A Stronger Role for Regions
On 24 April 2026, the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions signed a new Joint Action Plan designed to strengthen the regional dimension of European research and innovation policy. The initiative reflects growing recognition that Europe’s competitiveness and resilience depend not only on excellence at EU level, but also on the capacity of regions and cities to drive innovation locally.
Connecting Innovation Ecosystems
The agreement seeks to improve coordination between EU institutions, regional authorities, and local innovation ecosystems. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting place-based innovation strategies, improving access to research infrastructures, and strengthening links between regional development policies and Horizon Europe. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to deepen the European Research Area (ERA) and reduce disparities in research and innovation performance across Europe.
Implications for Science and Chemistry
For the chemical sciences, the regional dimension is especially relevant. Innovation in chemistry is closely tied to industrial clusters, technology infrastructures, and collaboration between universities, research organisations, and companies. Strengthening regional innovation ecosystems could therefore support the development of sustainable materials, clean technologies, and advanced manufacturing capacities across Europe.
Towards More Cohesive Innovation Policy
The Joint Action Plan also highlights the increasing importance of policy coordination between research, innovation, and cohesion instruments. By connecting local strengths with European priorities, the initiative aims to create more balanced and inclusive innovation ecosystems throughout the EU.
As Europe seeks to enhance its global competitiveness, the agreement signals a broader shift towards integrating regional actors more closely into the future of European science and innovation policy.
