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Competitiveness Council (Research and space), 8 December 2023
Main results
Research
The impact of research and innovation in policy making
Ministers approved Council conclusions on the impact of research and innovation in policy making.
Good policymaking is essential for the progress of research and innovation, but research and innovation are also fundamental for the success of the regulatory process. Strengthening the contribution of research and innovation to policymaking benefits society, has a positive impact on the planet and eventually improves citizens’ lives and reinforces democracy.
Diana Morant Ripoll, Spanish Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities
The conclusions, which are a priority of the Spanish presidency, reflect on how appropriate design, research and innovation can improve policymaking through the inclusion of scientific evidence and knowledge. The Council conclusions highlight three key dimensions: the importance of research and innovation for the policymaking process in the Union; the importance of the regional research and innovation ecosystems; and the policy impact of the Recovery and Resilience Facility on the Union’s research and innovation policy and on the European Research Area.
European framework to attract and retain research innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe
Ministers reached a political agreement on a Council recommendation for a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talent in Europe.
With this act, we are setting up standards that will guide Member States, research organisations, funders and stakeholders in increasing stability and attractiveness of research careers in Europe. To reach this goal we need to better coordinate our national policies on Research and Innovation; and we also need to involve all talented researchers, regardless of gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, socioeconomic origin or any other circumstances by effectively addressing persisting inequalities in research careers.
Diana Morant Ripoll, Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities
This recommendation aims at supporting researchers and research careers in the EU, as well as for developing a more attractive, open and sustainable European labour market for researchers that is also appealing to foreign talent. The recommendation includes the new ‘European Charter for Researchers’, which replaces the currently applicable text.
Research valorisation as a tool for economic and industrial recovery and resilience
Ministers held a policy debate entitled 'Research valorisation as a tool for economic and industrial recovery and resilience'. Ministers were invited to share best practices on how research results can be used to revitalise the Union’s economy and industry responding to three themes presented by the presidency in a note: Challenges of the valorisation of research results to revitalise the EU industry and economy; how to ensure that research and innovation valorisation responds to EU and national priorities in line with citizen’s needs; national measures to promote research valorisation from the demand side and skills and learning for the understanding of knowledge valorisation from industry perspective.
Lunch debate - Fostering policies for youth and gender equality in Research and Innovation
Over an informal lunch, ministers discussed how to best foster policies for youth and gender equality in Research and Innovation. The debate was based on a presidency note and focused on four issues: challenges in the implementation of policies that support women in science and research; measures to circumvent gender bias in evaluating scientific performance or appointing leadership and decision-making positions; obstacles for young talent starting a career in science and innovation and how to give them a more sustainable and predictable career path; and possible support measures to raise the attractiveness of scientific careers for early-career researchers.
Other topics on the agenda
Ministers were informed on five issues under any other business:
the Spanish delegation informed ministers about the continuation of the partnership for research and innovation in the Mediterranean area (PRIMA).
they also informed ministers about the research-related events organised by Spanish Presidency during its semester
the European Commission had an information point about the first edition of the European Research Area (ERA) EU-level monitoring report
the European Commission also briefed ministers about the progress made with research assessment and actions and on a new initiative on advanced materials for industrial leadership that has been included in the Work Programme for 2024
finally, ministers were informed by the Belgian delegation of the work programme of the incoming presidency in the field of research
Ministers approved Council conclusions on ‘Space traffic management: state of play’.
Space policy has left the world of science fiction to become a crucial element of our daily lives, from watching television, monitoring climate change or choosing the day to harvest grain. Access to space will be fundamental for our open strategic autonomy. The conclusions adopted today show the way to ensure European presence in the orbits of our planet in a safe, secure and sustainable way.
Diana Morant Ripoll, Spanish Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities
The conclusions stress the urgency of developing an EU space traffic management approach and acknowledge the importance of proposing EU legislation related to space that covers safety, security and sustainability aspects. The presidency has put forward these draft Council conclusions to highlight the significant contribution of space traffic management to the main political priorities of the EU, including the EU Green Deal and the EU Digital Transformation, as well as to Europe’s autonomous, secure and cost-efficient access to space.
Ministers held a debate on the future of EU policy on space in a changing world based on a document prepared by the presidency containing background information and three main issues to steer the debate: Sustainability of space; security and defence; EU strategic autonomy
Good policymaking is essential for the progress of research and innovation, but research and innovation are also fundamental for the success of the regulatory process. Strengthening the contribution of research and innovation to policymaking benefits society, has a positive impact on the planet and eventually improves citizens’ lives and reinforces democracy.
