Marc Lemaître, the Director-General for Research and Innovation in the European Commission, recently emphasised the need for EU policymakers and research funders to prioritise economic impact, as part of the Commission’s new competitiveness agenda. Speaking at the annual Science|Business conference, Lemaître called for a shift in focus towards research and innovation’s role in boosting the EU’s competitiveness, acknowledging that in future, performance will largely be judged based on this factor.
The European Commission unveiled its “Competitiveness Compass” last week, outlining a comprehensive approach to reinforcing Europe’s global position through strategic technologies. This document has sparked concern within the research community, particularly about the potential undermining of the European Research Council’s (ERC) autonomy. The ERC, which is responsible for fostering scientific excellence, traditionally operates independently, a key feature that sets it apart from other EU research bodies.
Lemaître argued that although ERC’s primary mission remains to promote scientific excellence, it must also align with society’s evolving demands. “Competitiveness is now high on the list,” Lemaître said, noting that the Council cannot exist in isolation but should remain responsive to economic needs. Critics, however, worry that increasing strategic influence over the ERC might erode its independence, as has been the case in other areas of EU research funding.
The European Research Council is renowned for its bottom-up approach to funding, allowing researchers to define their projects freely. However, this independence came under pressure in 2020, when Mauro Ferrari, ERC’s former president, resigned following his unsuccessful push for a special initiative focused on COVID-19, distinct from regular ERC funding streams.
Despite such tensions, Lemaître noted that the ERC already plays a role in bridging the gap between research and innovation through its Proof of Concept grants. He suggested that ERC could enhance its influence in attracting talent, especially in the wake of post-pandemic shifts and international competition for researchers. One suggestion is to tailor grants to those contemplating career opportunities abroad, particularly in the United States.
The Competitiveness Compass seeks to direct funding to specific sectors to ensure that research drives innovation. Lemaître emphasised that innovation should not be limited by top-down mandates. “Disruptive innovation must be supported across sectors,” he said, arguing that basic research should remain free from overregulation. The ERC’s structure, he added, is a strong model for this type of research, as it allows for flexible and unpredictable innovation.
Mark Lloyd Davies from Johnson & Johnson agreed with Lemaître, pointing out that industry and academia should lead the charge in proposing innovative solutions, rather than waiting for government-led initiatives. Davies also highlighted the advantages of the US’s ARPA model, which fosters high-risk, high-reward projects, and offers a blueprint for Europe’s future innovation strategy.
Concerns have also arisen regarding Framework Programme 10 (FP10), which will succeed Horizon Europe. While Lemaître could not confirm details about FP10’s funding structure, he acknowledged that the new EU budget might involve simplifying and reducing the number of research instruments to concentrate resources on strategic sectors. This move aims to increase efficiency and focus within EU research and innovation.
Further complicating matters, the potential integration of FP10 into a broader Competitiveness Fund has been criticised, particularly by researchers like Martina Brockmeier, president of the Leibniz Association. She warned that focusing too much on innovation at the expense of basic research could undermine the EU’s long-term competitiveness. A “ringfenced” budget for research is therefore seen as crucial to preserving the integrity of fundamental science.
The debate over research funding is expected to intensify in the lead-up to the 2026-2027 work programme. Lemaître believes that the EU must balance funding for research, innovation, and security to maintain its global competitiveness. He also advocated for pooling more public funds at the European level, rather than relying solely on national efforts.
As Europe faces challenges from increasing private investment in research abroad, Lemaître emphasised that public funding will remain essential in driving the innovation ecosystem. The upcoming European Research Area Act is set to help bridge these gaps, enabling more cohesive action across EU member states.
The vision outlined by Lemaître for the future of EU research is clear: greater focus on innovation, increased funding for disruptive technologies, and a more efficient research landscape. However, achieving these goals will require careful navigation of the tensions between strategic oversight and the ERC’s core mission of scientific freedom.
