The EU will strengthen the regional dimension of research and innovation

The European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions have signed a new Joint Action Planto strengthen the role of cities and regions in research and innovation (R&I).

Under the Joint Action Plan, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions will work together to strengthen the regional and local dimension of the EU’s R&I policies and initiatives. The Joint Action Plan will also support the implementation of the Commission’s key actions at local and regional level, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and data between the two institutions.

The Action Plan sets out four specific priorities to boost innovation, sustainability and competitiveness in European cities and regions:

• Building strong local and regional innovation ecosystems: this includes supporting the implementation ofthe European Research Areaand ensuring that knowledge derived from cutting-edge research is integrated into innovation outcomes. Attracting and retaining talent is essential to this.
• Facilitating the green and digital transitionby supporting sustainable and inclusive innovation at local level.
• Raising awarenessamong local authorities of the funding opportunities and outcomes of theHorizon Europeprogramme, and promoting access to them: creating synergies between funds and exchanging good practices, including on simplification, research and innovation.
• Support evidence-based policy-making in the regions, including territorial foresight and resilience.

Regions remain central to the EU’s research and innovation agenda. Through the Joint Action Plan, groundbreaking discoveries, cutting-edge technologies and collaborative R&D ecosystems at local level will drive competitiveness, sustainability and healthy, inclusive growth across the European Union.

This renewed collaboration strengthens multilevel governance, ensuring that local and regional authorities are not merely implementers, but also active co-creators of EU research and innovation policies.

Background

TheJoint Action Planis structured around four key priority areas and a flexible set of 11 actions, which are to be carried out before the end of the Commission’s term of office, covering the period 2024–2029. 

This Joint Action Plan builds on a first version, which was developed between 2020 and 2025. The first Joint Action Plan (2020–2025) enabled the Commission and the Committee of the Regions to collaborate on research and innovation policies, fostering cooperation between EU institutions and regional authorities.

More information: European Commission.