By Ricardo Migueis
Welcome to 'The Insider' your go-to podcast dedicated to providing an in-depth overview of EU Research and Innovation. I’m Ricardo Migueis, your host, and I'm excited to take you through the most r
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The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.
In this episode of The Insider Roundup, Ricardo explores the developments of the past 2 weeks shaping European research and innovation. We dive into the newly published Draghi report on European competitiveness, discussing its implications for technological sovereignty and industrial strategy as well as how we see it from the point of view of INESC TEC position paper on FP10. We also examine the proposal for a CERN for AI and its potential to position Europe as a leader in artificial intelligence. Additionally, we highlight critical advancements in clean energy research and celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of INESC MN’s Marco Piccardo, who recently secured an ERC Starting Grant for his innovative work in laser-plasma interactions. Tune in as we trace the pulse of Europe's research landscape and its trajectory for the future.
Key takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Recent Developments in Research and Innovation
03:43
Key Political Developments in EU Research and Innovation
05:11
Analysis of the Draghi Report and Its Implications
07:26
Clean Energy Research and Innovation Strategies
09:46
The Concept of a CERN for AI
17:59
Challenges and Critiques of the CERN for AI Concept
18:57
Highlighting Individual Achievements in Research
In this episode of The Insider, we explore one of Europe’s most ambitious digital initiatives, the EU’s "Important Project of Common European Interest" (IPCEI-CIS) for cloud and edge computing. This project is reshaping the future of digital infrastructure across the continent, advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty, and redefining the cloud computing landscape. Joining us is Dr. Alberto Martí, Vice President of Open Source Innovation at OpenNebula Systems and Chair of the Industry Facilitation Group for this major initiative.
Together, we’ll delve into the structure, objectives, and strategic significance of the IPCEI-CIS, highlighting how it's more than just a technological effort, it's about creating a federated, secure, and sustainable cloud infrastructure that can reduce Europe’s dependence on non-European providers. We’ll unpack the four key workstreams driving this initiative, including federated edge computing, interoperability, and cybersecurity, and discuss the challenges and breakthroughs in these critical areas.
Through insights from Dr. Martí, we’ll reveal the collaborative efforts of 12 member states, research institutions, and companies working together to bolster Europe’s competitive position in the global digital economy. The episode will also explore the governance and contributions of these stakeholders, providing a comprehensive look at how IPCEI-CIS is poised to transform the European cloud market.
Key Takeaways:
Tune in to discover whether this initiative has what it takes to transform Europe’s digital game and make waves in the global cloud computing industry!
Brussels reawakens from its summer pause, we’re diving into the critical updates that will shape the future of EU Research and Innovation.
In this episode of The Insider Roundup:
🔍Editorial Insight: Inês Lynce reflects on the delicate balance between scientific freedom and the agendas driving our research. Can we reconcile our intellectual passions with the broader societal goals? Her thoughts challenge us to see this as an opportunity, not a conflict.
We’re dissecting the latest reports set to redefine Horizon Europe. From the impressive yet challenging paths of the European Innovation Council (EIC) to the ambitious goals of the Green Transition, we’re asking the tough questions—are we truly maximizing Horizon Europe’s potential?
Global Perspective: Ann Mettler’s sharp analysis on European competitiveness—should Europe think beyond its borders and adapt its policies to the global stage? Her insights are a must-read for anyone navigating the complex landscape of EU R&I.
💡 Spotlight on Policy and Funding: Discover the innovative funding models for antiviral therapeutics and how they could revolutionize other sectors. Plus, a critical look at the recent Horizon Europe interim evaluation reports that will guide the next steps in EU R&I.
🔔 Call to Action: The European Commission has opened nominations for the Group of Scientific Advisors (Scientific Advisory Mechanism - SAM). This is your chance to contribute to shaping Europe’s future through informed, strategic, and impactful scientific advice.
📰 Read the full newsletter on INESC Brussels Hub website and listen to the latest podcast episode here. Don’t forget to subscribe!
In the most recent episode of The Insider Roundup, we covered the significant developments shaping the future of global research and innovation, with a particular focus on the evolving dynamics between Europe and China.
As China continues its rapid ascent in the scientific world, we examine the implications for international collaboration, the potential risks of isolationism, and the critical role that Europe is playing in AI and supercomputing advancements.
We also discuss the strategic measures being implemented to support startups and SMEs in these fields, highlighting the importance of building collaborative frameworks that enhance our collective capabilities.
Tune in to unravel the complexities of these global shifts and consider how Europe can steer through this challenging yet promising era in research and innovation.
Takeaways
Chapters
01:30 Introduction and Setting the Context
03:00: China's Rise as a Scientific Powerhouse
07:22: Challenges and Opportunities of International Collaboration
11:40: Advancements in AI and Supercomputing in Europe
12:10: Supporting Startups and SMEs in the Field of AI
15:32: Fostering connections and harnessing collaboration.
This week, as holidays are approaching and The Insider will go on holiday, we will skip the round-up and share an engaging episode as we sit down with Tadas Tumènas, Head of the Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office LINO and Lecturer in Innovation Policy and Management at Mykolas Romeris University. With a rich background in EU Science, Technology, and Innovation policy, Tadas shares his journey from policy analyst to leading Lithuania's integration into international research networks.
