Focus AreasR&D, Innovation & Skills

The Working Group on R&D, Innovation & Skills brings together leaders from across European industry to shape forward-looking policy recommendations that strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Recognising that research, technological development, and talent are key drivers of competitiveness and resilience, the group focuses on creating conditions that foster breakthrough innovation, support strategic R&D investment, and close skills gaps. It advocates for policies that align education, training, and labour market needs with the demands of the green and digital transitions. By promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers, the group aims to ensure Europe remains a global leader in innovation and talent development.

ERT's Committee on R&D, Innovation & Skills:

Co-Chairs

Michel Demaré

AstraZeneca

Justin Hotard

Nokia

Innovation Made in Europe

In this dedicated section, ERT shares insights on policy choices that are the building blocks to creating a more innovation-friendly environment across the EU-27 and stories from over 30 CEOs & Chairs of European companies, outlining where Europe needs to improve the business case for innovation made in Europe. Explore these innovation stories here.

Featured Documents

7 July 2026

Joint Declaration for a Bold FP10: Investing in Research, Development and Innovation to Boost European Productivity and Competitiveness

Brussels, 7 July 2026: Europe stands at a decisive juncture. The Draghi report on European Competitiveness has laid bare a stark reality: Europe's productivity growth has stalled, its innovation gap...

View Document

16 January 2026

ERT Recommendations for FP10 & the new European Competitiveness Fund

This ERT Expert Paper addresses a simple but pressing question: with world class innovation at its fingertips, why isn’t Europe turning more of it into global industrial success? The European...

View Document

19 July 2024

Europe’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) needs a major upgrade

Brussels, 19 July 2024: In the latest of a series of actions highlighting concerns for Europe’s competitiveness, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) today issues a new paper addressing...

View Document

R&D, Innovation & Skills

Document Category

All Focus Areas

Security, Defence & Dual Use

Security, defence, and dual-use technologies are vital to Europe's industrial resilience, technological sovereignty, and global competitiveness in an increasingly complex and interconnected geopolitical landscape.

Single Market Completion

The EU Single Market enables free movement and economic integration. ERT champions its completion, backing Enrico Letta’s report and urging broader scope and faster implementation.

CFO Platform

The CFO Platform aims to build consensus on how the EU can restore the business case for investing in Europe.

Industrial & Competition Policy

Aligning EU industrial and competition policy supports innovation and strategic sectors while preserving fair markets, enabling Europe to compete globally without undermining the Single Market.

Trade & Economic Security

In a fragmented global trade landscape, ERT unites European industry insights to promote fair, stable, and mutually beneficial trade amid rising geopolitical and protectionist pressures.

Tech, AI & Data

Digital transformation is vital for Europe’s competitiveness. The Tech, AI and Data Group promotes cross-sector strategies to harness innovation while protecting consumers and addressing societal challenges.

Energy Transition & Clean Industry

European industry backs decarbonisation and clean energy while protecting competitiveness. It seeks policies enabling a green transition without triggering deindustrialisation or weakening Europe’s industrial base.

R&D, Innovation & Skills

Driving EU policy on R&D, innovation, and skills, fostering investment, talent development, and education-industry alignment to boost Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.