Brussels, 18 April 2024: The solutions to these challenges, according to NTNU, hinge upon a continued strong collaborative research and innovation effort. Therefore, a significant and ring-fenced budget for FP10 is essential to effectively tackle these issues.
Toril A. Nagelhus Hernes, Pro-Rector for Innovation at NTNU says, “Solutions to the pressing challenges of our time heavily depend on collaborative research and innovation efforts across Europe and beyond. It is imperative that FP10 is equipped with a substantial budget, ring-fenced to prevent reallocations for other purposes. This ensures long-term and impactful outcomes of investments.”
NTNU advocates for continuity in the structure of FP10, drawing from the successes of its predecessors, Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. The current structure has proven efficient and provides a clear framework of reference. NTNU emphasizes the need for corrective actions rather than structural changes to address any weaknesses in the program structure.
Furthermore, NTNU calls for increased funding for excellent curiosity-driven collaborative research in Pillars II and III, supporting the full knowledge value chain from low to high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). This funding is crucial for strengthening European innovation ecosystems and connecting research capabilities to commercialization and knowledge valorization.
NTNU also recommends reintroducing the FET Open scheme in Pillar I and ensuring proper complementarity with the EIC Pathfinder scheme, with a focus on deep tech. NTNU also wants a stronger bridging between excellence research from pillar I and innovation mechanisms in pillar III, increasing transition and impact from research. The institution emphasizes the pivotal role of Missions in addressing societal challenges and advocates for their continuation as an integrated element within FP10.
Additionally, NTNU stresses the importance of widening and strengthening the European Research Area and promoting synergies between FP10 and other European programs, such as Erasmus+ and Digital Europe.
Professor Nagelhus Hernes added, “FP10 should pursue open science principles and stay open to the world, enabling global consortiums to join forces on societal challenges. Furthermore, responsible handling of the dual-use potential of knowledge and technologies is important.”
In conclusion, NTNU urges for the further development and extension of strategic priorities towards inclusion, democracy, and resilience within FP10 to build a more inclusive and resilient Europe.
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You can download the position paper here: Position Paper on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (ntnu.edu)
About NTNU: The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is committed to advancing research, innovation and scientific cooperation on a global scale. As we look to the next phase of European research and innovation funding.