Ireland backs EU “fifth freedom” for research, innovation - EXCLUSIVE
Ireland says recent discussions among EU research ministers in Dublin focused on advancing the proposed "fifth freedom" of the European single market by promoting the free movement of research, innovation and knowledge across the European Union.
This was said by the source in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
According to the source, the policy debate was aimed at identifying the best ways to strengthen Europe's innovation performance while helping shape the priorities of Ireland's Presidency in this area.
The discussions took place during the informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for research and innovation in Dublin, where participants examined the development of a single European market for knowledge, research and innovation, as well as measures to accelerate innovation in order to enhance Europe's competitiveness and security.
The source noted that the dialogue will help inform and guide the work of the Irish Presidency on these issues. However, the Department stressed that it would not be appropriate to comment on the individual interventions made by ministers participating in the meeting.
The ministerial meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening the European Research Area by removing barriers to the free movement of researchers, knowledge and research data, promoting cross-border access to research infrastructures, supporting open science and reducing administrative burdens. Ministers further discussed the need to translate scientific excellence more effectively into innovation, competitive businesses and economic growth through stronger technology transfer, closer cooperation between research institutions and industry, and improved access to financing for innovative enterprises.
The meeting underscored the shared European commitment to fostering a more integrated and competitive research and innovation ecosystem, with continued emphasis on scientific excellence, transnational cooperation and the long-term development of Europe's knowledge economy.
Photo: Chat GPT
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
