The Insider

• Rethinking RTIs – Building the Framework Conditions Europe Needs

  How can Europe’s Research & Technology Infrastructures (RTIs) create real impact, beyond research labs and into industrial resilience, digital transformation, and societal well-being? In this episode of The Insider, host Ricardo Migueis discusses the key takeaways from the HUB Winter Meeting in Porto, where experts examined one of the biggest gaps in EU innovation policy: the missing framework for technology infrastructures (TIs). With insights from leading voices at the European Commission, ESFRI, Technopolis, and TNO, this episode covers: Why bridging research infrastructures (RIs) and technology infrastructures (TIs) is essential for Europe’s competitiveness.How the RITIFI project is developing ecosystem-based approaches to unify RIs and TIs.The challenges SMEs face in accessing cross-border infrastructures and how policy must adapt.What it takes to fund and sustain cutting-edge pilot lines and living labs beyond single-shot grants. Europe has spent 20 years developing a policy for research infrastructures but what about technology ones? The Porto meeting addressed this question, and this episode shares the key discussions and insights. Listen now to explore how RTIs can strengthen Europe’s R&I landscape.

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• How Governance and Partnerships Propel Research? ～José Manuel Mendonça Part 3

  This conversation explores the evolution of INESC TEC, a pioneering institution in Portugal that transformed from a national entity to a global leader in research and innovation. Professor José Manuel Mendonça discusses the challenges and decisions that shaped INESC TEC's trajectory, including its governance structure, collaboration with the University of Porto, the impact of structural funding, and the role of European integration in its strategic direction. The discussion highlights the importance of vision, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of innovation in navigating the complexities of research and development. In this conversation, José Mendonça discusses Portugal's manufacturing capabilities, the importance of quality representation in Europe, and the evolution of international partnerships, particularly with institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon. He emphasizes INESC TEC's role in supporting public policy and the need for structured science-based policy analysis. The discussion also touches on the importance of agenda setting in technology and innovation, and the future outlook for Portugal in the global context. Takeaways INESC TEC emerged during a transformative period in Portugal's history.The institution evolved from a centralized model to a multi-institutional approach.Collaboration with universities was crucial for INESC TEC's growth.Structural funding played a significant role in INESC TEC's success.European integration provided strategic opportunities for collaboration.INESC TEC's governance model fostered autonomy and professional management.The culture of innovation was cultivated through strong leadership and vision.INESC TEC's success is attributed to its ability to balance research and technology transfer.The institution's growth was supported by partnerships with local industries.INESC TEC's journey reflects broader changes in Portugal's research and innovation landscape. Portugal is strong in exporting high-value goods.European projects have significantly impacted traditional industries in Portugal.Quality representation in Europe has evolved over time.International partnerships with US institutions have been transformative.INESC TEC plays a crucial role in advising public policy.There is a growing demand for science-based policy analysis.Institutions should be systematically consulted for public policy advice.Agenda setting is essential for addressing future challenges.Technological trends must be filtered for relevance to local needs.The future outlook for Portugal is promising with ongoing innovation. Chapters 00:00: The Journey Begins: Portugal in the 1980s 17:40: Governance and Collaboration: INESC TEC and University of Porto 31:06: Structural Funding: A Catalyst for Growth 40:21: European Integration: Shaping INESC TEC's Strategic Direction 49:41: Portugal's Manufacturing Competence 58:44: Building International Partnerships 01:14:26: INESC TEC's Role in Public Policy 01:21:24: The Need for Structured Science-Based Policy Analysis ---------------- The INESC Brussels HUB Winter Meeting 2025 📅 Date: March 6, 2025 📍 Location: Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto) The organisation welcomes the participation and partnership of the national research and innovation funding agencies (FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia & ANI – Agência Nacional de Inovação). The event will bring together key European and national policymakers, research and technology infrastructure managers, and funding agencies to discuss the evolving policy landscape and identify strategic investment models for RTIs. Read more and register here: https://hub.inesc.pt/inesc-brussels-hub-winter-meeting-2025/

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• Will FP10 Survive the Shift to a Competitiveness Fund? Featuring Kurt Deketelaere

