Joint position paper on the Common Strategic …ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/pdf/contributions/post/...Joint position paper on the Common Strategic Framework and the Innovation

Joint position paper on the Common Strategic Framework and the Innovation Union April 2011

Joint position paper on the Common Strategic Framework1 and the Innovation Union.

1 Europe in 2020: the role of science and innovation

At a time of public budget constraints and

increasing global competition, there is much at

stake: Europe’s competitiveness, our capacity to

create millions of new jobs to replace those being

lost in the current financial crisis. Overall, our

future standard of living depends on our ability to

be innovative in products, services, business and

social processes and models. This challenge is

reflected in the positioning of innovation in the

Europe 2020 strategy.

Innovation is our best means of successfully

tackling the Grand Challenges, expressed in the

Lund Declaration in 2009. These Grand Challenges

will to a large extent determine future

developments in our societies, our economies, our

politics, and accordingly, our science, research and

training.

Science will play a decisive role to achieve the

necessary innovation. In order to be effective, the

scientific community has to develop into long-term

internationally operating coalitions combining the

best expertise and interact intensively with social,

economic and policy partners.

An exciting new challenge for Europe is the

knowledge-based bio-economy. Initiated by the

need to decrease dependence on fossil fuels, it is

now generally acknowledged that the bio-economy

discloses many new applications that far exceed

the potential of fossil resources. Innovation in

agriculture will play a significant role in fostering

the competitiveness of this knowledge-based bio-

economy in Europe. This will lead to new,

sustainable products and processes based on

renewable raw materials.

2 The innovative strength of the agricultural sector

During the next century, mankind will face a three-fold challenge: to provide sufficient high-quality food

for 9 billion people while preserving the environment and natural resources in a world with increasingly

scarce fossil fuel resources. World agriculture is a key element in meeting this challenge. Further, the

agricultural sector has proven to act as a motor for economic growth by its high innovative power.

1 In this paper, for the sake of simplicity, we use FP8 to refer to the Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovation funding.

What is at stake?

Food security

To meet the expected future global demand for food and a

healthy diet and at the same time preventing significant increases

of food prices and substantially decreasing negative effects of

food production on our ecosystems, we need to double food

production while using the same or less inputs (land, water,

energy etc.), and strongly reducing waste and adverse

environmental impacts - particularly the emission of greenhouse

gases.

Climate change

GHG emissions are accelerating three times faster than

anticipated by IPCC 2001 authors and it is predicted that this will

lead to severe summer drought in South Europe and the

Mediterranean basin and an increase in extreme weather events.

Biodiversity

Agriculture is a major driver of global biodiversity changes, e.g.

due to conversion of natural habitats into farmland. Agriculture

also heavily relies upon biodiversity (genetic resources,

pollination services, etc.).

Ecosystems services

Intensification of agriculture has led to degradation of ecosystem

services and has increased the production of GHG and reduced

levels of carbon sequestration. It is therefore necessary to protect

forests and promote soil conservation.

Natural resources preservation

Water supply: 70% of the global fresh water supply is used in

agriculture (FAO).

Energy: Plants and algae will be the only source of liquid fuel in a

future oil-free world

And also: A healthy diet, Land use, New diseases and pests,

Healthy ageing,


In this way, agriculture contributes effectively to achieving both the Lund Declaration and the Europe

2020 policy. Innovation in the agricultural sector should be viewed in a broad context. Obviously there is

innovation in terms of the development of novel products (such as new cropping and farming systems or

improved plant/crop varieties or food

products), the evolution and introduction of

new services, and changes to farming and

forestry practices and food production

systems. But the agricultural sector – and

hence the research domains of our

institutions - has made and will make

significant contributions to related themes

such as safe and healthy food, green energy

production, biobased materials, biorefinery,

water supply and water safety, and

sustainable green technology.

The agricultural domains play an important

role in addressing many of today’s Grand

Challenges. Food security, climate change,

land use, biodiversity, ecosystem services,

water supply, emergence of new diseases

and pests all interact directly with

agriculture. This will require a more

systemic and integrative approach in

research.

We expect research and innovation in our domains to play a key role in maintaining and strengthening

Europe’s competitiveness and ability to face these Grand Challenges. Therefore, realizing the full

potential of innovation in the agricultural sector will require a holistic view of the range of goods and

services that can be derived from it.

3 A promising context

Our institutes welcome a number of recent developments in FP7 and the European Research Area.

Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs) and Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) fit in the

previously referenced trend of the increased relevance of scientific cooperation inside Europe and in

cooperating with partners outside Europe.

