ESIR proposes to design strategy for Europe's security and competitiveness through innovation

The Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR) has drafted a paper on 'Research and innovation for long-term resilience: Towards a place-based, innovation-driven strategy for Europe’s security and competitiveness'. The group proposes to design a strategy for Europe's security and competitiveness through innovation, by linking security with innovation across various policies and leveraging dual-use and place-based investments, with the goal of achieving greater security and competitiveness in the long term for the European Union.

ESIR argues that the EU must more closely align its economic security and competitiveness strategies over the long term, aiming for open strategic autonomy and comparative advantage. It calls for a broader notion of security based on sustainable wellbeing (soils, water, food, environment, infrastructure) and for resilience to become a core feature of R&I policy. Key priorities include boosting resource productivity, resilient energy and other infrastructure, and secure green supply chains via international alliances. Public spending should serve dual purposes, including leveraging defence budgets for innovation. Place-based, multi-level approaches and structural funds are essential to territorial security and long-term competitiveness.

The paper can be downloaded here:

ESIR paper