ERA Forum discusses next ERA Actions

The 26th meeting of the ERA Forum took place in Brussels on 20 September 2024, the day after the ERA Conference. Following a year and a half of discussions and co-creation processes, the discussion on the next ERA Actions in the Forum is nearing its conclusion. The meeting focused on six ERA Actions that are still facing some challenges or have seen significant progress in recent months. Other key topics included the upcoming 2024 Country Reports, the survey on planned ERA Actions, and the Partnership Knowledge Hubs.

The Forum opened on a sentimental note with a farewell to Anna Panagopoulou, who is stepping down as the European Commission’s co-chair of the ERA Forum. Before diving into the main discussions, attendees received a brief update on the “Living guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research” (published in March 2024). These guidelines, well received by the scientific community, are currently undergoing further updates – opinions can still be shared online.

The discussion on the six ERA Actions started with ERA Action 17, “A New ERA for Research Management”. This ERA Actopm will continue focusing on strengthening research management across Europe. Key areas include skills development, capacity building, recognition, private sector networking, and mobility initiatives. ERA Action 16, “Non-Animal Approaches in Biomedical Research & Pharmaceutical Testing,” remains under debate, with ongoing efforts to balance the expectations and concerns of both Member States and the research community on what it means for animal testing. Action 9, “Fundamental Research and Scientific Leadership in Europe,” is widely regarded as critical and deserving of the highest policy attention, though questions remain about whether this can be fully achieved within the framework of an ERA Action. ERA Action 23, “An R&I Foresight Community of Practice for the ERA,” and ERA Action 10, “Advancing the European Science for Policy Ecosystem,” both received significant approval, as their focus on foresight and science for policymaking is considered especially relevant in these uncertain times. However, the number of supporting Members States for establishing an ERA Action is still critically low for Action 23. ERA Action 14, “Enshrining Research in the Strategic Energy Technologies Plan,” introduces new governance structures to enhance the dialogue between research, innovation, and the deployment of energy technologies.

Lastly, but importantly, the Commission presented a new survey due to be launched shortly. The survey will assess how many Member States are committed to supporting the implementation of the proposed Actions. It will start with a straightforward question: “Do you intend to support the implementation of this ERA activity if it becomes part of the next ERA Policy Agenda?” The survey will run from October until early November, now that the proposals for the ERA Actions have been finalised, providing Member States with a clearer basis for informed decision-making.