ERA Steering Group

ERA Steering Group. The ERA Steering Group is a high-level advisory body established by the European Commission to provide strategic direction for the renewed European Research Area (ERA) policy agenda. It operates under the auspices of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and plays a central role in coordinating efforts among EU member states and associated countries to create a unified research landscape. The group's work is integral to achieving the strategic priorities outlined in the European Green Deal and bolstering the European Union's competitiveness in global research and innovation.

Background and formation

The formation of the ERA Steering Group was a direct outcome of the European Commission's 2020 Communication on "A new ERA for Research and Innovation." This policy initiative, championed by Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, sought to revitalize the European Research Area concept first launched in 2000. Its creation was formally endorsed by the Council of the European Union in November 2021, aligning with broader EU goals to enhance scientific collaboration and address societal challenges. The establishment followed extensive consultations with the European Parliament, national ministries, and stakeholder organizations like Science Europe, reflecting a concerted push for more coordinated European Union research policy.

Composition and membership

The ERA Steering Group is composed of senior representatives from all EU member states, typically at the level of Director-General or equivalent from national ministries responsible for research. Representatives from countries associated to Horizon Europe, such as Norway and Switzerland, also participate. The European Commission, primarily through the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, provides the secretariat and chairs the group. Observers from key bodies including the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee may attend, ensuring the group's deliberations connect with broader EU institutional and regional perspectives.

Objectives and responsibilities

The primary objective is to steer the implementation of the European Research Area Policy Agenda, translating high-level goals into concrete actions. Key responsibilities include monitoring progress on the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, advising on priority-setting for joint initiatives, and fostering policy alignment across national research systems. The group is tasked with overseeing the development of the ERA Dashboard of indicators and ensuring synergies between Horizon Europe and national programs. It also plays a critical role in promoting the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers across the continent.

Key activities and initiatives

The group's activities focus on advancing the strategic axes of the ERA, such as improving access to research infrastructures and strengthening research careers. It has been instrumental in launching the ERA Talents initiative and guiding the reform of the European Innovation Council. A major ongoing activity is coordinating national contributions to the EU Missions, particularly those related to Cancer and Climate Change. The group also facilitates the sharing of best practices on topics like open science policies and the reduction of research bureaucracy, often through dedicated thematic forums and workshops with stakeholders from CERN to the European University Association.

Impact and legacy

The ERA Steering Group has significantly increased political commitment and structured dialogue among EU member states on research policy, moving beyond the previous voluntary Open Method of Coordination. Its work is expected to leave a lasting legacy by institutionalizing a more coherent and evidence-based approach to building the European Research Area. By championing reforms in research assessment and career mobility, it aims to make the European Union a more attractive destination for global scientific talent, directly supporting the ambitions of the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade. Its success is seen as pivotal for the long-term resilience and technological sovereignty of the European Union in an era of global competition with powers like the United States and China.

Category:European Research Area Category:Advisory bodies of the European Union Category:Research organizations in Europe