We are actively involved in the JPIs “Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change” and “Healthy Diet

for a Healthy Life”. We hope to play a key role in shaping their success.

ERC-grants have proven to be an effective new pillar of FP7. Innovation-oriented approaches and

instruments are based on scientific excellence, and we need cutting-edge fundamental research to feed

this excellence. We therefore support the EU-instruments to promote frontier research through ERC-

grants, and the proposed ERC proof of concept scheme.

We highly appreciate the ESFRI instrument, acknowledging that excellent research facilities are

imperative for high scientific quality. We specifically welcome the addition of agriculture oriented

infrastructures in the ESFRI roadmap (in particular ANAEE, integrated experimental facilities for studying

the dynamics of evolution of ecosystems).

We welcome the new initiatives presented in the Europe2020 strategy and the Innovation Flagship

Initiative and particularly the accent on the grand challenges with a comprehensive and integrated

Features of agricultural research:

• Multiple targets: food and nutrition, environment, rural

development

• Object driven: a continuum between basic and applied science,

leading to innovation

• Public and private partnerships, throughout the food chain and

across rural and urban areas

• Agricultural systems that promote sustainable food security

• Multidisciplinary: (systems) biology, computing, bioinformatics,

modelling, food technology, molecular biology, entomology,

agronomy, sociology, economics

Future breakthrough technologies can lead to:

• White (industrial) and green biotechnologies

• New, innovative food & biomass production, efficiently using water, nutrients and solar radiation efficiently (on land, on sea)

• Novel control of pests and diseases • Synthetic approaches such as 4th generation biofuels

• Make the healthy choice, the easy choice: product innovation


Innovation: how?

• One example of how innovation may occur is through

the KICs (Knowledge and Innovation Communities).

These are long-term strategic initiatives that will bring

together European excellence in education, research

and business – the whole value chain for innovation.

FOODBEST, an initiative for a KIC in which our

institutes are actively involved, aims to trigger the

enormous potential of the European food sector,

focusing on health, sustainability and food security. It

will also bring great opportunities for new important

scientific fields and business areas at the crossroads

between food, energy, health, ICT, life sciences,

logistics, etc. Bringing such core competencies of

Europe together in high-prioritized cross-border

collaborations will bring Europe in a favourable global

competitive situation.

• We see programmes such as Eurostars as an

important link between the underpinning research that

we feel must be supported by the FP and innovation.

Eurostars, a joint initiative between EUREKA and the

7th FP, plays an important role by providing funding for

market-oriented research and development with the

active participation of research and development-

performing small- and medium enterprises.

• While both large companies and SMEs are important

for innovation, the specific needs of SMEs sometimes

make it hard to include them in collaborative programs.

Specific projects aimed at SMEs, that may include

research, are Innovation could also be stimulated by

linking collaborative projects with projects aimed at

‘research for the benefit of SMEs’, to further valorize

the outcomes of research projects.

approach (research to innovation to policy). We expect these orientations to continue in FP8. Because of

the important place of agricultural research in meeting these grand challenges, we are ready to take a

leading role.

4 Science for impact is needed in FP8

We envisage a Framework Programme that contributes

to trends and challenges by reinforcing the competitive

position of European industries, research and education.

Both excellence and impact should be the base of FP8.

The developments in science and society in the next

decades, and the role of research and innovation in our

domains therein, in our view necessitate that the

balance between cooperative and fundamental research

is preserved.

We also expect administrative rules and regulations to

be modified in order to reduce administrative burdens

and ease participation of various types of participants

as mentioned above.

Finally, we expect a budget that is coherent with the

ambitions of meeting the research needs in Europe.

A Framework Programme constructed around these

starting points would, in our view, involve the following

eight features:

4.1 Structure FP8 around the grand societal

challenges

A structuring of FP8 around the grand societal

challenges would provide an excellent, integrated

umbrella to stimulate and foster a disciplinary and

interdisciplinary knowledge chain from fundamental

research to demonstration and innovation.

It would stimulate the development of interactions

among researchers as well as between researchers and

SME’s and provide a clear framework to involve

European citizens in the added value and societal

impact of research. We plead for specific instruments

for each step in the process.

A structuring around the grand societal challenges would also allow:

• Simplification of communication and access to researchers

• Fostering of interdisciplinary approaches

• Simplification of financing tools and procedures

• Covering all areas of action, and an appropriate range of instruments from fundamental research to

actions of demonstration and innovation

• Greater financial efficiency


4.2 Create a coordinated effort between FP8 and other instruments

Combining FP8 funded research with structural funds and approaches like Joint Programming Initiatives

(JPIs), Knowledge and Innovation Centres (KICs), ETPs, ERA-NETs and the Competitiveness and

Innovation Programme (CIP) with FP8-funded research, allows a differentiated and effective approach,

and we highly recommend to maintain and strengthen this differentiated approach in the future. Such a

coordinated effort, focussed on innovation and competitiveness, would result in a complete vision of the

continuum research-innovation and would facilitate the challenges at each step in this continuum.

