Today, the group of experts on the economic and societal impact of research and innovation (ESIR) starts its third mandate. The ESIR group is composed of 16 high-level experts and is chaired by Katherine Richardson, Professor in Biological Oceanography, Globe Institute & Leader Sustainability Science Centre at the University of Copenhagen.
Active since 2020, ESIR will keep providing the Commission services with insightful and influential evidence-based policy advice on how to develop a forward-looking and transformative R&I policy agenda to achieve sustainability goals in Europe.
The experts will address the latest policy requirements and provide a new impetus to its work, by reflecting on technology governance, notably with Artificial Intelligence, the societal transitions, the innovation divide and its synergies with other policies.
Responding to the policy needs of the Commission, the group will:
- co-design policy briefs to provide European and national policy-makers with strategic advice on R&I and sustainability;
- organise outreach activities to fully engage with relevant stakeholders;
- foster policy innovation to find new and more impactful public policies.
The experts come from different backgrounds, i.e., academia, business, think tanks, public and private sectors.
Main achievements of ESIR 2022-2023
During the 2022-2023 mandate, the ESIR Group produced five publications on transformative R&I policy in the poly-crisis age and in times of geopolitical competition, on the future of work and of transformational education. The group also participated in several public events to discuss and exchange ideas.
Background
ESIR was launched shortly before the Covid-19 outbreak and has provided stimulating inputs on how R&I policy can leverage our way out the crisis by facilitating the twin digital and green transitions, boosting Europe’s competitiveness, and promoting crisis preparedness.
Quotes
“ESIR is well equipped to address the social, environmental, and geo-political challenges that Europe faces and actively contribute to shaping a transformative EU research and innovation policy that paves the way for a truly sustainable development of our societies in Europe"
Katherine Richardson, Chair of ESIR
More Information
Factsheet: ESIR 2022-2023 key achievements
Video: ESIR expert group 2022-2023 for transformative R&I policy
Details
- Publication date
- 18 January 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation