The Guild details nine key propositions for FP9 and argues for collaborative, fundamental research as the key priority, putting universities at the centre of a more open and inclusive R&I framework
The Guild, a newly established network of eighteen research-intensive universities, details nine in-depth propositions for FP9 in their feedback to the H2020 mid-term review. They argue for an increased research and innovation (R&I) budget, with better management of research applications, to increase the success rate and incentivise the participation of researchers. They suggest that collaborative, fundamental research must be enhanced, the SME Instrument opened up to collaboration with universities, better opportunities for the social sciences and humanities, and more funding through bottom-up calls in the Societal Challenges pillar.
They then move on to argue in favour of widening participation, suggesting that a high-level-group makes recommendations on improving the ability of low performing countries. Moreover, they welcome the drive to open up EU R&I. Establishing the new European Innovation Council is also welcomed, so long as funds are derived from European Fund for Strategic Investments, European Structural and Investment Funds, or national budgets — not FP9’s. Finally, the Guild also calls for efforts for greater international collaboration and trust in researchers by the Commission.
From the text:
“To ensure that Europe’s scientific, economic, cultural and social potential is optimized, the budget for Research and Innovation – in H2020 and for FP9 – must be significantly increased.”
“More impact can be generated in Horizon 2020 (and FP9) by diverting the money for risk finance into Research & Innovation Actions”
The full report is available here.
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