"Challenge is maintaining a clear focus on RDI within a competitiveness fund structure" (M. Attané)

"The overarching challenge is whether we can maintain a clear focus on RDI within the broader competitiveness fund structure. Can we ensure funding is sufficient and well-targeted to leverage private investment? This is critical because Europe remains behind the US, China, Japan and South Korea in RDI investments, especially in applied research", says Muriel Attané, Secretary General of EARTO, the European association of RTOs, to News Tank on 17/12/2024.

The Commission is expected to present its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) by the end of 2025. The Commission DG responsible for the budget has already hinted that it wants to bring together several programmes, such as Horizon, Digital Europe, etc. under a single Competitiveness Fund. The decisions outlined in the MFF will play a central role in shaping FP10, as its funding will be determined by the framework’s outcomes.

"Afterwards, we’ll advocate for the allocation of resources to FP10 and explore opportunities to access other funding streams", says Muriel Attané.

"Discussions on RDI in Europe often highlight…