The high-level panel discussion on the importance of widening in advancing the European research and innovation landscape, recognised the importance of the COST programme in connecting pockets of excellence and building increased innovation capacity. COST acts as pre-portal for EU funding with 38% success of submitted proposals, half of those including widening countries.
On 23 September, COST President, Prof. Paulo Ferrão, joined a prestigious panel at the 2020 European Research & Innovation Days event to discuss the importance of excellence, inclusiveness and widening in advancing Europe. The annual event is the European Commission’s flagship R&I symposium, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation. This year, the event was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
#RiDaysEU COST President Paulo Ferrão: bottom-up support for integration into international networks leads to knowledge exchange and spreading excellence in a way that is greater than the sum of the inputs. Encourages participation of Western Balkans countries already in COST. pic.twitter.com/bfMBEMVk8Y
— Brian Cahill (@b_p_cahill) September 23, 2020
The panel for the plenary session entitled, ‘Excellence and Inclusiveness a widening strategy to advancing Europe together,’ included the COST President alongside Commissioner Gabriel, Commissioner Várhelvi, Deputy Secretary General Reimand and Director Kolar. The discussion explored how Europe would gain from a more inclusive R&I policy that would unlock the full potential of the research community within the European Union and associated countries. The panel acknowledged the many excellent science and research groups operating in widening countries and how better connectivity would remove obstacles and strengthen output, including adopting novel technologies and innovative solutions.
COST President, Prof. Paulo Ferrão stated “COST leaves no one behind. Scientist from member country can join running COST Actions, and this allows for capacity building. A major outcome of this mechanism was the doubling of the Western Balkan Countries’ participation since the beginning of Horizon2020.” He continued “As a dedicated R&I instrument for networking, COST helps to maximise the potential of knowledge ecosystems across Europe and beyond and plays an even more important part in the effort to realise Europe’s full potential in research and innovation.”
Happy to participate “Excellence & Inclusiveness: a Widening strategy to advancing Europe together” session with @OliverVarhelyi & Paulo Ferrão @COSTprogramme #RiDaysEU
Bridging innovation divide to ensure excellence in R&I is at the core of our “Widening 2.0” strategy. pic.twitter.com/IyATZxScgz
— Mariya Gabriel (@GabrielMariya) September 23, 2020
HORIZON & MOONSHOT
The President also took part in a second discussion on Thursday 24 September, entitled ‘HORIZON & MOONSHOT around the same orbit (Tokyo).’ The session explored how Horizon Europe and Moonshot offered new opportunities to strengthen synergies and enhance cooperation between the EU and Japanese R&I ecosystems, in order to face common challenges such as pandemics, climate change, soils, digital transition and ageing societies.
About European Research and Innovation Days
The European Research and Innovation Days event is the European Commission’s annual flagship research and innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.
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