The New European Research Area: Four Years On - Science Europe Response to the Commission Consultation

The Pact for Research and Innovation and the Conclusions on the future governance of the ERA, adopted by the EU Council on 26 November, cemented the political approach that would govern the new ERA. [...] In contrast to the previous period, which saw limited stakeholder involvement, the European Commission promoted the active participation of pan-European organisations in the ERA Forum from the start. [...] In this sense, the priorities and ambitions in the Pact remain valid and the essence of the work is to be undertaken in subsequent policy agendas and in their actions and related activities. [...] Specifically, the implementation of the ERA actions on the ‘Global Approach to Research and Innovation’ and ‘Inclusive Gender Equality’ provides strong examples of the new ERA governance steering EU research policy in the right direction. [...] We remain fully committed to contributing to the implementation of the European Research Area and to ensuring its continued success, through both our involvement in the ERA Forum and through our own activities that align with the ambitions of the ERA.