During a high-level debate on the future of the European Research Area, local and regional leaders regions emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, talent retention, and targeted investment in research and innovation (R&I).
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, called for a collective push to stimulate private investment in R&I: “Let’s work together to incentivize private investment in research and innovation. We must do this hand-in-hand with our regions and cities. This is vital—not only to generate better jobs and higher salaries but also to offer a brighter future for our children and encourage them to stay in these areas.”
Markku Markkula, President of the Helsinki Region, stressed the need to elevate the visibility and impact of innovation through increased funding: “The EU should prioritize evidence-based investment by working closely with research centres such as the Joint Research Centre (JRC). This approach will ensure our cities and regions benefit from targeted funding, foster the creation of innovation valleys, and raise public awareness of the critical role of innovation.”
Juanma Moreno, President of Andalusia and Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions, highlighted the importance of strengthening local innovation ecosystems in partnership with universities and industries. He welcomed the European Commission’s Regional Innovation Valleys initiative and emphasized the need to attract and retain talent: “Supporting talent in both academia and industry is essential. I welcome President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of a €500 million investment under the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative to attract new talent to Europe.” He also highlighted the role of the JRC in Seville, noting its plans to construct one of the first EU institutional buildings inspired by the principles of the New European Bauhaus. This initiative has received strong support from both the CoR and local authorities across Europe.
“I take this opportunity to call for continued close cooperation through our future Joint Action Plan, supported by the Commission and the Committee of the Regions. The European Commission made an excellent choice in selecting the capital of Andalusia—and we in the Andalusian government have seized this as an opportunity to deepen our collaboration with the Commission.”