ESFRI Roadmap 2026 and key elements for the 2028 landscape analysis. Monitoring of ESFRI landmarks and stakeholder engagement reports. Recommendations on financing (including synergies), international cooperation, impact assessment, resilience and greening, and strengthening ERICs.	Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions following consultations. This policy outcome also benefited from input from Action 16. ESFRI strategic reports with support from ESFRI working/drafting groups and stakeholders’ consultation (incl. via ESFRI Stakeholder Forum)
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
(EU Strategy) Formal call for evidence for a European strategy on research and technology infrastructures (April-May 2025) ERAC opinion on research and technology infrastructures (13 June 2025) Communication on a European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures adopted by the Commission on 15 Sept. 2025. Start implementing the Strategy. (ESFRI outcomes) Deadline for submission of new proposals on 8 April 2025 following a call open on 8 Oct. 2024 for the ESFRI Roadmap 2026.. Ongoing assessment of submitted proposals (hearings expected beginning 2026). Third ESFRI Stakeholder Forum meetup on 11-12 June 2025 in Kraków. Monitoring of ESFRI landmarks – 1st round completed ESFRI Funding Report – delivered ESFRI Concept paper on ERICs – delivered An impact assessment of ESFRI: ESFRI input document with proposed indicators for IA by third party - delivered	Implementing the Strategy Publication of the ESFRI Roadmap 2026 (Q4 2026) ESFRI stakeholder engagement (continuous activity) ESFRI International cooperation	Revised methodology for the ESFRI Landscape Analysis 2028 Resilience and greening of European research infrastructures – Report to be delivered in 2027 An Impact Assessment of ESFRI – Report to be delivered in 2027

Strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the ERA, notably with an intersectional approach

Achieving gender equality, equal opportunities, and inclusiveness—along with integrating the gender dimension into research and innovation (R&I) content—requires a structural approach. This means transforming the entire European R&I system. Such structural change can only happen through the shared commitment of R&I organisations, their funders, national authorities, and the European Commission. 

Meetings (past/upcoming): 5-6 June 2025; 30 September/1 October 2025; 5 December 2025; 18 March 2026
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Monitoring and evaluation approach for the implementation of inclusive Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). Guidelines for implementing intersectionality in R&I policy, including indicators. Mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the integration of the gender dimension in R&I content. Enhanced gender mainstreaming mechanism ensuring synergies with other ERA actions. Implementation of the Code of Conduct on gender-based violence in R&I. Principles developed for gender budgeting and expenditure tracking in R&I.	ERA Forum subgroup on inclusive gender equality meetings ERA working strand of the Equality in R&I Matrix meetings WP 2026-2027 calls (inclusive GEP implementation, monitoring & evaluation, project on policy coordination and development of principles for gender budgeting and expenditures tracking) Procurement: Gender Equality Competence Facility
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
3 meetings of ERA Forum subgroup on inclusive gender equality (see meetings above)  2 events co-organised with INSPIRING ERA project on barriers to collection of equality data (6/6/2025) and equality monitoring frameworks (29/10/2025). Launch of the study on mainstreaming gender in ERA Policy Agenda and presenting its preliminary results in the meeting with action owners on 20/11/2025 (Gender mainstreaming of the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 / ERA working strand of the Equality in R&I Matrix, followed by engagement with Action Owners and sub-group). Drafting WIDERA topics (WP2026-2027) on policy coordination, gender budgeting/expenditures tracking, and inclusive GEPs implementation. Pilot study on inclusion of gender dimension in Horizon Europe projects 2021-2022 (internal document, as preparation for a public procurement tender) Tenders for She figures 2027 and Gender Equality Competence Facility (to support GEPs implementation) published. Prior ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 adoption in 2025: INSPIRING ERA event on inclusive gender analysis (28/5/2025), ERA Forum subgroup meetings (14/2 & 12/5/2025)	4 meetings of the ERA Forum subgroup on inclusive gender equality (18/03/2026, June, 2x autumn) Study on mainstreaming gender in ERA Policy Agenda: 2nd round of feedback from action owners and presentation at the ERA Forum (June/September 2026), publication of the study Launch of 2 WIDERA projects: 1) gender equality policy coordination in the ERA; 2) intersectional career barriers in R&I	4 meetings of the ERA Forum subgroup on inclusive gender equality ERA working strand of the Equality in R&I Matrix meeting Publication on monitoring and evaluation approach for the implementation of inclusive GEPs Guidelines for implementing intersectionality in R&I policy, including indicators Publication on mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the integration of the gender dimension in R&I content Publication principles developed for gender budgeting and expenditure tracking in R&I.

