Global approach to research and innovation.
Date: 2021-05-18
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Subjects: EU research policy, digital technology, environmental impact, food safety, innovation, intellectual property, knowledge management, oceanography, organisation of health care, scientific cooperation, technological change

v

GLOBAL APPROACH 
to Research and 
Innovation

18 May 2021

"Today, more than ever, global challenges require global solutions 
for which research and innovation act as catalysts. The openness 
in research cooperation that characterises our actions is 
nevertheless taking place in a transformed global environment. 
Therefore, we need to promote more assertively a level playing 
field, reciprocity and the respect of fundamental values and 
principles. On this basis, we will strengthen our leading role in 
supporting multilateral research and innovation partnerships 
to deliver new solutions to green, digital, health and innovation 
challenges.”

Mariya Gabriel Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE  
GLOBAL APPROACH TO RESEARCH 
AND INNOVATION (R&I)? 

To preserve openness in research and 
innovation international cooperation 
while promoting a level playing field and 
reciprocity underpinned by fundamental 
values.

HOW WILL THIS BE ACHIEVED?

Modulating bilateral cooperation in line with 
European interests and values and EU’s open 
strategic autonomy.

Accelerating sustainable and inclusive 
development, and the transition to resilient, 
knowledge-based societies and economies in 
low and middle-income countries.

To strengthen multilateral partnerships to 
deliver new solutions to green, digital, health 
and innovation challenges.

Using a Team Europe approach, with actions 
by the EU, its financial institutions and 
Member States.

Research and
Innovation

KEY ACTIONS TO DELIVER THE GLOBAL APPROACH TO R&I

Promote openness and values in R&I

 ■ Develop principles for international cooperation in research and innovation with the 
Member States, and promote them in a dialogue with partner countries and international 
settings.

Pursue level playing field and reciprocity

 ■ Agree on targeted bilateral roadmaps with prioritised non-EU country partners with 
a strong research and innovation base, setting out joint commitments to implement 
framework conditions to secure a level playing field and the promotion of shared values.

 ■ Develop guidelines dealing with foreign interference that targets EU research 

organisations and higher education institutions.

 ■ Present a code of practice on smart use of intellectual property in an international 

context.

Pool global efforts to tackle global challenges

 ■ Strengthen marine cooperation through the multilateral All-Atlantic Ocean Research 
Alliance, clustering its results and strengthening its north to south pole dimension.

 ■ Reinforce the multilateral alliance of Mission Innovation, focusing on breakthrough energy 

technologies.

 ■ Support multilateral cooperation on R&I policy for fair, healthy and environmentally 

friendly food systems.

 ■ Establish, through the New European Bauhaus initiative, an international knowledge 
management platform to disseminate information and share ideas and best practice.

 ■ Build joint research activities on industrial issues, to support EU leadership in 
technologies such as 6G or the use of digital technology in the fight against climate 
change and environmental challenges.

 ■ Shape strong international digital partnerships matching the four pillars 

of the 2030 Digital Compass.

 ■ Contribute to the medium and long term agenda on health security, 

preparedness and health system.

 ■ Promote cooperation of EU-funded European platform trials with the Access to COVID-19 

Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) partnerships and pursue the ACT-A objectives.

 ■ Support a global health joint undertaking under the European and Developing Countries 

Clinical Trials Partnership.

Modulate cooperation with third countries

 ■ Develop targeted international cooperation actions in 

calls for proposals in areas of mutual interest under Horizon 
Europe and exploit the opportunities for association to 
Horizon Europe.

 ■ Develop strategic research and innovation plans 

for Africa and launch a comprehensive ‘Africa Initiative’ 
under Horizon Europe.

 ■ Seek to agree on the EU-China Joint Roadmap on 

science, technology and innovation cooperation to secure 
a level playing field and reciprocity as a precondition for future 
cooperation.

 ■ Implement the Strategic Roadmap of the EU-CELAC Action Plan on Science, Technology 
and Innovation (2021-2023) and support the ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Science and 
Technology.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN HORIZON EUROPE 
Horizon Europe will be open to researchers and innovators from around the globe who are encouraged to 
team up with EU partners in preparing proposals. It will include dedicated actions to strengthen international 
cooperation and to support multilateral initiatives in areas such as clean and renewable energy, ocean 
research, earth observation, or infectious diseases.

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@EUScienceInnov  |  #EUResearchArea
#ResearchImpactEU  |  #HorizonEU

More information:

International cooperation in research and innovation

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