HR4RS stamp
Newsroom
"We want to be an effective information multiplier, a European network where people create, exchange and have new ideas to strengthen our collaboration at European level", explained the Secretary General of the network, Massimo Busuoli (NTNU). "And we would like to represent a single entry point to the world of excellent universities, an easy door for complex organizations that are normally difficult to enter," he added.
On behalf of the URJC, the event was attended by Juan Antonio Melero Hernández, Vice-Rector for Innovation and Transfer, and Rosa Mesa Vélez, Head of Service at the European Projects Office. Both also attended the breakfast held at the European Parliament together with MEP Dan Nica, main rapporteur for the next research and innovation framework program Horizon Europe, who has defended his points of view in view of the negotiations of the proposal presented by the European Commission : an increase in the budget and greater representation of the countries of Eastern Europe, known as the EU-13.
Present and future of universities in Europe
Universities operate in a rapidly changing environment, Horizon Europe's missions must be open, and a strong relationship between education, research and innovation is essential for the future of Europe. These were the key messages of the launch event, which brought together policy makers and leaders in the field of research and education in the EU to discuss the current and future role of universities, the international competitiveness of European higher education and funding under Horizon Europe.
In this sense, Ignace Lemahieu, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Ghent in Belgium, has stated that "comprehensive universities are in an ideal position to take the initiative, because they can analyze the world with a global vision of all disciplines." They can contribute to the dream that one day a single set of rules will apply for Marie Curie, EIT, ERASMUS+ and for the Structural Funds."
In the same sense, Anne Borg, Vice President of Education of the NTNU, from Norway, has expressed herself, adding that “We must recognize the link between education, research and innovation in the search for new solutions and train students accordingly. Internationalization and student exchange develop a global mindset that is crucial to solving today's challenges."
Ralph Blum, Vice President of Research at Nuremberg Tech University, has recalled the importance of collaboration between universities and SMEs with drivers of innovation.
Structural funds and space for smaller projects
The speakers have also referred to the need to invest in innovation and research through Horizon Europe, both in large and smaller projects. In addition, they have pointed out that universities must be prepared for changes in the labor market and have indicated that this adaptation based on industry challenges would be easier with comprehensive 5-year programs, rather than 3+2 models.
Missions in Horizon Europe
During the event, the missions that are intended to be included in Horizon Europe were also discussed, specifically about their structure, openness and scope, as well as how they are going to be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Commission and the Member States have recently discussed the possible implementation of five missions and nine partnerships.
Regarding this aspect, Wolfgang Burtscher, deputy director of the Directorate General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) of the European Commission, stated that the Missions in Horizon Europe fall within the area of sustainable development and industrial competitiveness, which has 52.000 million euros. of the European Commission.
Negotiations on Horizon Europe
The representatives of the European Commission have cautiously expressed some optimism regarding the Horizon Europe negotiations, which they consider could be concluded before the European elections in May 2019. They thus intend to prevent the current document from undergoing many changes if there is a very different MP. The goal, they said, is to publish the calls in October 2020.