From Collaboration to Competitiveness? Universities in the Changing European Funding Landscape

Europe’s future competitiveness depends not only on market-oriented innovation, but also on strong universities, excellent research environments and transnational academic cooperation. University-led research creates the knowledge base, critical expertise and talent pipelines on which innovation depends.

Universities and the European University Alliances therefore play an essential role in connecting education, research and innovation, addressing societal challenges across borders and disciplines, and strengthening Europe’s long-term research and innovation capacity. Their fundamental importance must continue to be recognised and supported by future European funding instruments.

This need has become even more relevant in light of discussions on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework. The proposed closer connection between Horizon Europe and the future European Competitiveness Fund may place greater emphasis on competitiveness, industrial priorities and higher technology readiness levels. This opens new opportunities but also raises the question of how university-led collaborative research can remain visible, relevant and fundable in the future European funding landscape.

Against this background, the event organized by the FORTHEM Alliance, in cooperation with the Regional Representation of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate to the EU in Brussels and Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, will explore how FORTHEM, other European University Alliances and the higher education sector more broadly can find a meaningful place in this evolving scenario.

Speakers:

• Stefan Müller-Stach – Vice President for Research and Academic Careers, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Keynote)
• Massimiliano Esposito – Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission, DG Research & Innovation
• Thomas Estermann – Chief Strategy Officer, European University Association (EUA)
• Jimmy Bruun Felthaus – Minister Counsellor for Research and Innovation, Permanent Representation of Denmark to the European Union
• Claudia Siegel – Policy Officer, Common Strategic Planning & Programming Service, DG Research & Innovation, European Commission
• Doris Alexander (invited) – Associate Director of European Engagement, Trinity College Dublin; Co-Director, CHARM-EU; Chair, FOREU4ALL Research & Innovation Topical Group

Moderation:

• Klaas de Boer – Responsible for Higher Education and Research at the Representation of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate to the European Union, Brussels.