The same goes for infrastructures: a link between FP funding and structural funds is particularly

important, and political coherence should be sought on the questions of investments, equipment and

construction.

Consequently, we welcome the call for more attention for agricultural innovation under the Common

Agricultural Policy, as formulated in the recently published report of the European Commission “the CAP

towards 2020”. We strongly recommend, however, to align this ambition with similar goals that may be

implemented under FP8.

4.3 Foster easy and efficient involvement of industry and SMEs

We support the work done by ETPs and JTIs in fostering the discussion between research and industry

and think these should continue in FP8.

Nonetheless, a mandatory participation of SMEs in collaborative programs is not necessarily always the

most effective way to link SMEs to research programs. We think that linking research and innovation by

stimulation of industrial participation, could be facilitated by making it easier (in the rules for

participation and the financial regulations) to add new industrial partners into a project during its

execution. In this way it would be possible to introduce industrial partners into the project at the

moment that is interesting for them (demonstration phase, innovation phase, further market

development etc.). In addition to the suggestions above, innovation could also be further stimulated by

linking collaborative projects with projects aimed at ‘research for the benefit of SMEs’, to further valorise

the outcomes of research projects.

4.4 Address the complete knowledge chain

We expect and hope that many different science-related instruments within and outside FP8 will be

developed to further support the Innovation Flagship Initiative. These instruments will affect various

elements of the total knowledge chain. An integrated approach from fundamental research up to

innovation addressing society’s grand challenges with specific instruments for each step in the process is

needed to effectively capitalize on existing knowledge and simultaneously feed the knowledge chain for

future competiveness. We see this taking place through the support of knowledge exchange, a

continuous dialogue between actors at all steps of the chain. Innovation networks, which promote

interactions between researchers, stakeholders and citizens, can provide positive feedback loops

between research and innovation.

4.5 Acknowledge the importance of fundamental research

A focus on innovation should not prevent to stimulate the further development of fundamental research,

as innovation-oriented approaches and instruments, are based on scientific excellence. To avoid drying

up the source of innovation, we need excellent fundamental research. This may need specific attention

under FP8. The ERC-grants have proven to be an effective new pillar of FP7, but apart from these

individual grants, we believe that high risk, scientifically driven bottom up collaborative projects on

emerging scientific fields are of high importance. We therefore plead for more room in FP8 for


Our contribution

INRA, Wageningen UR and BBSRC consider research and innovation of major importance in tackling the Grand Challenges that

Europe faces. A Framework Programme structured around these Grand Challenges, taking into account the above mentioned

features, would encourage our institutions’ work and collaboration in fields such as Food Security, Climate Change, Biobased

Economy, Health, Healthy Ageing, Obesity, Pests, Zoonotic Diseases, Biodiversity, Water, and Energy.

In this way, we will contribute significantly to Europe’s competitiveness and innovative capacity. Our efforts will lead to new,

sustainable products and processes, as well as innovative services, business- and social processes and related models.

instruments like FET (Future Emerging Technologies) to boost this kind of projects. Such projects may

complement the individual ERC grants.

4.6 Maintain mobility instruments

The building of Europe’s science base can be strengthened through enhanced possibilities for mobility at

all different career stages, through increased funding of Marie Curie Actions.

4.7 Simplify the financial rules and modalities

We urge for a simplification of the financial rules, and a more trust based approach. We suggest "basic

rules" which would apply to all FP-programmes and instruments, as well as related instruments.

In addition, the alignment of the modalities of regional, national and European programs can reduce the

administrative burden, and will also create synergies. Nationally approved accounting and management

principles, as used by the national agencies, should therefore be leading; a full cost-approach, based on

'national accounting principles'.

In addition, aiming for larger projects than in FP7, can help to reduce costs and also help improve the

effectiveness and impact of the projects. It permits a better structuring of research efforts and thus

offers a higher added value. In our view, too many projects in FP7 are financed at around 3M€, which is

often not sufficient to meet the ambitious objectives required. A lesson can be learned from the FP7

Health theme which creates impact through larger scale projects (and funding).

