Shaping FP10: Ireland’s Vision for a More Effective and Ambitious European Research & Innovation Programme

As Europe prepares its next Research and Innovation Framework Programme (FP10), Ireland has outlined its vision in a position paper highlighting key priorities and recommendations. With FP10 set to shape the future of European R&I until 2034, it is essential to ensure the programme remains competitive, accessible, and strategically aligned with both EU and national priorities.

Ireland supports an ambitious FP10 that builds on the strengths of previous programmes while addressing emerging challenges. However, the country also identifies several areas where improvements are necessary to maximize FP10’s impact. This article explores the key themes of Ireland’s position and the adjustments it seeks.

Excellence at the Heart of FP10

One of Ireland’s key messages is that scientific excellence must remain the primary criterion for funding. Maintaining a competitive, merit-based selection process is crucial to ensuring that European research continues to lead globally.

Ireland calls for strong support for the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which play a vital role in fostering frontier research and researcher mobility. The country also emphasizes the importance of independent, rigorous peer review to uphold high scientific standards.

However, while excellence remains the cornerstone, Ireland also acknowledges the need to balance competition with inclusivity, ensuring that emerging researchers and institutions have opportunities to thrive within FP10.

Balancing Curiosity-Driven Research and Targeted Innovation

Innovation is a central pillar of FP10, and Ireland recognizes its potential to drive Europe’s competitiveness. However, this should not come at the expense of fundamental research. FP10 must strike a balance between curiosity-driven, exploratory research and mission-oriented innovation.

Ireland advocates for:

• Dedicated support for fundamental research, ensuring that long-term, high-risk projects are not overshadowed by short-term priorities.
• Stronger pathways from research to commercialization, encouraging better connections between discoveries and applied innovations.
• Synergies between research and industry, while maintaining academic independence and scientific integrity.

This balanced approach would ensure that Europe continues to be a leader in both cutting-edge discoveries and transformative technologies.

Simplifying FP10 for Broader Participation

One of the challenges highlighted by Ireland is the growing complexity of European funding mechanisms. Researchers, SMEs, and new entrants often struggle to navigate the system, limiting their ability to benefit from EU support.

To make FP10 more accessible, Ireland proposes:

• Streamlining application processes to reduce bureaucratic burdens.
• Clarifying and simplifying innovation instruments, avoiding unnecessary overlaps.
• Encouraging smaller-scale projects, making it easier for SMEs and early-career researchers to participate.

By making FP10 more user-friendly, the EU can ensure broader engagement and maximize the impact of its investments.

Optimizing European Partnerships and Missions

Ireland acknowledges the value of European partnerships and missions but raises concerns about governance and efficiency. While these initiatives aim to tackle grand societal challenges, their implementation needs refinement.

Ireland’s recommendations include:

• Greater coordination and transparency in partnership governance.
• Clearer selection and evaluation criteria for mission-driven projects.
• Better alignment with national and regional priorities, ensuring EU-funded projects support local innovation ecosystems.

Stronger governance will help ensure that FP10’s partnerships and missions deliver tangible results while avoiding unnecessary fragmentation.

Maintaining Open Yet Strategic International Collaboration

As an open economy, Ireland is a strong advocate for international research collaboration. However, it also recognizes the importance of safeguarding European strategic interests, particularly in sensitive technologies.

Ireland’s vision for FP10 includes:

• Maintaining openness to global partnerships, ensuring that Europe remains connected to international research networks.
• Implementing risk-based safeguards, protecting Europe’s technological sovereignty while avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
• Developing clear cooperation frameworks, ensuring transparency and trust in international collaborations.

This approach would allow FP10 to remain globally relevant while addressing geopolitical challenges.

Aligning FP10 with National and EU Strategies

Ireland highlights the need for better coordination between FP10 and national R&I policies. Ensuring that European and national programmes work in synergy would enhance the overall impact of R&I investments.

Key recommendations include:

• Stronger integration between FP10 and national funding priorities, ensuring coherence in research and innovation strategies.
• A more flexible funding approach, allowing Member States to align EU-supported projects with their specific needs.
• Better coordination across EU funding programmes, preventing fragmentation and inefficiencies.

By improving strategic alignment, FP10 can serve as a powerful tool for Europe’s long-term innovation goals.

Conclusion: Towards a More Effective FP10

Ireland’s vision for FP10 is one of ambition, excellence, and accessibility. While the country strongly supports the programme’s objectives, it calls for key improvements to maximize its impact.

To achieve this, FP10 must:
✅ Preserve excellence as the foundation of EU research funding.
✅ Balance fundamental research and applied innovation.
✅ Simplify participation for researchers and businesses.
✅ Enhance the governance of partnerships and missions.
✅ Maintain a globally open but strategically secure collaboration approach.
✅ Align more effectively with national and regional priorities.

As FP10 takes shape, Ireland is committed to working with European partners to create a research and innovation programme that is effective, inclusive, and impactful—one that ensures Europe remains a global leader in science and technology.

💬 What are your thoughts on FP10’s future? How can it be improved to better support researchers, innovators, and industries? Join the conversation! 🚀🔬💡

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