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Competitiveness Council (Research and space), 2 December 2022
Main results
Research
Scientific advice for better political decisions
Ministers discussed the role of science in member states’ policymaking, where they reflected on how to improve the use of scientific advice for political decisions.
During their interventions, ministers expressed interest in the creation and development of platforms of science advisors in their different sectorial ministries, and underlined that it is useful to coordinate national approaches at EU level.
Ministers, moreover, agreed that the Commission should play a key role in providing coordination, expertise, and support for policy development in the EU.
The Council adopted two sets of conclusions that strengthen the EU's position in the field of research and innovation: on the New Innovation Agenda and on research infrastructures.
The adoption of today's conclusions send a strong message to the European research and innovation community: the EU is working hard to remain the global leader in the field. We stay on top of new technologies and closely follow new waves of innovation, so that the EU and member states can develop a common approach to research and innovation.
Vladimir Balas, Czech minister for education, youth and sports
The conclusions on research infrastructures (RIs) are a cornerstone in the development of the European Research Area (ERA). The conclusions recognise the need to further strengthen RIs and facilitate broader access to them, since they can greatly contribute to the competitiveness of the European economy.
The conclusions on the New Innovation Agenda set out an innovation policy to position the EU as a global leader. Innovation plays a crucial role in Europe’s competitiveness, in achieving the green and digital transitions, and in addressing societal challenges and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
Council recommendation on the guiding principles for knowledge valorisation
Ministers adopted a Council recommendation on the guiding principles for knowledge valorisation.
Knowledge valorisation is the process of creating social and economic value from knowledge, by linking different areas and sectors and transforming data and research results into products and solutions that benefit society.
The Council recommendation updates the European Commission recommendation from 2008 by broadening the scope of actors and activities, with a focus on the whole research and innovation ecosystem, and widening the scope to intellectual asset management.
Under any other business, ministers were informed by the European Commission on the new EIT Culture & Creativity KIC and on a public consultation on the past, present and future of the European research & innovation framework programmes 2014-2027.
Member states were informed by the Spanish delegation about PRIMA - the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area - as well as on the programme of the upcoming Swedish presidency.
Over an informal lunch, ministers discussed technology infrastructures.
Space
EU space data exploitation
Minister held a policy debate on EU space data exploitation.
The EU has access to a large reservoir of space data, but does not use its full potential. To keep up with emerging services such as AI and quantum technologies, member states have to join forces and work together towards a better exploitation of EU space data. This will enhance the EU's competitiveness.
Martin Kupka, Czech minister for transport
Ministers discussed how to increase the use of space data and applications within the EU across different market segments. During their interventions, member states focused on what has already been implemented and developed at national level to make better use of space data exploitation.
They reflected on possible barriers hindering the uptake of EU space services at European and national levels, where they identified possible solutions to remove such barriers, focusing on the role of education and awareness raising, exchange of best practices among users and between space and non-space sectors, as well as public and private sectors and access to finance for innovative solutions.
The adoption of today's conclusions send a strong message to the European research and innovation community: the EU is working hard to remain the global leader in the field. We stay on top of new technologies and closely follow new waves of innovation, so that the EU and member states can develop a common approach to research and innovation.
The EU has access to a large reservoir of space data, but does not use its full potential. To keep up with emerging services such as AI and quantum technologies, member states have to join forces and work together towards a better exploitation of EU space data. This will enhance the EU's competitiveness.