Science Europe response to the Call for Evidence on a European Innovation Act

Science Europe's recommendations on the European Innovation Act emphasise support for excellent research, breakthrough innovation, and strong alignment with the upcoming ERA Act. The Act should maintain Horizon Europe’s autonomy for R&I-focused projects, foster talent circulation, strengthen research-industry collaboration, and enhance access to Research and Technology Infrastructures.

Research and innovation are closely interconnected, and the Innovation Act should enable the effective translation of research into innovation, with excellence and ethical values as central criteria. The Act must also align closely with the upcoming ERA Act.

Science Europe recommends applicant-focused simplification that maintains high European and academic standards, ethical and sustainability principles, and inclusivity.

R&I-focused projects should remain under Horizon Europe governance, rather than a one-size-fits-all framework. At the same time, funding should ensure stability without limiting innovation potential and coordinate public and private investment for sustainable growth.

Autonomous Horizon Europe should support fundamental research, high-risk/high-gain projects, equitable collaboration across the EU, and scaling up innovative businesses in coordination with the Startup and Scaleup strategy.

Talent attraction, retention, and mobility, both internationally and between academia and industry, are critical, with dedicated programs like Choose Europe promoting brain circulation and early-career support.

The Act should also maximise the impact of Research and Technology Infrastructures (RTIs) through aligned, inclusive, transnational access, including for SMEs and less-developed regions, and strengthen connections with broader R&I priorities such as research assessment and open science.

Overall, the Innovation Act should align research and innovation policies to support the full pipeline from fundamental research to breakthrough innovation, contributing to a balanced, open, and collaborative European R&I ecosystem.