UNICA supports EUA’s position for a research, education & innovation partnership to boost Europe’s competitiveness

26 March 2025 | From partners - Funding

The European University Association (EUA) published a position paper calling for a partnership for competitiveness across research, education, and innovation that brings together the stakeholders and sectors that form Europe’s knowledge base and the policy makers that can create the framework to further develop and leverage it.

In the paper, EUA outlines several ways in which the European Union can foster the right conditions to place research, innovation, education and skills at the heart of its economy, including by providing citizens across Europe with the education, skills and competencies that they need. It highlights the importance of universities, which serve as central hubs for education, skills development, and research, underpinning the entire knowledge ecosystem essential for a competitive economy.

Key recommendations presented include:

• establishing a long-term strategy sustained by an ecosystem of knowledge, skills and culture that produces knowledge-based solutions over time;
• fostering dynamic and sustainable education systems and institutions that equip citizens with a broad set of transferable skills and a solid foundation for lifelong learning;
• implementing holistic policies that strengthens research, education, and innovation through system-wide perspectives, collaboration, flexible policies, and a fifth freedom for knowledge circulation;
• increasing funding in research and innovation, but also strengthening frameworks, ensuring that universities can fulfil their role as public knowledge stewards.

UNICA supports EUA’s position paper

As a collaboration-based network representing 54 universities across 41 European capitals, UNICA welcomes EUA’s vision of co-creation and dialogue, and reiterates its dedication to fostering cooperation between universities, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen Europe’s knowledge ecosystem.

A key pillar of this commitment is supporting institutions in the designated ‘widening countries’, ensuring they have the necessary resources, opportunities, and recognition to fully engage in and benefit from Europe’s research, education, and innovation landscape. While the EU has taken steps to address disparities in research and innovation through dedicated funding schemes and policy initiatives, progress has been uneven. Many of these regions have long academic experience, emerging talent, and promising innovation ecosystems, yet they continue to face structural challenges in accessing European research opportunities.

As a member of the Science|Business Widening Group, UNICA is actively involved in discussions and initiatives that seek to explore solutions for a more inclusive and balanced European Research Area. Similarly, UNICA extends this vision to education, advocating for a framework that values quality without frontiers—ensuring that all universities, regardless of location, have the means to excel and contribute to Europe’s global competitiveness. Only genuinely interconnected and geographically balanced ecosystem- bringing together stakeholders, experts, and policymakers – can drive sustainable growth, foster collaboration, and enhance quality across research, education, and innovation.