EC picks experts to advise on future of European innovation

The European Commission (EC) has selected the 12 members of the new high level group that will formulate a vision for future EU research and innovation and advise on maximizing the impact of EU investments in this area.

The high level group on maximizing the impact of EU research and innovation programs brings together members across Europe with a wide range of expertise, EC said.

The group is chaired by Pascal Lamy, President Emeritus of the Jacques Delors Institute, and includes Martin Brudermüller, Mark Ferguson, Lykke Friis, Cristina Garmendia, Iain Gray, Jan Gulliksen, Harri Kulmala, Nevenka Maher, Maya Plentz Fagundes, Lucyna Woźniak, and Milena Žic Fuchs.

Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: “We face economic uncertainty and societal challenges but also promising opportunities in Europe. So it is vital to get even greater impact from EU funding for research and innovation, for everyone’s benefit. With a wide range of expertise and experience, I am confident that the new high level group will provide us with a bold vision for EU research and innovation in the future.”

The group will start its work in December 2016, and will base it on the results of the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020, the EU’s current research and innovation funding scheme.

The final report from the group will be published in June 2017, EC said, and its recommendations will be taken forward by the EC in the future development of EU research and innovation funding.