4.8 Maintain a global orientation

Research at the international level should be guided by the grand challenges facing the world and should

be in line with a European strategy on international cooperation. Joint programmes between EU

countries and large RDI-intensive countries and emerging economies, as well as developing countries,

are an excellent way to position Europe more strongly in addressing Global Challenges.

In view of the increasing competition for knowledge workers on the global labour market, Europe has to

aim for a strong position in this market. In our view, the promotion of an easy participation of

researchers from third countries is part of this strategy, and should be continued in FP8. We encourage a

more coordinated approach with other countries and country groupings (industrialised & developing

countries) and welcome in this respect the role of the Strategic Forum for International Science and

Technology Cooperation (SFIC) in defining the role of the Partnership in relation to international

Summits, bi-regional S&T policy dialogues, and proposing themes and regions for bilateral S&T

cooperation.


ANNEX 1

INRA

As the leading agricultural research institute in Europe, and the second largest in the world for the

number of its publications, INRA carries out mission-oriented research in a continuum that ranges from

academic knowledge to innovation, from global challenges to those at a local scale, in order to ensure

healthy and high-quality food, competitive and sustainable agriculture and an environment that is

preserved and valorised.

INRA is placed under the aegis of both the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the Ministry of

Agriculture and Fisheries. Its activity is defined through a quadrennial contract with these two ministries.

The research conducted at INRA concerns agriculture, food, nutrition and food safety, environment and

land management, with particular emphasis on sustainable development. INRA covers the whole field of

agricultural research including environmental research, rural areas and rural development, food and

nutrition, and employs 10 200 people (among them 1,800 researchers and 1,600 doctoral students), in

14 scientific divisions. Its budget is around 770 million €. INRA is currently launching a series of

metaprogrammes to address large issues, such as adaptation of agriculture and forests to climate

change.

INRA has a large and long experience of cooperation at the European and international level: it has been

involved in many European research projects and networks (more than 120 in FP7, 1 ERC grant) and is

coordinating more than 30 out of them. The INRA welcomes the possibility to participate in the building

of the ERA, and more specifically through its active role in the JPI “Agriculture, food security and climate

change”. It is also involved in coordination of national programmes (such as plant genomics). It runs

strategic cooperation with other agricultural research organisations around the world and especially in

Europe and with Brazil, China and India.

Wageningen UR

‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’. That is the mission of Wageningen UR

(University & Research centre). A staff of 6,500 and 10,000 students from over 100 countries work

everywhere around the world in the domain of healthy food and living environment for governments and

the business community-at-large. Wageningen University is the leading European university in its

domain, and is ranked number two worldwide.

The strength of Wageningen UR lies in its ability to join the forces of specialised research institutes,

Wageningen University and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences. It also lies in the

combined efforts of the various fields of natural and social sciences. This union of expertise leads to

scientific breakthroughs that can quickly be put into practice and be incorporated into education. This is

the Wageningen Approach.

The domain of Wageningen UR consists of three related core areas:

• Food and food production

• Living environment

• Health, lifestyle and livelihood

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is one of seven UK Research

Councils that work together as Research Councils UK (RCUK). BBSRC is funded from the UK

Government's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the budget for the financial year

2009/2010 was £450M. It supports a total of around 1600 scientists and 2000 research students in

universities and institutes in the UK.


BBSRC’s mission is to promote and support high-quality basic, strategic and applied research and

postgraduate training relating to the understanding and exploitation of biological systems.

BBSRC currently invests around £200M a year in research in universities and research institutes relevant

to agriculture and food. Institutes which receive strategic core research funding from BBSRC provide a

strategic research capacity in sustainable agriculture and land use, animal health and welfare, and

biomedical and food sciences. These specialist centres include Rothamsted Research, Institute for Animal

Health, John Innes Centre, Institute of Food Research, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural

Sciences (Aberystwyth University), The Roslin Institute (University of Edinburgh), The Genome Analysis

Centre (TGAC). BBSRC has extensive collaborations with European partners through a variety of

funding schemes (including seven ERA-Nets and several ESF EUROCORES) and international

collaborations with funding organisations and agencies from many countries, including the USA, China,

India and Brazil.

BBSRC is leading a national joint programming initiative across 12 UK public funders of food-related

research and training through the UK Global Food Security Programme, to jointly develop research

strategy and identify priority areas and shared goals, aligning partners’ own programmes and adding

value through collaboration. The Global Food Security Programme is overseen by a programme board

(led by BBSRC) that will ensure that its priorities are complementary and add value to other cross-

government, third sector, business and international initiatives.

Documents

Joint position paper on the Common Strategic …ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/pdf/contributions/post/...Joint position paper on the Common Strategic Framework and the Innovation