On 30 April 2025, Austria published its reflection paper on the next EU Research Framework Programme: ‘Pioneers, Prosperity, Peace: Austrian reflection paper on the future of EU research innovation policies, funding and investment’.
The reflection paper contains Austria’s general guidelines and concrete recommendations for future comprehensive and coherent EU policies, funding for, and investment in research and innovation. The paper states clearly that the Austrian Federal Government advocates a strong, stand-alone 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Furthermore, Austria will continue to promote the further development of the European Research Area.
In its reflection paper, Austria outlines its vision – from a 2025 perspective – of a peaceful, democratic, excellent, innovative, prosperous and competitive united Europe in ten years’ time.
In three chapters, the reflection paper “EU’35: Pioneers, Prosperity, Peace“ outlines how EU R&I measures should support the best talents in science and innovation – the pioneers of our time. In this chapter, Austria’s suggestions are as follows:
- Strengthen the European Research Council (ERC) and ensure its strategic independence
- Foster European University Alliances
- Support researchers’ careers and mobility (MSCA)
- Promote the European Innovation Council (EIC)
- Simplify procedures and encourage follow-up measures
- Improve agenda setting and governance.
In the second chapter, the paper describes in which areas and by means of which instruments R&I players can best contribute to the further development of European prosperity. Here Austria suggests the following:
- Strengthen the European R&I ecosystem through collaborative R&I, partnerships and cooperation between research and industry
- Reinforce research and technology infrastructures and knowledge valorisation
- Address the triple transition and Sustainable Development Goals
- Maximise the focus on key and critical technologies.
In the third chapter of its reflection paper, the Austrian Federal Government also considers the current geopolitical situation and illustrates the role of research and innovation in the context of security and defence, as well as of ensuring lasting democratic peace. Austria’s suggestions in this context are:
- Focus on research with civil applications, while acknowledging the possibility of dual use applications
- Advance international cooperation and science diplomacy, while strengthening research security
- Support research on civil security, the geopolitical challenges for Europe, peace-building, and peace-keeping
- Foster research on the basic values of the European Union
According to the reflection paper, the success of future EU R&I measures and the advancement of the ERA depend on national efforts and adequate national framework conditions as the key enabler.Enabling policies, which are backed by European coordination and support, include the ERA Pact for R&I and the ERA Policy Agenda(s). EU R&I measures should contribute to the further implementation and strategic alignment of these policies and the ERA actions, explicitly integrating key ERA values and principles.