Programme / 16th High Level Workshop on the European Research Area - day 1

Context
Science Europe, HUN-REN, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences organise the 2024 edition of the High Level Workshop on the European Research Area under the auspices of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and with the support of the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation as the co-host of the event. Hungary, being the president of the Council of the EU in the second semester of 2024, will host various events, including the World Science Forum (WSF) on 20–23 November, enhancing the EU-wide impact and visibility of the event.
General focus and topics
This event will discuss the most timely questions of competitiveness of the European research and innovation (R&I) system, with special attention to widening the participation of all EU member states and associated countries to European R&I actions, enhancing the impact of R&I by mobilising EU-wide excellence in science, reducing R&I disparities in Europe, exploring the benefits of artificial intelligence in science policy and address European research competitiveness from a global perspective.
All topics are intricately connected with Europe’s ability to increase science impact in global competition. The themes align with Science Europe’s strategic priority towards shaping European research policy developments, building on the discussion on European R&I integration, launched in 2022.
Outcomes and impact of the event
The High Level Workshop is well-positioned to facilitate interaction among the different stakeholders of science, with high-level officials of SE Member Organisations, decision makers of EU member states, leading representatives of the European Commission, and top experts in attendance.
Acknowledging the vast experience of Science Europe members in shaping national R&I strategies as well as Science Europe’s own contribution to ERA policies (particularly to the next Policy Agenda), this event aims to invite participants to learn about each other’s goals and consider aligning priorities for a more competitive European R&I landscape.
As a result of the meeting, a public position paper will be initiated, summarising the key messages of the discussions and outlining possible collaborative actions that may contribute to improving the EU’s competitiveness.