Making research careers more attractive and sustainable, and support mobility

Research careers are a key part of strong and competitive research and innovation systems in Europe. By offering attractive career paths, Europe can attract, nurture, and retain top research and innovation talent, ensuring its continued competitiveness on the global stage. 

In the ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024, ERA activities on research careers saw a very high support by European countries and stakeholders. This structural policy builds on those achievements with the objective of ensuring continued collective efforts in driving forward initiatives and reforms.

Meetings (past/upcoming): 15 September 2025; 12 December 2025
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Co-created guidelines for implementing the Council Recommendation on research careers. Establishment of a community of practice to strengthen research careers at European, national, regional, and organisational level. Consolidation of the R&I Careers Observatory (ReICO) with broader stakeholder involvement. Recommendations for career development and progression, including tenure-track-like models. Co-created investment pathways to reduce precarity and support non-academic careers.	Commission managing the structural policy with two sponsors (PT for MS; Coimbra Group for SHOs) Regular meetings based on an implementation path Coordination and synergies with national/regional initiatives
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
Final report from MLE on research careers Research Career Framework (RCF) developed by SECURE project Choose Europe for Science initiative First batch of ReICO annual data Kick-off of Talent Ecosystems projects Launch of the ResearchComp Self-Assessment Tool Launch of the ResearchComp Community of Practice Conference on Research Careers 2025	Launch of study on “Strengthening Research Talent Retention in Europe” ERA Act part on research careers Launch of two Community of Practice projects Talent Ecosystems cluster event (September 2026)	N/A

Reforming research assessment

Current research assessment systems are still based on a limited set of research outputs and activities, mainly publications, and dominated by the inappropriate usage of a number of indicators gauging the quality, performance and impact of research. Reforming research assessment is necessary to encourage diverse research paths, promote quality over quantity and improve inclusivity. 

Between 2022 and 2024, ERA Action 3 already achieved three main successes: an agreement on reforming research assessment in July 2022, the establishment of Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) , its working groups and national chapters. A critical issue in the coming years will be to provide adequate support to reforms and understand how much change in relation to research assessment systems will effectively have been implemented. THis ERA Structural Policy is jointly implemented by the Commission, Portugal, EUA and UNICA. The proposed activities for 2025-2027 aim to lead to the following expected outcomes:

Meetings (past/upcoming): 27 February 2026
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Knowledge, awareness, and engagement to research assessment practices and reforms raised by CoARA, research organisations (including research performing, research funding and research assessment organisations), national authorities and EU institutions;. Support, mapping and an analysis of the changes made to in national frameworks and in individual research institutions. The identification of any remaining gaps in reforms and of any measures still needed at all levels (institutional, national, and European).	Funding of the COARABoost project supporting the COARA Coalition and its Steering Board, WGs and NCs; international outreach; call for proposals for support to implementation of Action Plans Analysis of the trends in implementation of the ARRA Action Plans. EC support and contribution to the High-level Presidency Conference in Copenhagen on Reforming Research Assessment (CERRA) on the 3-4/12/2025; Policy briefs to be prepared by the CERRA CSA after the Conference and by the COARABoost CSA to identify gaps and suggest new measures to further strengthen the ERA in the area of RRA; Calls under Horizon Europe WIDERA WP 2025 addressing: 1) Increased knowledge, awareness, and engagement on research assessment reforms; and 2) Identification of remaining gaps and necessary measures at all levels. Horizon Europe WIDERA WP 2026-2027 providing financial support to the operation of COARA and supporting the COARA Coalition and its Steering Board, WGs and NCs; as well as further call for proposals for support to implementation of Action Plans. EC study funded by Horizon Europe WIDERA WP26-27 to monitor progress and address remaining issues such as: impact of Open Science and RRA practices in HE so far, identify qualitative indicators to be used by the research community in their research assessment, identify new policy measures needed. Regular meetings of the COARA coalition community, in particular COARA Working groups and National Chapters.
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
COARABoost second call for proposals for support to implementation of Action Plans EC Expert Contract on analysis of ARRA Action Plans High-level Presidency Conference in Copenhagen on Reforming Research Assessment (CERRA) on the 3-4/12/25 >800 signatories of the COARA	EU project(s) launched on increasing knowledge, awareness, and engagement on research assessment reforms. EU project(s) launched on remaining gaps and necessary measures. Further call for proposals for support to implementation of Action Plans.	Study monitoring implementation of research assessment reform results and proposing new supporting measures at all levels (institutional, national, European).

