The Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR) plays a central role in developing the European Commission's research and innovation (R&I) policies. This group provides data-driven strategic advice aimed at creating forward-looking policies capable of generating profound and sustainable transformations in European society.
Key Objectives of ESIR
Support for Transformation: ESIR offers advice on how research and innovation can lead to significant economic and social changes. The group addresses major contemporary societal transitions, including social, green, and digital changes, promoting policies that support these transformations.
Strategic Advice: Through the provision of policy briefs, ESIR offers strategic advice on R&I and sustainability, addressing both European and national policymakers. These briefs are essential for developing effective and well-founded policies.
Stakeholder Engagement: ESIR organizes various outreach activities to actively engage with relevant stakeholders. By incorporating different perspectives into the policy development process, ESIR ensures a holistic and inclusive approach.
Innovation in Policy: The group promotes innovative public policies designed to be more impactful and efficient in addressing current challenges. This innovation is vital for finding new and sustainable solutions.
Current Mandate and Leadership
In its third mandate (2024-2025), ESIR benefits from a renewed membership. We are proud to have the only representative from Romania in this group, Bianca Muntean, manager of the Transilvania IT Cluster and coordinator of The European Digital Innovation Hub in Transilvania.
The current leadership of ESIR includes:
Chair: Katherine Richardson, Professor of Biological Oceanography at the Globe Institute and leader of the Sustainability Science Centre, University of Copenhagen
Vice-Chair: Andrea Renda
Impact and Areas of Focus
ESIR aims to address society's most urgent needs and challenges by:
Developing briefs to provide strategic advice on R&I and sustainability.
Organizing outreach activities to fully engage relevant stakeholders.
Promoting innovation in policy to develop new and more impactful public policies.
The group provides the European Commission with well-founded policy advice, contributing to the development of a forward-looking and transformative R&I agenda. Through this approach, ESIR supports the achievement of sustainability goals in Europe.
Recent ESIR Publications
The Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR) has recently published two new briefs:
The Regional Innovation Divide in Europe and Worldwide and How to Improve the EU's Innovation System (more here)
Key Aspects of Research and Innovation Policy to Boost EU Competitiveness While Pursuing Environmental and Social Sustainability
The ESIR experts who contributed to these briefs include: Katherine Richardson, Floor Alkemade, Pierre-Alexandre Balland, María Luisa Castaño Marín, Epaminondas Christophilopoulos, PhD, Kirsten Dunlop, Heather Grabbe, Jean-Francois Huchet, Bianca Muntean, PhD, Caroline Paunov, Dunja Potocnik, Ph.D, Andrea Renda, Jon Simonsson, Paweł Świeboda, Rainer Walz, Marzenna Weresa.
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