  Welcome to The Insider, the podcast where we dissect the most pressing debates shaping Europe’s research and innovation future. And today, we go straight to the heart of one of the most defining battles in EU policymaking: Will we still have an independent, standalone Framework Programme 10? Will European research and innovation remain a driving force for competitiveness and discovery—or will it become just another budget line item in the competitiveness fund and broader priorities? The European Commission’s latest strategic documents—the Competitiveness Compass and The Road to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework have sent shockwaves through the R&I community. A European Competitiveness Fund is emerging, but with no explicit commitment to FP10. Meanwhile, the European Parliament continues to advocate for a robust, ring-fenced R&I budget. The battle lines are drawn. In this episode, your host, Ricardo Migueis, Head of INESC Brussels HUB, is joined by one of the most outspoken figures in European R&I policy—Kurt Deketelaere. As Secretary-General of the League of European Research Universities, he has spent decades leading the fight for R&I independence. A lawyer, professor, and policy strategist, he has advised governments, universities, and industry leaders, shaping the trajectory of EU R&I funding like few others. Today, we ask the hard questions: What happens if FP10 is absorbed into a broader industrial strategy? Can Europe afford to shift towards a more politically driven funding model? And should we—finally—rethink the balance between EU-level R&I investment and national R&I spending? Kurt has been vocal: He supports a €200 billion FP10, fully ring-fenced, protected from short-term budgetary shifts. But he also argues that Europe needs direct EU revenue streams, stable funding that isn’t subject to the political will of national governments. Meanwhile, the Commission is already laying the groundwork for conditionalities—if Member States want EU R&I money, they must step up their own investment, pushing towards 3% GDP in R&I. A revolution? Or just a necessary correction? Fundamental research. The independence of the European Research Council. The need to streamline the EU funding architecture. The role of R&I as a weapon of mass diplomacy. The fierce battle over efficiency, effectiveness, and political control over R&I priorities. And the existential question—who should pay for European R&I, the EU or its Member States? The answers will define the next decade. This is a conversation about R&I, about power, economics, and Europe’s place in the world. And with Kurt, we’re not here to tiptoe around the issues. We’re here to challenge, to debate, and to push for the future of European R&I. ---------------- The INESC Brussels HUB Winter Meeting 2025 📅 Date: March 6, 2025 📍 Location: Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto) The organisation welcomes the participation and partnership of the national research and innovation funding agencies (FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia & ANI – Agência Nacional de Inovação). The event will bring together key European and national policymakers, research and technology infrastructure managers, and funding agencies to discuss the evolving policy landscape and identify strategic investment models for RTIs. Read more and register here: https://hub.inesc.pt/inesc-brussels-hub-winter-meeting-2025/

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• ERA Hubs: The Missing Link for a More Integrated R&I Ecosystem, with Francesco Molinari

  In this episode, Ricardo Migueis interviews Francesco Molinari, a prominent figure in European research and innovation. They discuss Molinari's extensive career, the concept of EraHubs, and the challenges facing European innovation ecosystems. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, knowledge valorization, and the need for a cultural shift in public administration to foster innovation. Takeaways Francesco Molinari has a diverse background in European innovation.EraHubs aim to bridge gaps in innovation ecosystems.Collaboration across regions is essential for innovation success.Knowledge valorization encompasses societal needs and policy changes.Public procurement can drive innovation at the entrepreneurial level.Smart specialization strategies have not fully achieved their goals.A multi-stakeholder approach is vital for effective innovation.Policy innovation is necessary to overcome existing barriers.Cultural change in public administration is crucial for progress.Learning from experience can transform public sector mindsets. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Francesco Molinari and His Journey 11:18: Understanding Innovation Ecosystems and EraHubs 25:09: Defining EraHubs: Purpose and Importance 48:15: Challenges in European Research and Innovation

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• Strategic Compass: Who's Rewriting the Rules of European Research and Innovation?

  Has Europe's approach to innovation shifted? This episode of "The Insider" examines the European Commission's Competitiveness Compass, a strategic initiative that aims to redefine how research and innovation are funded across Europe. The Competitiveness Compass introduces changes that align research funding more closely with economic and industrial objectives. This shift has sparked extensive discussion among European academics, researchers, and policymakers. We highlight opinions from José Carlos Caldeira of INESC TEC, Marta Agostinho from EU-LIFE, and Silvia Gomez Recio of YERUN, who evaluate the potential effects on the research community and Europe's global competitive stance. This episode addresses concerns about whether these changes could compromise the core principles of independent scientific research in pursuit of economic goals. We also consider how this strategic direction might affect Europe’s standing as a leader in innovation while continuing its dedication to fundamental research. We discuss the implications of focusing on industrial and economic outcomes over scientific discovery and whether this focus could fundamentally alter the European research scene. The conversation aims to identify a practical balance that fosters economic growth without neglecting Europe's long-standing tradition of scientific excellence. Tune in for a detailed analysis of the Competitiveness Compass and its implications for reshaping European research and innovation. Takeaways The Competitiveness Compass represents a significant shift in EU research funding.There is growing concern about the influence of industrial priorities on research.Researchers fear a loss of autonomy and bottom-up research initiatives.Long-term funding strategies are essential for sustainable research growth.The EU's research funding is often treated as a secondary priority.National governments are increasingly relying on EU funding to compensate for underinvestment.The European Research Council's independence is at risk due to new funding priorities.Global competition necessitates a reevaluation of Europe's research strategy.Attracting top talent requires a commitment to open and collaborative research environments.The future of FP10 is critical for the sustainability of European research. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to the Competitiveness Compass 02:45: The Shift in Research Funding Priorities 06:09: Concerns Over Industrial Influence in Research 08:50: The Need for Long-Term Research Strategy 11:52: Impact of Funding Shifts on Research Landscape 15:15: Balancing National and EU Research Funding 18:05: Global Context of Research Funding 20:52: The Challenge of Attracting Talent 24:08: The Financial Commitment to Research 26:55: Conclusion and Future of European Research

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