However, three landmark policy documents developed for the EU Commission were released in 2024 which provide comprehensive and detailed analyses and recommendations regarding Innovation and competitiveness in Europe.  These include: 

•        Draghi Report: ‘The future of European competitiveness’ by Mario Draghi (Sept. 2024). This document focuses on the future of European competitiveness, highlights the challenges faced by the EU and provides recommendations to enhance economic growth and stability

•        Letta Report: ‘Much more than a market’ by Enrico Letta (April 2024). This report provides a detailed analysis of the European Single Market and proposes numerous strategic enhancements

•        Heitor Report: ‘Align, Act, Accelerate - Research, Technology and Innovation to Boost European Competitiveness’ by Manuel Heitor (October 2024) which focuses on the future of higher education and research in Europe. It also provides recommendations to enhance the quality and impact of European universities and research institutions.

In assessing the common themes and overlapping recommendations in these documents, we can attempt to chart a course for European Innovation over the coming years:

1. The need for sustained/increased investment in Innovation and Research:

·        Draghi Report: Proposes the need for increased investment in Innovation and productivity, particularly in sectors like digital technologies and green energy.

·        Letta Report: Introduces the concept of a "fifth freedom" focused on research, innovation, and education to strengthen the Single Market. This new enshrined freedom would be similar to the existing freedoms of the Union (e.g. movement of people, capital, services & goods).

·        Heitor Report: Emphasises the importance of research excellence and suggests creating a European Research Council to support high-quality research.

2. The importance of Sustainable Practices and the Green Economy:

·        Draghi Report: Advocates for sustainable practices to ensure businesses are both productive and environmentally friendly.

·        Letta Report: Calls for transitioning to a greener economy and supporting sustainable business practices.

·        Heitor Report: Suggests that universities and research institutions should focus on addressing societal challenges, including climate change.

3. The need to promote Economic Security and Stability:

·        Draghi Report: Stresses the importance of economic security and an open strategic autonomy in the Union to protect jobs and address challenges.

·        Letta Report: Highlights the need for effective mobilisation of private and public resources through initiatives like a Savings and Investments Union.

·        Heitor Report: Emphasises the social impact of higher education and research, focusing on addressing societal challenges such as climate change and social inequality.

4. The critical need for Digital Transformation:

·        Draghi Report: Focuses on investment in digital technologies as a key area for boosting productivity.

·        Letta Report: Recommends reducing regulatory burdens to make Europe more attractive for investment, which includes digital transformation.

·        Heitor Report: Calls for the digital transformation of higher education and research, investing in digital infrastructure and promoting the use of digital tools.

5. The importance of International Collaboration and Partnerships:

·        Draghi Report: Calls for a more coordinated industrial policy and rapid decision-making to keep pace with global rivals.

·        Letta Report: Emphasizes the importance of reinforcing external economic relationships and re-evaluating trade policies.

·        Heitor Report: Highlights the need for international collaboration in research and education, suggesting partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. 

These overlapping areas point to a shared vision across important policy drivers for a more innovative, secure, sustainable, and globally connected Europe which is backed up by robust investment. Initial moves from the new Commission, as evidenced in the Commissioners’ mission letters, parliamentary hearings, recent EU defence actions etc, all indicate tentative steps that are in line with these documents’ ambitions. Only time will tell the long-term ramification on the EU’s Research & Innovation policy and the ultimate impact on Framework Programme 10.