Brussels – It is necessary to ensure that the next Framework Program for Research and Innovation (FP10) is independent and autonomous, guaranteeing free and competitive research capable of responding to European challenges and Italian priorities, said Cristina Pedicchio, President of APRE in her opening speech at the event “Italian Research and Innovation in Europe: From Horizon Europe to FP10,” introducing a widely shared vision, a note explains, at the meeting, which took place in Brussels on March 7.
“Looking to the future, Italy is committed to ensuring that the next European Framework Program for Research and Innovation is ambitious, autonomous, and trans-disciplinary. We are working for a European program that is up to the global challenges and aligned with national interests,” said Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of Universities and Research, in her greeting message.
Participants in the event, organized by APRE – the Agency for the Promotion of European Research – to discuss Italian priorities ahead of the elaboration of the next Framework Program, included Elena Donazzan and Giorgio Gori, Vice Presidents of the European Parliament’s ITRE Committee, and Marco Canaparo, Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the EU.
“Research, which is essential for innovation and competitiveness, must be supported with an independent fund to support European competitiveness,” said Donazzan. For Gori, “it is essential to maintain an autonomous Framework Program with adequate resources.”
According to data from the analysis of national performance in Horizon Europe (2021-2024), prepared by APRE and presented during the event, Italy obtained 3.76 billion euros, or 8.70 percent of the program’s total funds. The country ranks third in number of project participations and fifth in financial return. Marco Falzetti, Director of APRE, stressed, “Moving beyond the comfort zone is crucial to strengthening Italian performance in the coming years.”
The event’s panel discussion, moderated by Andrea Ricci, Chair of the CTS and the APRE Expert Group “Towards FP10,” featured Maria Chiara Carrozza, President of the National Research Council, Massimiliano Esposito, Head of the ‘Coordination and Programming’ Unit at DG RTD of the European Commission, Michele Guerrini, Scientific Advisor at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the EU, Cristina Leone, R&S and EU-NATO policies, Leonardo S.p.A., and Francesco Priolo, Rector of the University of Catania.
Carrozza stressed that “the Framework Program is an added value for Europe, creating a single market for skills in research and innovation and fostering international cooperation in R&I.”
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
