European Research and Innovation Days

European Research and Innovation Days
Name	European Research and Innovation Days
Formation	2019
Founder	European Commission
Type	Conference
Purpose	Annual research and innovation policy summit
Headquarters	Brussels
Region served	European Union

European Research and Innovation Days European Research and Innovation Days is an annual summit convened to shape Horizon Europe priorities and foster collaboration among actors such as the European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the European Union. The event brings together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society from across the European Union and partner countries to discuss initiatives linked to flagship programmes like Horizon 2020, European Green Deal, and Digital Agenda for Europe. Sessions frequently feature representatives from institutions including the European Research Council, European Investment Bank, and European Committee of the Regions.

Overview

The summit functions as a policy forum connecting institutions such as the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the European Union, European Council, European Economic and Social Committee, and Committee of the Regions with stakeholders like the European Research Council, CERN, European Space Agency, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, and European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Speakers have included figures from the European Central Bank, World Health Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and representatives linked to initiatives such as Copernicus Programme, Galileo (satellite navigation), and ITER. The summit aligns with major policy frameworks including Paris Agreement, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Goals.

History

Launched in 2019 by the European Commission to succeed earlier events associated with Horizon 2020 consultations, the summit drew participants formerly engaged with forums like the European Research Area meetings, Lisbon Strategy workshops, and Bologna Process consultations. Early editions featured contributions from leaders connected to Ursula von der Leyen, Jean-Claude Juncker, Frans Timmermans, Miguel Arias Cañete, and commissioners overseeing research portfolios. The event has intersected with major moments such as reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine crisis, and policy shifts after the Brexit referendum, prompting engagements with stakeholders from United Kingdom institutions like Wellcome Trust, UK Research and Innovation, and Medical Research Council.

Objectives and Themes

Core objectives mirror priorities set by actors including the European Commission, European Parliament, European Research Council, European Investment Bank, World Health Organization, and United Nations. Themes have included climate action reflected in the European Green Deal, digital transformation involving projects such as Horizon Digital Innovation Hubs and Digital Single Market, health research linked to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Medicines Agency, and industrial competitiveness connecting to European Industrial Strategy and NextGenerationEU. Sessions often engage stakeholders from Tesla, Inc. linked initiatives, Airbus research partnerships, and research-intensive universities such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, ETH Zurich, Sorbonne University, and Heidelberg University.

Format and Programme

Programmes combine plenary debates with interactive workshops, networking sessions, and matchmaking activities similar to those run by European Research Council grant panels, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions training, and European Innovation Council pitch sessions. The agenda features panelists from organizations such as CERN, European Space Agency, Fraunhofer Society, Max Planck Society, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, European Molecular Biology Organization, and think tanks like Bruegel, Centre for European Policy Studies, and Brookings Institution affiliates. Parallel strands address policy, science diplomacy involving European External Action Service, and regional development engaging Committee of the Regions and European Regional Development Fund actors.

Participants and Stakeholders

Attendees encompass policymakers from European Commission Directorates-General, members of the European Parliament committees (notably Committee on Industry, Research and Energy), research funders such as Horizon Europe, university consortia including the League of European Research Universities, national research organisations like CNRS, DFG, and Spanish National Research Council, industry partners including Siemens, SAP SE, Philips, and representatives from foundations like Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Rockefeller Foundation. Civil society is represented by NGOs such as European Environmental Bureau and Health Action International, while regional actors include European Committee of the Regions delegates and national ministries from states like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Hungary, and Czech Republic.

Outcomes and Impact

Outcomes often comprise policy recommendations adopted by actors including the European Commission, adjustments to Horizon Europe work programmes, and declarations influencing institutions like the European Research Council and European Innovation Council. Impact is measurable through funded projects involving partners such as CERN, EMBL, Fraunhofer Society, and consortia spanning University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Karolinska Institutet, Uppsala University, and startups backed by European Investment Bank. The event has catalysed collaborations aligning with international agreements like the Paris Agreement and multilateral science diplomacy channels involving the United Nations and World Health Organization.

Organisational Structure and Funding

Organisation is led by the European Commission in coordination with stakeholders including the European Parliament, European Research Council, and agencies such as the European Innovation Council and European Research Executive Agency. Funding streams derive from programmes like Horizon Europe, NextGenerationEU, contributions from the European Investment Bank, and partnerships with national ministries of research from countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and Netherlands. Event logistics often involve collaboration with host city authorities in Brussels and contractors experienced with conferences used by institutions like European Parliament and Council of the European Union.

Category:European Union science and technology