Subscribe

Shaping the Future of EU Research: Stakeholders Call for Human‑Centred, Inclusive FP10

As the European Commission prepares its proposal for the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) — set to succeed Horizon Europe from 2028 — a broad chorus of stakeholders has emerged with proposals and position papers highlighting what they want to see in the next major EU research funding programme. From calls for human‑centred science and strong institutional funding to demands for a clear governance structure, priorities vary, but many share a common aim: to ensure FP10 is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to societal needs.

Human‑Centred Research and Societal Impact

A key message from the recent Human Values and Grand Challenges conference in Copenhagen is that FP10 should go beyond technology‑driven innovation and embed human values and societal priorities at its core. Participants — including academics, policymakers and industry representatives — argue that social sciences, arts and humanities (SSAH) need to be more than an afterthought in EU funding and should drive interdisciplinary research that addresses grand societal challenges, such as inclusion, justice, democracy and cohesion. This agenda stresses that a “human‑centric” orientation can strengthen innovation and competitiveness by aligning scientific priorities with citizens’ needs and values. Draft policy recommendations from the conference propose challenge‑driven structures and broader participation of diverse stakeholders — including civil society and SSAH experts — in setting FP10 priorities and evaluation criteria. They argue that this approach will allow research to respond to real‑world issues rather than be narrowly defined by technological metrics. (Source Science Business)

Member States and Research Networks Want a Stand‑Alone, Strong FP10

Several research and university networks, supported by statements from research ministers and the European Parliament, have urged that FP10 remain a stand‑alone programme, distinct from the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). They stress that FP10’s independence is vital to protect long‑term excellence‑driven research and open collaboration. The European University Association (EUA) has noted that merging key R&I functions into a broader competitiveness instrument could weaken obligations to excellence, widen participation, and global cooperation, and risk deprioritising fundamental science. (Source eua.eu)

Integration with Education and Skills Policies

Beyond research financing, stakeholders are linking FP10 to broader EU programmes. The higher education sector has called for a properly funded Erasmus+ in the next EU budget, arguing that strong education and mobility programmes are foundational to Europe’s innovation and competitiveness. This joint call from major higher education associations, including EUA and CESAER, urges member states and EU institutions to secure at least €60 billion for Erasmus+ for 2028–2034, emphasising that underinvestment in education would undermine European strategic objectives. (Source)

Social Sciences and Humanities as Foundational Pillars

A joint position paper published by research and innovation networks — including EASSH, The Guild, LERU and UNICA — champions a complementary and connected FP10 and ECF, stressing that social sciences and humanities must be fully integrated into research and innovation policy. The group argues that these disciplines are foundational to understanding societal dynamics, shaping markets and underpinning sustainable transformation — and urges FP10 to ensure dedicated support for SSH research. (turn0search7)

Voices from the Western Balkans and Inclusivity Concerns

Stakeholders from the Western Balkans region are beginning to articulate expectations for FP10 through regional initiatives such as the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans IGNITA initiative’s “Enhancing Western Balkans’ Participation” working document. This analysis calls for strategic measures to boost the region’s integration into both Horizon Europe and the forthcoming FP10, such as building research excellence, strengthening innovation ecosystems, promoting mobility and supporting early‑career researchers — while addressing structural barriers like administrative burden and capacity constraints.

In addition, the POLICY ANSWERS under the Western Balkans Info Hub has been soliciting wider community input on how FP10 should be shaped to ensure that Western Balkans participation is strengthened, including questions on budget structure, simplification, ERA connectivity, and widening participation. This engagement reflects a growing regional commitment to ensuring that FP10 does not merely replicate past inequalities in involvement but actively supports inclusivity and convergence with EU research systems. The recently released POLICY ANSWERS Policy brief on FP10 brief calls for strengthened international cooperation and alignment with the ERA Policy Agenda. It recommends focusing on long-term institutional partnerships, strategic project alignment and systemic reforms to ensure that participation in FP10 translates into tangible societal, economic and policy impacts.

What’s Next?

These position papers and calls reflect a broad consensus among research institutions, policymakers and civil society: FP10 should strike a balance between excellence, societal relevance, openness and competitiveness while remaining inclusive and supportive of all regions, including the Western Balkans. As the European Commission finalises its proposal and negotiations begin in earnest with the European Parliament and Council, these stakeholder inputs will be key reference points for shaping FP10’s objectives, structure and budget.

Key Sources and Position Papers

Theme

Geographical focus:

We are always here to talk!

Contact us