Building the European Research Area: A Local and Regional Perspective
SEDEC-VIII/001
Building the European Research Area: A Local and Regional Perspective
• Influence the process of elaboration of the next ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 (ongoing), as well as that of the ERA Act (foreseen for Q3 2025/Q1 2026)
• Present the latest developments within the ERA, particularly any key aspects or challenges that should be prioritized from the CoR and the regions' point of view.
• Build upon the strong tradition of CoR opinions and activities in this field, and to reconnect with key stakeholders from the EC, EP, the Member States, as well as regional and academic associations.
• Solidify the CoR's position as a key contributor to EU policymaking by providing local and regional perspectives that complement the broader European framework.
• Present the latest developments within the ERA, particularly any key aspects or challenges that should be prioritized from the CoR and the regions' point of view.
• Build upon the strong tradition of CoR opinions and activities in this field, and to reconnect with key stakeholders from the EC, EP, the Member States, as well as regional and academic associations.
• Solidify the CoR's position as a key contributor to EU policymaking by providing local and regional perspectives that complement the broader European framework.
THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS (CoR)
- calls for an ambitiously funded and independent framework programme on R&I which includes a chapter on capacity building and promoting the participation of those regions that need that special support so that no one is left behind;
- draws attention to the persistent slow progress in meeting the 3% of GDP investment target, and underscores the need to make systemic changes; calls on Member States to prioritise enhanced public investment in R&I which plays an important role in leveraging private RD&I investment;
- calls for the full integration of regional authorities into the governance and coordination of the ERA Forum and the ERA Hubs, ensuring that regional voices are reflected in programming, implementation and evaluation of Horizon Europe and future framework programmes;
- supports ERA hubs, which foster research, development, transfer and innovation and reduce the gap between high-performing and less-developed regions, creating inclusive ecosystems that leverage local strengths while aligning with broader EU strategies;
- urges better synergies between Horizon Europe and cohesion policy, allocating more resources to underperforming regions, fostering intra- and interregional collaboration, while respecting inclusivity and place-based approaches;
- calls for gender equality to be fully integrated as a horizontal priority within the ERA, with clear targets, gender-sensitive processes, and support for LRAs to implement inclusive strategies, ensuring that women, particularly in STEM fields and innovation, are empowered and adequately represented.
- calls for an ambitiously funded and independent framework programme on R&I which includes a chapter on capacity building and promoting the participation of those regions that need that special support so that no one is left behind;
- draws attention to the persistent slow progress in meeting the 3% of GDP investment target, and underscores the need to make systemic changes; calls on Member States to prioritise enhanced public investment in R&I which plays an important role in leveraging private RD&I investment;
- calls for the full integration of regional authorities into the governance and coordination of the ERA Forum and the ERA Hubs, ensuring that regional voices are reflected in programming, implementation and evaluation of Horizon Europe and future framework programmes;
- supports ERA hubs, which foster research, development, transfer and innovation and reduce the gap between high-performing and less-developed regions, creating inclusive ecosystems that leverage local strengths while aligning with broader EU strategies;
- urges better synergies between Horizon Europe and cohesion policy, allocating more resources to underperforming regions, fostering intra- and interregional collaboration, while respecting inclusivity and place-based approaches;
- calls for gender equality to be fully integrated as a horizontal priority within the ERA, with clear targets, gender-sensitive processes, and support for LRAs to implement inclusive strategies, ensuring that women, particularly in STEM fields and innovation, are empowered and adequately represented.
