New Commission Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures Embraces a Holistic Strategy

The European Commission has unveiled a new European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures aimed at strenghtening Europe's leadership in scientific excellence and technological innovation. The strategy aligns with the ambitious goals for infrastructures set out in the proposed Horizon Europe programme under the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034), as well as with the proposed European Competitiveness Fund.

The strategy highlighs the crucial role of research and technology infrastructures in addressing  complex, interdisciplinary scientific challenges and unlocking the potential of emerging technologies. At the same time, it recognises that Europe's ability to build a strong infrastructure ecosystem is constrained by fragmented policies and funding mechanisms, limited collaboration, insufficient access opportunities, skills gaps, hampered reuse of data for research and utapped potential of digitalisation and AI.

The strategy sets out the following objectives:

1) strengthening the European ecosystem of research and technology infrastructures through a holistic approach to capacity building and mobilising investments, improving the alignment of user needs and available facilities and services, while ensuring alignment with EU strategic priorities,

2) bolstering the accessibility of research and technology infrastructures as a continuum of complementary services for researchers and innovative companies;

3) attracting and cultivating talent in Europe through strong career pathways in research and technology infrastructures,

4)  improving and simplifying the governance framework for research and technology infrastructures and promote the alignment of priorities among the EU Member States and stakeholders,

5) improving the international dimension and resilience of research and technology infrastructures through cooperation with strategic partners.

The strategy underscores the importance of adopting a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to developing research and technology infrastructures, recognising how these facilities complement one another. In a global context where major powers are increasingly retreating from international cooperation in research and innovation, it calls on the EU to use this strategy to reinforce its role as a beacon of free, open and excellent science — strengthening its reputation as a champion of knowledge-driven progress and attracting global talent in support of the “Choose Europe” initiative.

More information at: COM RI & TI Strategy