Horizon 2020: Addressing «Grand Challenges» by Pooling Resources in Times of Crises

1. Innovation Convention, Brussels, December 6, 2011 Horizon 2020: Addressing «Grand Challenges» by Pooling Resources in Times of Crises Dr. Dr. h. c. B. Haering, Prof. Dr. R. Aymar

2. What are our objectives? • The objective of addressing «Grand Challenges» by pooling resources is to drive integrated research, from basic science and technology all the way to innovation. • This is particularly important in times of economic cri-ses since it will allow Member States to pool resour-ces effectively. • Effectiveness of resources can be improved by • coordinating research efforts at national and EU level • avoiding fragmentation and duplication • reaching the critical mass needed for success

3. What will we achieve? • «Grand Challenges» go beyond research. It’s about societal, economic and policy challenges. The difficul-ties Europe is facing these days may offer a window of opportunity to strengthen shared responsibili-ties as well as the willingness of Member States to accept joint action and enhanced EU guidance. • Addressing the «Grand Challenges» will not only help solving the problems, but will strengthen science and innovation. • Thus, working on «Grand Challenges» is an effective way to contribute to a smart and inclusive growth.

4. What is a «Grand (Research) Challenge»? A challenge is a «Grand Challenge» if… • the sustainable and social development of Europe is at stake • breakthrough solutions need multi- and transdiscipli-nary collaborations as well as a multinational approach • global competitiveness of Europe will help addressing the challenge beyond Europe • the return for Europe will be beneficial for everybody

5. What does an Elephant look like?

6. «Grand Challenges» in Horizon 2020 • Health, demographic change and wellbeing • Food security, sustainable agriculture, marine and maritime research & the bio-economy • Secure, clean and efficient energy • Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials • Inclusive, innovative and secure societies

7. What Kind of Research Governance? • How can we develop effective and efficient research plans for overarching umbrella-themes? • What are the most effective and efficient ways to pool national research resources? • What are the appropriate funding schemes to foster the research that should be addressed jointly? • Examples: • European Technology Platforms (ETP) • Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI) • SET-Plan

8. Recommendations for Consideration (1) • The governance of each «Grand Challenge» should be given to an independent agency (change agent) accountable for the agreed strategic goals. • The management structure of these agencies should be mission-driven and run at «arms length» from the EC and Member States. • Each agency would require a platform/mechanism where the stakeholders engage in a real dialogue. • The EC should act as a facilitator in attracting and pooling national funds for joint activities, and to ensure formal commitment from the Member States.

9. Recommendations for Consideration (2) • Pre-commercial public procurement fostering the demand side of research and innovation should enhance the implementation of innovation. • We ought to reduce nationalistic tendencies of indu-strial policies of Member States. • EU should better make use of its huge public sector – particularly in times of crises. • We aim at strengthening shared responsibilities of Member States for «Grand Challenges» as well as anticipatory and evidence based decision making.