European Research Area
Investing in Europe’s future
Building a common scientific and technological area for the EU
The European Research Area (ERA) was launched in 2000.
What achievements has the ERA made so far?
- EU countries can better address challenges together
- Joint planning and development of research infrastructure
- More effective national research systems
- Open circulation of science and knowledge
- Mobility and open labour markets for researchers across the EU
- Initiatives to promote gender equality
- Stronger international cooperation
How much does the EU invest in research and development (R&D)?
The EU accounts for
- 7% of the world population
- almost 20% of global investment in research and innovation
- 21% of all high-quality scientific publications
Almost 2/3 of the EU's economic growth is driven by innovation.
Gross domestic expenditure on R&D:
(2018):
- EU27: 2.18% * of GDP
- South Korea: 4.52%
- Japan: 3.28% ***
- US: 2.82% **
- China (except Hong Kong): 2.14%
* provisional.
** the US has a different definition.
*** break in time series.
Business enterprise expenditure on R&D:
(2018):
- EU27: 1.45% * of GDP
- South Korea: 3.63%
- Japan: 2.6%
- US: 2.05% **
- China (except Hong Kong): 1.66%
* provisional.
** the US has a different definition.
What are the objectives of the new European Research Area?
- More investments in research and innovation for a green and digital future
- Uptake of research and innovation results on the markets
- Better access to infrastructure and facilities for researchers
- Promotion of researchers’ mobility, skills and career development opportunities
- Support for open science and better knowledge-sharing
- Promotion of gender equality (Women represent 48% of EU graduates at the doctoral level, but only around 1/3 of all EU researchers and only 1/5 of those in the business sector)
- Stronger engagement of citizens and research and innovation organisations
Investment target: 3% of EU GDP on research and development.
Horizon Europe - the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation
€95.5 billion for the years 2021-2027.
Horizon Europe complements national and regional funding in R&I.
- The ERA and Horizon Europe aim to support research and innovation in Europe and strengthen its potential
- 3% of the total budget for Horizon Europe is used to broaden participation and strengthen the ERA
Sources: European Commission, European Parliament, Eurostat.
Last review: 5 February 2025