As 2024 begins, we assess the success of attempts to close the EU’s east-west research and innovation gap. There is progress, but a decade on, disparity persists and alongside beefed up EU measures, national R&D funding needs to increase
The four countries have teamed up to bring together Germany’s political heft with the expertise in digital transformation of the Baltic states and inject fresh impetus into the EU single digital market agenda
This year is a milestone for the EU’s Widening measures, marking 10 years since they were first introduced under Horizon 2020. We dive into the data to paint a picture of progress made since then. We also look at the pressure Romania is coming under to merge universities in a bid to boost their standing in international rankings, at the formation of a digital innovation club by Germany and the Baltic states, and how the European Institute of Innovation and Technology's new hub in Kyiv hopes to help re-build the country’s start-up ecosystem.
Merging institutions can bring economies of scale, strengthening finances and research - and attracting staff and students. But vested interests often block this route to moving up the league tables
Leading academics defend EU research missions and say productivity growth should not be the direct goal of European investment in research and innovation
Report shows that since 2021 eleven more countries have adopted open science policies. But there are to persistent problems with rising costs and uneven geographical spread
Phages that kill bacteria are seen as a possible solution to the waning power of antibiotics. But research funding is lacking and existing routes to approval and commercialisation are not suitable for these therapies, say UK MPs
Trilogue negotiations are underway on the European Health Data Space, which will enable cross-border sharing of data, including for research. Standardisation will be key to the plan’s success
Wars on Europe’s doorstep, tech espionage and illiberal governments are spurring the EU and national governments to rethink who should take the lead on academic freedom
Leading AI expert Holger Hoos says Europe needs it own Manhattan Project to create a leading AI system and avoid dependence on the US or China. Other experts are supportive, but the cost and politics of such a project are tricky
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