TU Austria: Technical universities brainstorm opportunities and challenges in next Horizon Europe

On 2 March 2026, 100 high-ranking representatives from the EU Parliament and EU institutions, European university associations and industry accepted the joint invitation from TU Austria and TU9 – German Universities of Technology to attend the discussion “Next MFF – From Policy to Practice. How Technical Universities Drive Europe’s R&I Impact” in Brussels.

The event focused on the ongoing negotiations for the next EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme (FP10), the intended integration with the planned European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), and the question of how Technical Universities can further strengthen their role as bridge builders between basic research, industrial application, and societal benefit.

Angela Ittel, President of TU Braunschweig and TU9 Co-President, and Peter Middendorf, Rector of University of Stuttgart and TU9-Co-Präsident, emphasized: 
“As strong networks of Technical Universities in successful innovation ecosystems, we are committed to an independent, internationally compatible FP10. It is Europe's most important instrument for excellent and cooperative research and innovation. Together with Erasmus+, the ECF, and good connections between these instruments, it strengthens the EU's competitiveness in the long term. This also includes attracting and retaining talent in Europe. Our research-based education, doctoral training, and lifelong learning are clear competitive advantages in this regard.”

Jens Schneider, Rector of TU Wien and President of TU Austria, added:      
“In order to secure Europe’s technological sovereignty in the long term, consistent investment in research, talent, and innovation spaces is needed. Technical Universities are ready to contribute their expertise and strong partnerships so that FP10 and ECF can jointly create tangible added value for science and industry.”

Technical Universities: Focus on Innovation, Excellence und European Competitiveness

The high-profile program included keynote speeches by Maive Rute, Deputy Director-General DG GROW, and Anastasios Kentarchos, Advisor to the Director at the Common Policy Centre DG RTD. Both highlighted the importance of close coordination between the EU research program, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable added value in Europe.

In the following interactive discussion — moderated by Mattias Björnmalm (Secretary General of CESAER) — Angela Ittel, Jens Schneider, Maive Rute, Anastasios Kentarchos, and experts from the audience discussed key questions about FP10 and ECF, including:

• how FP10 can become a driving force for technological growth and European resilience
• what role the ECF should play in strengthening European industrial capacities
• how to balance advancing excellence, mission orientation, and geopolitical challenges
• what instruments are needed to strengthen technology transfer, deep tech start-ups, and innovative ecosystems across Europe
• how Technical Universities can systematically contribute their unique role as research partners, trainers of highly qualified talent, and accelerators of innovation

The participants pointed out that only a well-funded, coherently structured, and strategically coordinated interaction between FP10 and the ECF can further increase Europe’s innovative strength and secure its global competitiveness. There was agreement that Europe needs advanced technologies in strategic areas. Combining cutting-edge research with real-world applications is an important way to achieve this.

Technical Universities are strong partners in this endeavor, drawing on over two hundred years of experience. The Presidents of TU Austria and TU9 agree: “We are fully aware of the urgency and importance of the challenges ahead and are ready to intensify our efforts and make our contribution.”