Magazine

Current issue 2-2025

Frontier research for Europe’s competitiveness 


A few months ago, the ERC brought together scientific pioneers and business leaders to discuss how research can strengthen Europe’s position in the global economy. As Nobel laureate Ben Feringa put it: ‘Scientific breakthroughs, real innovation, and building a sustainable society start at the bottom - with creativity, imagination, and excellent basic research.’     

This edition of the ERC Magazine further explores the vital connection between frontier research and industrial innovation – Europe's competitive lifeline.  

Industry leader Jean-François van Boxmeer explains why businesses support public investment in fundamental research. Polish Deputy-Minister Andrzej Szeptycki calls for openness, cooperation, and smarter funding, while ERC President Maria Leptin argues that independent, high-quality science is the bedrock of European innovation. 

Data from a recent ERC report, visualised in an infographic, shows how a modest 1% of the ERC budget - through Proof of Concept (PoC) grants - has helped turn over 1 700 science-based ideas into real-world solutions in health, technology, and sustainability.  

Stories such as Jeremy O’Brien’s work in quantum computing and Luis Serrano Pubul’s advances in AI-designed medicines, both ERC grantees, show that Europe’s competitive future begins in its research labs, where new discoveries spark tomorrow’s innovations.   

Editorial - A stronger Europe starts with science

Editorial - A stronger Europe starts with science

As leaders from industry, policy and science gathered in Brussels for a lively exchange this spring, one message resonated wide and clear: Europe’s future success and competitiveness depends on our strong commitment to investing in cutting-edge science.Participants at the…
As leaders from industry, policy and science gathered in Brussels for a lively exchange this spring, one message resonated wide and clear: Europe’s…
As leaders from industry, policy and science gathered in Brussels for a lively exchange this spring, one message resonated wide and clear: Europe’s future success and competitiveness depends on our strong commitment to investing in cutting-edge science.Participants at the…

Featured articles

 EU science ministers at the presentation of the Warsaw Declaration, March 2015

Europe’s path to competitiveness: The strategic role of research and innovation

By Andrzej SzeptyckiIn recent decades, the European Union has made significant strides in fostering research and innovation. Despite this progress, the EU’s overall competitiveness in these domains still lags behind that of global leaders such as…
From curiosity to change

From curiosity to change

Not every breakthrough makes headlines, but many quietly shape the technologies we depend on. Recent data from Proof of Concept (PoC) projects show that ERC-funded research often finds practical pathways into industry. Many projects have contributed…
Science, talent and technology: Industry voices on Europe’s competitive edge

Science, talent and technology: Industry voices on Europe’s competitive edge

In early spring, the ERC brought together leading figures from business and innovation for a meeting in Brussels to discuss the factors shaping Europe's standing in the world and the role of science in that future. For these leaders, staying ahead…
Industry and science – a relationship that will decide Europe’s place in the world

Industry and science – a relationship that will decide Europe’s place in the world

By Jean-François van BoxmeerIn mid-May, European Round Table for Industry (ERT) assembled in Rome for our most recent Plenary. At these events, all our members meet – leaders from 60 European industrial and technology companies active in various…
Editorial - A stronger Europe starts with science

Editorial - A stronger Europe starts with science

As leaders from industry, policy and science gathered in Brussels for a lively exchange this spring, one message resonated wide and clear: Europe’s future success and competitiveness depends on our strong commitment to investing in cutting-edge…
See all

Related links