The Committee of the Regions highlights the role of regions in research and technology infrastructure

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR), together with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, organised a high-level seminar in Brussels on 5 May to discuss how the new European strategy for research and technology infrastructure can strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and boost the EU’s global competitiveness.

The event, which took place at the CoR, brought together policymakers, regional leaders and experts in research and innovation to discuss how a more coordinated and accessible European infrastructure landscape could better connect local excellence with the European Union’s broader strategic ambitions.

Opening the seminar, Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Mayor of Gabrovo and First Vice-Chair of the CoR’s Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC), emphasised the importance of placing regions and cities at the heart of the EU’s innovation agenda. She emphasised that local and regional authorities are not merely policy implementers, but also strategic actors capable of shaping competitive innovation ecosystems and driving sustainable economic development.

Eszter Lakos (HU/EPP), a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), highlighted the need to align infrastructure investments with the EU’s industrial and technological priorities. She also pointed out the importance of creating stronger synergies between EU funding instruments and regional capacities to maximise long-term impact.

High-level representatives from the European Commission emphasised the need for a more coordinated and accessible infrastructure ecosystem across Europe. They stressed that improving cross-border access to infrastructure for researchers, innovators and industry will be essential to strengthening competitiveness and innovation performance in Europe.

Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted the central role of cities and regions in hosting and integrating research and technology infrastructures into local innovation ecosystems, connecting universities, SMEs, public authorities and industry.

During the panel discussion, speakers identified fragmentation and unequal access to infrastructure as key challenges for the innovation landscape in Europe. At the same time, they highlighted significant opportunities to expand collaboration, strengthen knowledge transfer and develop interregional partnerships.

In the final session, Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), a member of Espoo City Council and rapporteur for the CoR opinion on ‘A European strategy for research and technology infrastructures’, presented the institution’s key messages and recommendations on the subject. He emphasised that the success of a European approach must be based on stronger multilevel governance, to ensure that local and regional authorities are fully involved in both the design and implementation of the strategy. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure investments deliver tangible benefits for citizens and territories, including new jobs, skills development and improved regional competitiveness.

The seminar concluded with a shared understanding that the strength of the EU’s future innovation will depend on its ability to link regional excellence with a common strategic vision, transforming a diverse infrastructure landscape into an integrated and globally competitive European network.

More information: Economic and Social Committee.