This report, requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, analyses the EU’s potential to be a global centre of excellence for research as a driver of its future growth in a complex global S&T landscape, and how EU public resources can contribute to this.









This study was prepared for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy of the European Parliament (ITRE). Copyright remains with the European Parliament at all times. The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament.

The world of research and innovation is becoming increasingly multipolar with China joining the ranks of science and technology leaders. For the EU, increased global research capacities offer a larger global talent pool and opportunities for specialisation, but also increased competition for investment, talent and the position as world-leader in critical technological fields.

To be a global centre for excellent research, the EU and its Framework Programme must support the further integration of the intra-EU excellent research pole and at the same time being open for foreign talent and internationally connected with strong extra-EU partners.