Since 1984, the European Union (EU) invests in research and innovation (R&I) through the EU Framework Programmes (FP). This study sheds light on the added value of these long-term investments. To do so, the paper reviews the historical evolution of the FPs, presents the economic rationales for...

The second Horizon Europe strategic plan will steer research and innovation funding within and beyond Europe to tackle key global challenges such as: (i) climate change; (ii) pollution; (iii) the loss of biodiversity; (iv) the digital transition; and (v) an ageing population. From fundamental...

As climate change impacts intensify globally in both frequency and magnitude, and with scientific consensus on what is yet to come if the world fails to act, the imperative to step up our collective response has never been more pressing. By providing the knowledge necessary to formulate...

The trust in democratic processes around the world is decreasing as the world is facing multiple challenges causing political and economic instability. The inflation and an impending recession, together with the ongoing threat of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of...

The EU stands at a crucial economic juncture. Economic growth in Europe's mature economies has stagnated, with productivity and other indicators of economic vitality showing poor results. Public debt is alarmingly high in several countries, and the region faces new fiscal demands due to an...