Europe must strengthen its regional research and innovation capacity to boost competitiveness, reduce technological dependencies and ensure that all regions benefit from scientific progress. This was the central message of an opinion led by Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), Member of Espoo City Council, adopted by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) during its plenary session. The opinion calls for stronger and more predictable EU funding for research and technology infrastructures, better access for SMEs and start-ups, and closer cooperation between local authorities, research institutions and industry. The opinion, A European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures, highlights the strategic importance of research and technology infrastructures (RTIs) for Europe's resilience, competitiveness and technological sovereignty. These infrastructures are essential to developing new technologies, strengthening European industries and supporting the green and digital transitions, including in strategically important sectors such as energy and defence.
Markku Markkula, EPP-CoR rapporteur, stressed that access to Europe's research capabilities must not be limited to a small number of leading innovation centres. “Research and technology infrastructures may sound highly technical. In reality, they are among the EU’s most powerful instruments for the renewal and joint progress of Europe’s regions. We must build critical mass where Europe has the potential to lead globally. Not every region needs to host every advanced infrastructure, but every region must have opportunities to access Europe’s best infrastructures and knowledge, strengthen its RDI capacity, and educate and train people of all ages. We need excellence with European access, partnerships, and spillovers – for every region.”
Closing Europe's regional innovation gaps
While Europe possesses world-class research facilities, access remains uneven across its territories. The opinion warns that these disparities risk leaving regions, businesses and researchers behind, undermining Europe's overall innovation potential. To address these gaps, the CoR calls for simpler access to research and technology infrastructures, particularly for SMEs and start-ups, through digital one-stop shops and remote services.
It also proposes targeted support for less-developed regions to strengthen their research and innovation capacity and participate more actively in European innovation networks. The opinion emphasises that cities and regions are essential partners in connecting universities, research organisations and businesses, helping translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions, new industrial opportunities and quality jobs.
Markkula also highlighted the importance of linking regional innovation to concrete investment opportunities, drawing attention to initiatives such as Climate City Contracts. “Europe's future competitiveness depends on our ability to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and bring together cities, research infrastructures and industry. Through initiatives such as Climate City Contracts, we can build stronger partnerships that connect local innovation with concrete investment opportunities.
Addressing the climate challenges we face requires not only public funding, but also significant private investment and close cooperation with industry.”
Stronger investment under the next EU budget
The opinion calls for adequate, stable and predictable funding for research and technology infrastructures under the EU's next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), covering 2028–2034. It also advocates better coordination between EU, national and regional investments, including stronger synergies between research programmes and Cohesion policy. Such coordination would help maintain and modernise existing facilities, expand access and ensure that investments deliver benefits across European territories. The CoR also urges Member States to meet the target of investing 3% of GDP in research and development.
Markkula emphasised that strengthening Europe's global competitiveness requires mobilising both public and private resources: “Local industrial ecosystems and city communities must develop investment plans that combine public and private resources to deliver effective solutions. This is crucial for Europe's future, because we must strengthen our capacity to innovate and compete with major global economies such as the United States and China. By empowering our regions and cities, supporting research and mobilising investment, we can build a more innovative, competitive and resilient Europe.”
Giving regions a stronger role in Europe's research strategy
The adopted opinion calls for local and regional authorities to play a clear role in the management and coordination of research and technology infrastructures, ensuring that European investments respond to territorial needs and support regional innovation ecosystems. It also proposes the establishment of a European RTI Foresight Observatory, jointly managed by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and regions, to anticipate technological developments, identify emerging needs and guide future investments. Regular reviews of the European Strategy for Research and Technology Infrastructures, incorporating regional input, would help ensure that the strategy remains responsive to technological change and societal challenges. Through the adopted opinion, the European Committee of the Regions underlines that strengthening Europe's technological sovereignty requires not only investment in world-class research facilities, but also ensuring that their knowledge, capabilities and economic benefits are accessible to cities, regions and businesses throughout the European Union.
Background
The opinion A European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures, led by Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), Member of Espoo City Council, was adopted at the European Committee of the Regions' plenary session on 14 October 2026. The opinion responds to the European Commission's European Strategy for Research and Technology Infrastructures and sets out recommendations on territorial access, investment, governance and the role of local and regional authorities.