The attractiveness of the EU for top scientists

The study shows that while Europe has a strong science and research base the European research sector does not currently represent an attractive enough proposition for top researchers. To effectively address this problem, policies must be developed that specifically focus on the quality of the research environment while also creating the conditions that can best promote and reward scientific excellence. Opportunities exist at the EU level to positively address these issues, primarily in the context of targeted actions in relation to smart specialisation initiatives and specific actions in the framework of cohesion policy. There is a clear need also to strengthen the ERC and to streamline international cooperation with third countries in relation, for instance, to the Horizon 2020 initiative.