Universitas 21 Position Paper on the 9th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation
March 2018
Universitas 21 has released a position paper on the European Union’s Ninth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP9). This paper reflects the experiences of the network’s EU and non-EU members with past and current EU Research and Innovation programmes. The main finding is a significant reduction in involvement and funding of non-EU members of U21 in the current Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, compared to its predecessor.
The role of the European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation
The European framework programmes for research and innovation continue to represent an outstanding example of how collaboration in research and innovation can be organised and supported. The impact of these programmes is seen not only in Europe, but around the world.
Universitas 21 (U21) seeks to support the development of a strong and successful 9thFramework Programme (FP9). This paper focuses on the dimension on which we can speak with particular authority, given our position as the leading global network of research-intensive universities, namely the issue of international collaboration in research and innovation.
Benefits of international collaboration in research and innovation
The major global challenges, such as sustainability, security and health, can only be addressed through international co-operation. Collaboration on research and innovation is a key pillar through which this co-operation can be delivered.
In addition to the obvious economic benefits to be gained from trading relationships based on shared knowledge outcomes, such an approach also delivers significant cultural and societal benefits.
We agree with the words of EU Commissioner Carlos Moedas: “To remain relevant and competitive, we need to engage more in science diplomacy and global scientific collaboration. It is not sufficient to only support collaborative projects; we need to enable partnerships between regions and countries.”
We also believe that the development of an international outlook is a vital component of researcher training, and support this within our network through a variety of schemes.
Key message
Strengthening global collaboration in research and innovation should be a key target of FP9, and the programme should seek to enhance supports, remove barriers and mobilise international commitment to that end.
In this, we strongly support the recommendation of the Lamy report (LAB – FAB – APP) that international cooperation in research and innovation should be a trademark of EU research and innovation and stimulated through a centralised fund.
We note also the support for such cooperation from the position papers of a number of associations of leading European universities, such as CESAER, the Coimbra Group, the Guild and LERU, all of which include U21 members.
Our experience of international collaboration in Horizon 2020
EU members
Most of our EU members have seen a drop in both the numbers of projects and the percentage of projects including third country participants in Horizon 2020 (H2020), compared to the previous Framework.
Most have also experienced reduced interest from international partners in H2020 projects.
A number of members report a move towards bilateral arrangements for international collaborations and to a focus on strategic partners, separate from H2020.
Non-EU members:
Overall, our non-EU members participate in a small and decreasing number of EU projects. Some (non-EU, non-US) members contrasted a decline in EU project participation in H2020 with an increase in collaboration with US partners over the same period.
This can be seen in the funding drawn down to date: while the total awarded under H2020 to our EU (+Swiss) members as of October 2017 was at 82.3% of the FP7 level, the total awarded to non-EU/non-CH members was just 11.6% of the FP7 level. This clearly illustrates the differing experiences of both cohorts within the programme, compared to FP7.
As with EU members, non-EU members are increasingly pursuing international collaboration though strategic partnerships and bilateral or multilateral funding opportunities.
Most countries have some form of co-funding/match funding arrangements for such collaborations, but these are not always easy to access or are heavily over-subscribed.
Recommendations
We are concerned by the decline in participation by third countries in EU projects reported by U21 members and by the erosion of the networked model of project participation with a shift towards bilateral engagement. Our members report a number of reasons for this, including low visibility of the EU Framework Programme internationally, the lack of an engagement strategy around the programme, the lack of key targets or drivers, perceived complexity and the strong funding programmes that are available in other regions. Considering how participation might be supported to grow and flourish, we make the following recommendations for FP9.
Commitment and supports
There should be a clear and strategic commitment to international collaboration in research and innovation in FP9, underpinned by a central fund and supported through appropriate targeted mechanisms and structures. This commitment should include proactive interactions with third countries in order to build supports. This would clearly signal the importance to the EU of relationships beyond its borders.
UN sustainable development goals
As the only global network of universities to hold UN ECOSOC consultative status, U21 recommends that the globally important themes of the UN sustainable development goals are used as the basis of the mission-driven approach proposed for FP9.
Clarity and communication
Our members report a lack of information, or sometimes inconsistency in information, about opportunities for third-country participation, leading to uncertainty within consortia. We recommend improved communication around such opportunities in FP9.
We recommend that clearer mechanisms are put in place regarding the ‘essentiality’ of third country partners and how reviewers will assess this. At present, our members (both within and outside the EU) tell us that consortia are reluctant to risk adding a third-country partner to a project, due to the perceived risk of the whole project not being funded if the third-country partner is found to be non-essential and therefore not funded.
Reducing complexity
Concerns remain about the complexity of the processes involving third-country participants. We recommend that steps be taken to reduce this complexity in FP9.
Growing funding
While welcoming the recommendation of the Lamy report in support of international collaboration in research and innovation, we query the requirement for reciprocal co-funding or access to co-funding in the partner country. While we agree that this should normally be the expectation, there may be strategic reasons, in a small number of cases, for relaxing the requirement for reciprocity or co-funding.
Brexit
Strong participation by UK researchers has been a key enabler of success in the Framework Programmes to date, and we recommend that a mechanism be found to maintain this.
For further information
U21 will be happy to discuss any aspect of this paper and to share our insights throughout the development of FP9.
Contact details
Dr Connie Wan (U21)
Researcher Engagement Cluster Manager, Universitas 21
Phone: +44 (0)121 4144786
Email: connie.wan@universitas21.com
Strathcona 109, University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT