Strengthening Europe’s science and innovation engine
Published on April 2nd, 2026
Europe’s scientific strength is widely recognized, yet translating research into scalable innovation remains a persistent challenge. Structural barriers continue to slow the path from discovery to market impact. In this session, the focus was on how to better connect research, talent, and commercialization to strengthen Europe’s position in a competitive global landscape.
The full session can be viewed in the recording below.
Key takeaways
Europe’s challenge is not a lack of scientific excellence, but the difficulty of turning strong research into globally competitive industries
Fragmented markets, limited growth capital, and regulatory frameworks can slow the deployment of emerging technologies
Public procurement is an underused tool for creating demand
Protect and expand investment in frontier research remains essential us crucial
Broad diffusion of skills, especially in AI, is critical for competitiveness
Policy recommendation
Use public procurement to create early demand for deep-tech innovation - and build public-sector capability and flexibility to buy it.
Illustration by pikka.ch
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