What is ESIR?

ESIR is a high-level expert group that provides evidence-based policy advice to the Commission on how to develop a forward-looking and transformative research and innovation policy.

Its 16 experts will provide independent advice on how EU research and innovation policy can best support the transformation of our economy and society throughout the social, green and digital transitions.

As Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel said:

“These experts will address the most pressing societal challenges we face today and reach out to key players in their field. I am confident that they will consistently support EU R&I and will inspire us on how Europe can best develop and implement a forward-looking R&I policy.”

The group will address society's needs and most pressing challenges through: 

• policy briefs to provide European and national policy-makers with strategic advice on how research and innovation policy can lead and support our societies in the transitions towards the 2030 goals
• proposals for solution-oriented policy initiatives that address current grand challenges
• fostering policy innovation and experimentation to find new and more impactful public policies
• outreach activities to fully engage with relevant stakeholders

ESIR enters now its third (2022-2023) term, with a renewed mandate and a new composition.

ESIR will reflect about the role of R&I to provide solutions to our most pressing societal challenges. The group will notably deal with areas related to the twin digital and sustainability transitions, mission-oriented policies and the societal and economic impacts of R&I policy.

ESIR 2020-2021: Main achievements

ESIR members and community

ESIR is composed of 16 internationally recognised experts who cover sustainability issues from a variety of angles and involve their respective networks.

The experts come from diverse backgrounds like academia, business, think-tanks, public and private sectors, and cover a wide range of areas of expertise, such as energy, equality, AI & digitalisation, innovation ecosystems, economics, youth, health and sustainability.

The group emphasises co-creation in producing its outputs and activities. It actively engages with relevant stakeholders and reaches out to different communities to disseminate the group’s outputs.  

The group is chaired by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome, who will be supported by Andrea Renda as a Vice-Chair.

List of members

Contact

RTD-ESIR@ec.europa.eu