Helsinki-Uusimaa calls for a place-based approach in the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation

Helsinki-Uusimaa emphasises that the future framework programme must promote place-based regional innovation ecosystems and strengthen cooperation along the entire RDI value chain. The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council’s position on the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation brings forth the objectives of the region’s RDI actors.

The Regional Council gathered views from the region’s RDI actors and prepared its recommendations in cooperation with the Helsinki EU Office. The regional board discussed the position in its meeting on 21 October 2024.

Influencing the R&I framework programme at the heart of Helsinki-Uusimaa’s EU advocacy

Preparations for the EU’s next framework programme for research and innovation have begun. Next year, the European Commission is due to present its proposal for the successor of Horizon Europe, i.e. the tenth R&I framework programme (FP10), starting in 2028. The framework programme is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation.

We are the second most innovative region in Europe and our aim is to become the most innovative.

Tuija Telén, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa

With its position, the Helsinki-Uusimaa region brings the views of its RDI actors into this topical debate and aims to ensure that the region’s objectives are reflected in the future funding programme. Helsinki-Uusimaa aims to be the most innovative region in the EU and to raise the share of research and development expenditure to 5% of the region’s GDP by 2030. The position also establishes links to the Helsinki-Uusimaa programme and Helsinki-Uusimaa’s EU-level RDI roadmap.

– Influencing the future framework programme for research and innovation is at the core of Helsinki-Uusimaa’s EU advocacy. We are the second most innovative region in Europe and our aim is to become the most innovative, thereby contributing even more to Europe’s competitiveness, says Tuija Telén, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa.

– EU R&I funding plays a key role not only in achieving our innovation goals, but also in accelerating our climate, digitalisation and well-being objectives. It is important that the voice of Helsinki-Uusimaa’s RDI actors is heard in the European debate, and this position contributes to that, Telén continues.

Strengthening Europe’s competitiveness requires substantial R&I investments underpinned by excellence

The Helsinki-Uusimaa region emphasises that strengthening Europe’s competitiveness requires significant and impactful investments in research and innovation. Therefore, the EU needs a strong R&I budget, anchored by excellence. Substantial increases to the EU’s R&I budget and a focus on excellence have recently been called for also by Mario Draghi in his competitiveness report as well as the Expert Group appointed by the Commission to evaluate Horizon Europe, of which VTT’s President and CEO Antti Vasara was a member.

Excellence must underpin all EU-funded RDI activities.

Antti Vasara, VTT’s President and CEO

– As Draghi puts it, the EU is facing an existential challenge. If we are to thrive amidst the increasing global competition, we must invest more in impactful RDI activities. Helsinki-Uusimaa’s position is an important contribution to the debate on the future of the EU framework programme for research and innovation, and now is exactly the right time to pass these messages forward in Brussels, comments Rosa Kotoaro, Deputy Director of Helsinki EU Office and Senior Advisor on EU R&I policy.

– Excellence must underpin all EU-funded RDI activities – not just in the European Research Council or European Innovation Council, notes Antti Vasara, VTT’s President and CEO and a member of the Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe.

– By fostering top-quality, cross-border collaborations, the EU ensures the best ideas emerge, combining diverse skills and expertise to solve pressing challenges, Vasara continues.

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Place-based approach must be embedded in the next R&I framework programme

The Helsinki-Uusimaa Region offers the following key recommendations to ensure the Framework Programme’s success and maximise its impact:

• Ensure a strong budget and harness the entire R&I value chain
• Foster excellence and open competition in funding calls
• Promote place-based innovation ecosystems and collaboration
• Support the advancement and implementation of the green and digital transitions
• Invest in health and wellbeing
• Enhance synergies with other programmes
• Focus on successful implementation of the EU Missions

Read more: Helsinki-Uusimaa’s recommendations on the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation

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For more information, please contact:

Venla Virkamäki
Senior Adviser, EU Affairs
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council
+358 40 619 4133
venla.virkamaki@uudenmaanliitto.fi

Rosa Kotoaro
Senior Adviser, EU Affairs
Helsinki EU Office
+32 4901 11 659
rosa.kotoaro@helsinki.eu