We explore Lithuania's current state in the EU R&I landscape, its strengths in digital innovation and the challenges it faces. Tadas provides an insightful overview of Lithuania's position on the upcoming FP10, emphasizing the need for funding blue-sky research, fostering critical technologies, and broadening participation across EU regions.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of policy and technological advancement within the EU framework.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with expert insights and forward-looking perspectives on the future of European research and innovation.
Introduction:
Segment 1: Election of Ursula von der Leyen and Political Guidelines for R&I:
Segment 2: The Future of Cohesion Policy and Its Implications for R&I:
Segment 3: Public Positions on the Next Framework Programme:
Conclusion:
LinkedIn Profiles and Posts Mentioned:
Welcome back to The Insider, your weekly podcast about Research and Innovation in Europe.
Jana Kolar is the current Chair of ESFRI – the European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures. ESFRI has just celebrated 20 years and has had a crucial role in promoting a strategic approach across Europe towards selection and funding of research infrastructures. The importance of the contribution of ESFRI for strategic thinking, not just in research infrastructures, but in Research and Innovation more broadly along these last 20 years is often overlooked. But what is the future holding and how is ESFRI addressing it?
Jana is also one of the most engaging and interesting persons to talk to. It is always a huge pleasure to have these conversations and debates with her and you will surely want to hear this one.
We explore the unique path towards the establishment of CERIC, the RI that Jana is the Executive Director of, but also the vision for Jana’s 2-year first mandate in ESFRI as Chair. We went deep into the challenges of rethinking how to properly develop a landscape and gap analysis across knowledge domains, the importance of impact, sustainability and funding synergies, among others.
In today’s podcast I bring you my conversation with Charlotte Andersdotter. Charlotte is currently the Head of Office of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprises in Brussels and allowed us to dive into her 20 years of experience as an expat in the Brussels R&I arena. I can assure you there would be much more I would love to discuss about this issue with Charlotte, as she not only has an extremely interesting and rich professional experience that takes us back to her role as founder of ERRIN, the European Regions Research and Innovation Network, to her experience at the European Commission DG RTD, but she is also a good person, respectful of individuality, of difference and of the diversity across Europe, and those that know me, know that is what I value above all.
We also explore: how well are the Swedish interests represented in Brussels? What is the role of a Brussels-based representation and its challenges vis-à-vis its home institutions? is there a difference between the research and the innovation part, namely the representation of industry or is there complementarity? What role play the Nordic research and innovation councils such as Nordforsk or Norden?
Let’s hear it!
Welcome back to The Insider! This is a special episode, commemorative of the 20 years of our INESC institutes in Coimbra. It is a very relaxed and informal conversation where I explore with Carlos Henggeler what defines INESC Coimbra, its inherent interdisciplinarity and what distinguishes it, its relation with University of Coimbra and other higher educations institutions in the Central region of Portugal (namely the Polytechnic Institutes of Leiria and Coimbra), it light structure and “living organism” management as a strategic decision and a reflection on what makes a researcher go the extra mile, dedicate the extra hours.
We wrap it up with a vision for the future, including the importance of contract research and international cooperation in EU projects. This was a frank, open and fluid conversation and we sincerely hope you enjoy it.
Welcome back to The Insider! In this week’s episode, we are going to address head on the critical questions being asked about Technology Infrastructures.
How distinct and specific are TIs in relation to other research and innovation support infrastructures? What specific challenges do they face over their lifecycle and how can their capacity be further leveraged? What is their role in a regional, national or transnational R&I ecosystem? Are TIs mostly local or is there a pan-european relevance and action rationale? What kind of governance and funding model should we develop to take the most out of their potential to help us build bridges between science and the market?
The Joint Research Centre, in partnership with EARTO – European Association of Research and Technology Organisations, recently published a report where most of these questions are further explored.
And that is why my guest today is Sophie Viscido, one of the authors of the report and certainly someone who is always very interesting and good fun to talk to. Stick around to the end of this longer than usual episode and you will get a critical overview of the past, present and future of the discussion on TIs.
We’re also giving you a brief rundown of this week’s top headlines from our Morning Brief newsletter, focusing on the entrance of Tunisia into Horizon Europe under association status, the Swiss government’s replacing the grant and equity funding 24 Swiss start-ups were set to receive from EU funds. Also, the Data Governance Act and the Trans-European energy infrastructure at a glance, and fantastic news for the INESC universe.
Here are some of the events coming up that you should keep an eye out for:
· Don't miss the i3S Workshop on Cancer Research, Biological and Molecular Basis taking place between 26 and 29 September this year. Find out more information here.
· Don't miss this webinar, taking place April 21st, providing detailed information on personnel costs on Horizon Europe projects for Legal and Financial NCPs. Register here.
· Vision Understanding and Machine Intelligence – VISUM 2022 – is the tenth edition of a summer school focused on Computer Vision and Machine Learning. This edition is organised by INESC TEC, and will be an on-site event in Porto, Portugal. Find more information here.
· Science Europe is organising its first conference on Open Science, on 18 and 19 October 2022. Click here to find out more.
· Don't miss the EU Green Week 2022 taking place from 30 May to 5 June 2022. Discover more about the event here.
The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.