Innovation, research, culture and education policy

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Open Access Government provides a policy update from Maria Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

Maria Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, is responsible for strengthening international cooperation in research, education, innovation and culture policy, among others (1). Erasmus+ shows that
With around 44 European universities collaborating across disciplines and borders, the aspect of its competence is good. With unprecedented funding of €272 million, 16 existing universities across Europe will continue to receive support and four new alliances will be able to start collaborations. A total of 44 European universities, including 340 higher education institutions in remote regions and capital cities in 31 countries, are selected in 2020 alongside the 24 alliances.

Commissioner Gabriel said this news represents another step towards achieving the Commission’s vision for the higher education sector in Europe. “Universities and campuses across borders and disciplines, where students, staff and researchers from all parts of Europe can enjoy continuous mobility and create new knowledge together. I am proud that with Erasmus+ we are able to provide high and long-term funding for alliances, as well as an inclusive approach that allows higher education institutions to join existing alliances or create new ones.” (2).

A new wave of deep technological innovation and startups

At the beginning of July, the Commission announced the New European Innovation Agenda to put Europe at the forefront of a new wave of start-ups and deep technological innovation. The Agenda aims to not only help Europe develop and bring to market new technologies for pressing societal challenges, but also to position Europe as a key player on the innovation stage globally (3). This is in line with another responsibility of Commissioner Gabriel – to ensure investment flows for breakthrough innovation (1).

Deep technological innovation strengthens Europe’s technological leadership and offers innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges such as cyber threats and climate change. Such innovations “must irrigate and benefit all sectors, from renewable energy to agro-technology, from construction to mobility and health, thereby addressing food security, reducing energy dependency, improving people’s health and making our economy more competitive,” the Commission says.

Commissioner Gabriel comments on this innovation policy update: “The new European Innovation Agenda ensures that innovators, start-ups and scale-ups, and their innovative businesses, become global innovation leaders. We’ve had it for over a year
consulted with stakeholders such as innovation ecosystem leaders, startups, unicorns, women founders, women in venture capital, universities and businesses. Together, we will make Europe a global powerhouse for deep technological innovation and startups” (3).

Cultural heritage impacts of climate change

The Commission recently published a report on strengthening the resilience of cultural heritage to protect it from the effects of climate change. In the report, we find that climate change directly and indirectly threatens all forms of cultural heritage.
rainfall, droughts, strong winds, prolonged heat waves and rising sea levels are all predicted to increase in the coming years.

Commissioner Gabriel provides more details on this report, where a panel of experts has made ten recommendations to help strengthen the resilience of cultural heritage to climate change. “Protection of all types of cultural heritage from climate change is a major task that we are undertaking. This also applies to archaeological sites and built heritage, such as landscapes and movable heritage: we need to find a comprehensive approach to protecting heritage properties. This is evidenced by the large number of countries participating in the expert group
that this topic is growing in importance and that there is potential for cooperation, identification of gaps and exchange of best practices at the European level” (4).

EU performance in innovation

Finally, are you aware of the Commission’s publication of the 2022 edition of Science?
Does the Research and Innovation Activity (SRIP) report consider the EU’s performance in innovation as part of a wider global picture? This report suggests five ways science can help build a sustainable, sustainable and competitive Europe, e.g.
A policy that invests more in people, institutions and businesses and seeks solutions? And in the global landscape, will the EU remain a strong player in terms of technological output and scientific production?

Let’s leave the last word to Commissioner Gabriel, who best illustrates why research and innovation are integral to Europe’s future. “The Science, Research and Innovation Performance Report 2022 shows how research and innovation are central to building the sustainable and flexible future Europe needs. The digital and green transition cannot be realized without strong research and innovation systems” (5).

Definitions

1. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/gabriel_en
2. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_4702
3. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_4273
4. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_5353
5. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_4255