Bridging Science and Industry: ERIC Forum Explores Improved Collaboration Models

ERIC Forum panel discussion 1
Panel discussion about “Strategic and Policy Perspectives” at the ERIC Forum. From left to right: Anton Ussi (EATRIS), José Luis Martinez (Chair ESFRI), Anne-Charlotte Joubert (Euro-BioImaging), Jekaterina Novikova (DG RTD), Stelios Piperidis (Athena Research Center) and Pia Kinhult (ESS).

On 29 January, a satellite industrial event took place during the ERIC Forum in Brussels, focusing on how European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs) can enhance collaboration with industry. The discussions centred on policy shifts, strategic partnerships, and practical actions to strengthen ERICs’ role in the European innovation ecosystem. Experts from academia, industry, and policymaking shared insights on fostering stakeholder cooperation and bridging research with market needs.


The ERIC Forum hosted a satellite industrial event in Brussels on 29 January under the theme "Fast-tracking innovation through strategic public-private collaboration for research infrastructures." The event aimed to develop a strategic and operational framework for ERICs to engage more effectively with industry, strengthening their role as key contributors in the European innovation ecosystem. It was organised by the ERIC Forum’s Work Package 9, a capacity-building programme that equips ERICs personnel with skills and tools to strenghten engagement with industry. 

The afternoon opened with a welcome and introduction by Pia Kinhult, leader of the working group and moderator of the seminar. This was followed by a keynote speech from Dominik Sobzack, Deputy Head of Unit for Industrial, Research, and Innovation at DG RTD. Sobzack outlined the European Commission’s upcoming policy direction, shaped by the Draghi Report and other analyses addressing Europe's current challenges, including technological advancement, global competitiveness, and sustainable growth. He emphasised a shift towards fostering stronger stakeholder collaboration and a more demand-driven approach to innovation.

Antje Keppler, Chair of the ERIC Forum, highlighted the need for ERICs to take on a more active role in the innovation ecosystem. She stressed the importance of connecting with industry to translate scientific advancements into real-world applications.

The event featured two panel discussions, each addressing different aspects of industry collaboration:

  • Strategic and Policy Perspectives
    The first panel, featuring Jose Luis Martinez Pena, Chair of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), examined the policy landscape and how ERICs, the European Commission, and the broader ecosystem can align strategies to drive impactful change. The discussion emphasised the importance of dialogue at all levels to ensure that policies support meaningful engagement between research infrastructures and industry.
     
  • Operational Approaches: Turning Vision into Action
    The second panel focused on practical implementation and moving discussions to concrete actions. Charlotte Andersdotter from the Swedish Confederation of Enterprise pointed out that not all companies need direct involvement; instead, innovation flows through business networks, benefiting even those not directly engaged. She also noted that industrial challenges often exceed the scope of academic research, requiring a more integrated approach that includes technology, regulations, and market dynamics.
    Angelo Wille from the European Innovation Council stressed that research must be demand-driven, aligning fundamental and applied science to address market needs. He also highlighted the financial constraints for the coming years, urging stakeholders to innovate within existing frameworks rather than expecting additional funding.
ERIC Forum panel discussion 2

Panel discussion 2, with the theme Operational Approaches: Turning Vision into Action. From left to right: Pia Kinhult (ESS), Angelo Wille (DG RTD), Charlotte Andersdorrer (Svenskt Näringsliv), Franciska de Jong (Clarin), Claudia Pfander (Euro-BioImaging).

A key takeaway from the event was the shared agreement on the critical role of diversity and inclusiveness in innovation. Success depends on a broad range of perspectives, including diverse people, skills, organisations, and approaches.

The ERIC Forum working group will publish a full report in March 2025, summarising the event’s findings and outlining recommendations for future collaborations.

ERIC Forum Pia Kinhult

Pia Kinhult, Host State Relations and Senior In-Kind Negotiator at ESS, moderated the satellite event at the ERIC Forum in Brussels.

ERIC Forum Anders Ihr

ESS Director of Adminstration Anders Ihr at the ERIC Forum.