Upscaling knowledge valorisation capacities and activities

The EU faces challenges in translating research and innovation results into societal use and economic value and in retaining value within the EU, which is vital for the functioning of the internal market. Filling in the gaps in the knowledge valorisation landscape requires multifaceted approach and long-term commitment. 

Meetings (past/upcoming): 20 November 2025
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Competence framework for knowledge valorisation intermediaries European scheme on responsible licensing and shared data-governance principles. “Learning labs for value creation” to train and upskill on valorisation and entrepreneurship. Policy guidance on accelerating uptake of multidisciplinary R&I results. Comprehensive measurement framework for monitoring valorisation performance in the ERA.	Policy guidance Communities of practice Piloting concrete actions through public procurement and Horizon Europe topics Workshops with ERA Forum and contact points for this ERA Structural Policy
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
White papers on responsible licensing from EU-funded CSA “Impact Licensing Initiative” Survey and workshop on knowledge valorisation trainings Launch of the study on valorisation of transdisciplinary results and guidance for R&I projects Final workshop of the study on knowledge valorisation metrics and indicators	Exploratory workshop on the role and competencies of knowledge valorisation intermediaries Launch of study on research security and intellectual assets management ERA Forum workshop on the draft scheme on responsible licensing Launch of Learning labs for value creation Community of practice for inputs to the policy guidance on accelerating uptake of multidisciplinary R&I results Publication of the report on knowledge valorisation metrics and indictors	N/A

Implementing the Global Approach to R&I

There is a need for a more comprehensive, effective and coordinated approach to the engagement with EU partner countries and regions in R&I cooperation to avoid duplication and to have more impact to face global challenges and to protect the Union’s strategic interests, values and principles in the current challenging geopolitical context. This structural policy guarantees that the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 takes the international dimension into account, as a cross-cutting, long-term and fundamental characteristic of the research and innovation ecosystem. 

Meetings (past/upcoming): 20 March 2025, 10 June 2025, 6 November 2025, 20 January 2026, 10 March 2026, 11-12 June 2026, 5 November 2026
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
European framework for science diplomacy (2025). Roadmap for multilateral dialogue on values and principles in international R&I (2026). Pilot Team Europe initiatives (Latin America & Caribbean 2026, India 2025; expansion efforts with Africa and China). Opinion on organising international R&I cooperation in the next Framework Programme.	Meetings of the ERA Forum subgroup on a Global Approach to Research and Innovation Workshops of the ERA Forum subgroup on a Global Approach to R&I around pilot Team Europe initiatives with a specific geographic focus Recurrent mapping exercise of bi- and multilateral scientific cooperation of Member States, Associated Countries and Stakeholders Policy guidance
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
3 plenary meetings of ERA Forum standing subgroup on a Global Approach to R&I 2 workshops (leveraging Team Europe support for ARISE 2.0, and Team Europe Approach on Cooperation with India) Adoption of an opinion paper on a European Framework for Science Diplomacy	Ad-hoc meeting on 20 January 3 plenary meetings of ERA Forum standing subgroup on a Global Approach to R&I Workshop (Team Europe Approach on Cooperation with LAC region)	3 plenary meetings of ERA Forum standing subgroup on a Global Approach to R&I

Making the strategic energy technology (SET) plan a key thematic component of the ERA

Launched in 2007 as a first step to establish a research and innovation-driven energy technology policy for Europe, the SET Plan is a long-term structure to create synergies and improve coordination between national and European energy research policies.

The SET Plan Steering Group is an already active group under the Net-Zero Industry Act. As an ERA structural policy, it will be a driver for better connecting clean energy research and innovation goals with broader research and innovation perspectives. 

Meetings (past/upcoming): 4 November 2025
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Alignment of Strategic Research & Innovation Agendas and Common Implementation & Investment Plans. Policy recommendations for integrating circularity, digitalisation, skills, and societal needs into the SET Plan. Improved monitoring of progress through the SET Plan Information System.	Meetings of the SET Plan Steering Group, Sherpa & High Level configuration Task Force recommendations for cross-cutting priorities in the field of Energy SETIS update
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
SETIS update: Inclusion of updated SET Plan priorities. The SETIS website has been revised.	Task Force recommendations to be released by end of March 2026 & included in the CIIP drafting process.	Aligned CIIPs for SET plan Community

Improving the articulation between R&I and higher education within the ERA and unleashing the full potential of European R&I ecosystems

Linking and combining the higher education’s four missions—education, research, innovation, and service to society—can improve quality across all areas. This structural policy aims to create a more systematic approach at the EU-level to promote awareness and strengthen the connection between research and education.

Meetings (past/upcoming): 25 September 2025, 12 December 2025, June 2026
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Recommendations for designing and implementing strategies at institutional, regional, national and European level. Identification of legal obstacles and principles for developing the “fifth freedom.” Policies and incentives to foster stronger partnerships between HEIs and R&I actors. Ambitious roadmap for ERA/EEA strategic alignment.	The ERA Structural Policy will be implemented through four thematic workshops covering four priority areas identified with the help of the group also during the kick-off meeting. These workshops will adopt a flexible approach: Member States, Associated Countries and Stakeholders are welcomed to invite the most relevant representatives to each of them according to their expertise and involvement, and can show varying level of interest and engagement according to the topic at stake. The workshops aim to generate concrete and applicable results, such as recommendations, statements, common positions, guidelines, etc.
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
First thematic workshop as part of the Conference of Research Careers on the topic of HEIs and RPOs as enablers of the fifth freedom (12/12/2025) Joint session with the ERA Structural Policy on Research Careers and the ERA Action on Research Management on synergies and common obstacles (12/12/2025)	Second thematic workshop on the topic of HEIs as anchors in the innovation ecosystem (Q2 2026) Third thematic workshop on the topic ‘Breaking the silos – towards integrated policy and governance in ERA and EEA’ (Q3 2026)	Fourth thematic workshop and wrap-up of the work (Q2 2027)

Enhancing trust in science through citizen participation, engagement and science communication

Recent years have been increasingly characterised by concerns over the possible erosion of public trust in science and its impact on democratic governance. Involving citizens in R&I and openly communicating scientific knowledge are key parts of a strong, trustworthy, and sustainable research and innovation system that supports democracy.

Meetings (past/upcoming): 2 December 2025
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Common guiding principles for inclusive public engagement in R&I. Activities connecting researchers and young people (best practices, handbooks, guidelines). Strengthened local R&I communities through citizen engagement. Mutual learning exercise on trust in science and shared knowledge base. Mechanism and funding scheme to scale national best practices to the EU level.	First online meeting of the Structural Policy's contact points (2 December 2025). Roadmap discussed with a view to establishing European Community of Practice. Follow-up meetings.
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
2/12/2025: Kick off meeting of contact points	European Community of Practice	N/A

Improve EU access to excellence

Improving access to research excellence across Europe remains a challenge, especially when it comes to better connecting EU, national, and regional funding programmes. The EU’s structural policy addresses this by encouraging closer cooperation between those managing the European Regional Development Fund and Horizon Europe, both at national and EU levels. 

Continuing the work of the ‘RIMA’ subgroup under the ERA Forum, bringing together national R&I authorities and managing authorities of cohesion policy programmes, the following outcomes are pursued:

Meetings (past/upcoming): 23 October 2025, 11 December 2025
Main planned outcomes	Implementation modalities
Downstream synergies (how Horizon Europe projects’ results (of higher TRL levels) can be taken up under other private / public sources including national funding, ERDF funding to bring them to the market - support and exploitation measures); Improving access to excellence – Widening measures (for example capacity building for research managers; R&I reforms supporting access to excellence) Public Procurement for Innovation (how to foster innovation procurement and connect supply and demand sides) Innovation, competitiveness and industrial policy Presentation of examples and lessons learnt on coordinated activities on national level involving R&I authorities and cohesion policy programmes to support the successful implementation of R&I investment; Exchange on communication actions to share experience and good examples in Member States; Capacity building examples and updates on new actions exploring the potential of downstream synergies, including on the use of databases; Preparing the ground for synergetic preparations of R&I investment under the new MFF (2028-2034).	ERA Forum sub-group “Access to excellence – R&I and Cohesion Managing Authorities Network (RIMA)”.
Milestones (implementation process)
2025	2026	2027
RIMA Kick-off meeting under the new ERA Policy Agenda (11/12/2025)	Two RIMA meetings planned	N/A

« Back to Policy Agenda