The Insider

The Insider, Season 2, Episode 8 “From Wall Street to Science|Business: Richard Hudson on the Past, Present and Future of R&I” Research and innovation policy rarely develops in isolation. It evolves alongside markets, institutions, and the broader geopolitical environment shaping how knowledge, technology and investment move across borders. In this episode of The Insider,, host Ricardo Miguéis (Head of the INESC Brussels HUB) speaks with Richard Hudson, co-founder of Science|Business and one of the most experienced observers of Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem. Before launching Science|Business in 2004, Hudson spent 25 years at the Wall Street Journal, including as Managing Editor of its European edition. Since then, he has helped build one of the most influential platforms connecting universities, companies and policymakers across Europe’s R&I landscape. Drawing on that experience, the conversation reflects on four decades of watching European research policy evolve; from the early days of the Framework Programmes to today’s increasingly complex geopolitical context. Part 1 - Institutions, ecosystems and the evolution of European R&I The first part of the conversation explores the long arc of Europe’s research and innovation system. Hudson reflects on the early years of the Framework Programmes, when European collaboration in research was still a relatively new experiment. Over time, these programmes grew into one of the EU’s most distinctive policy instruments (bringing together universities, industry and governments around shared technological challenges). The discussion also revisits the origins of Science|Business itself. What began as a journalism project evolved into a network connecting three communities that often struggle to speak the same language: researchers, policymakers and industry leaders. This perspective offers a unique lens on how innovation ecosystems actually function; not only through funding instruments and policy frameworks, but through relationships, trust and shared spaces where ideas and partnerships can emerge. Part 2 - Geopolitics, trust and the future of global research cooperation The second part of the episode turns to the present moment, where the context surrounding research and innovation is becoming increasingly shaped by geopolitical dynamics. From technological competition to debates about strategic autonomy, the environment in which science operates is shifting. Questions about trust, international collaboration and the balance between openness and security are becoming central to research policy discussions. Hudson reflects on what these changes might mean for Europe’s role in the global research system. As alliances evolve and scientific cooperation becomes more complex, the challenge is not only about funding or programmes, but about maintaining the networks and communities that make international collaboration possible in the first place. Across the conversation, one idea stands out: science progresses not only through discovery, but through the connections that allow knowledge, talent and investment to circulate. In a more fragmented world, those connections may be more important than ever. Listen to Episode 8: “From Wall Street to Science|Business: Richard Hudson on the Past, Present and Future of R&I” on The Insider.

The Insider, Season 2, Episode 6 “Partnerships in the Age of Strategic Autonomy” Europe’s research and innovation system relies heavily on partnerships, but how well do we understand the machinery behind them? And what will it take for these partnerships to deliver the kind of strategic outcomes Europe now expects? In this episode of The Insider, Ricardo Miguéis sits down with Niklas Blomberg, Executive Director of the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) and former Director of ELIXIR, Europe’s life-science data infrastructure. Few people have been as deeply embedded in both the technical and governance dimensions of Europe’s collaborative ecosystem (from distributed research infrastructures to large-scale public–private partnerships shaping health innovation). Niklas brings a unique vantage point: years spent building frameworks that connect research, industry, public agencies and civil-society actors at European scale. Where coordination is complex, where legitimacy matters, and where design choices quietly determine what Europe can (and cannot) deliver. Part 1 - How European Partnerships Really Work The episode opens by unpacking how partnerships such as IHI are structured, what “capabilities” mean in practice, and why Europe’s model differs from the US or China. Instead of pooling cash alone, European partnerships pool expertise (industrial R&D teams, advanced engineering capabilities, public-sector knowledge, patient organisations, research infrastructures and regulatory actors). This allows Europe not just to do research differently, but in many cases to do different research. Thus, tackling problems that are too complex, too cross-sectoral or too high-risk for a single organisation or country to take on alone. Niklas reflects on the transition from earlier partnership models to Horizon Europe, how governance shapes trust and risk-sharing, why “no losers” is a design principle (not a constraint), and how the human side of collaboration, not structures, often determines whether partnerships truly work. Part 2 - Strategy, Governance and Europe’s Next Phase The second half of the conversation shifts from mechanics to strategy, examining what effective governance looks like when partnerships must deliver faster, under pressure and at scale. It explores how FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund could reshape Europe’s approach, and what kinds of agency design, metrics and feedback loops are needed to sustain trust, adaptability and long-term learning. Here the episode goes deeper into questions of power, legitimacy, evaluation and institutional capacity; not as abstract concepts, but as practical choices that determine whether partnerships evolve or stagnate. This episode makes one thing clear: Europe’s real R&I challenge lies not in innovation or governance alone, but in the space where the two meet. It shows how scientific capability, institutional design and on-the-ground delivery shape one another; and what Europe will need to strengthen across all three if its partnerships are to turn ambition into outcomes as FP10 takes shape. Listen to Episode 6: “Partnerships in the Age of Strategic Autonomy” on The Insider.

The Insider, Season 2, Episode 4 “A 2026 Deep Dive with Muriel Attané” Europe enters 2026 with a strong inheritance in research and innovation. Well-established frameworks, mature institutions, and a long-standing reputation for scientific excellence continue to underpin its global position. But the year ahead will test something more demanding: Europe’s ability to act strategically in a context shaped by geopolitical pressure, industrial competition, and accelerating technological change. In this episode of The Insider, Ricardo Miguéis is joined by Muriel Attané, Secretary General of EARTO, for a wide-ranging conversation on where Europe’s research and innovation system stands, and the choices now taking shape beneath the surface. Part 1 – Looking at Europe from the outside The discussion deliberately starts beyond Europe’s own policy debates. Drawing on Muriel’s recent international engagements, including in South Korea and Canada, the episode explores how Europe is perceived as a research and technology partner, and how global actors assess its reliability, speed, and strategic clarity. The conversation looks at how international collaboration is evolving in a more politicised environment, where research, technology and geopolitics are increasingly intertwined. It also examines what external partners read into Europe’s current discussions around FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund, and how those signals shape expectations about Europe’s future role. This first part focuses on positioning and perception: where Europe inspires confidence, where questions arise, and why credibility, coordination and clarity matter as much as formal frameworks. Part 2 – FP10, competitiveness and the capacity to deliver The second part turns inward, shifting from perspective to analysis. Rather than revisiting familiar reform narratives, the discussion looks at the quieter dynamics inherited from 2025: mounting pressure for speed and scale, changing governance patterns, and growing questions about institutional readiness. A central focus is the evolving relationship between FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Beyond funding volumes or programme architecture, the conversation examines steering capacity, governance choices, and the challenge of aligning instruments, actors and timelines in a system under strain. Throughout the episode, Research and Technology organisations (RTOs) emerge as key, if often understated, actors. Positioned at the interface between research, industry, and policy, they are increasingly called upon to help translate ambition into action, coordinate across ecosystems, and respond at speed to shifting priorities. Rather than offering predictions, the episode closes with a set of questions that will define the years ahead: how Europe chooses to govern its innovation system, where it is willing to prioritise, and how long difficult decisions can be deferred without consequence. Rather than offering predictions, the episode closes by identifying the issues that will decisively shape Europe’s trajectory in the years ahead — and the risks of postponing difficult decisions. Listen to “A 2026 Deep Dive with Muriel Attané” — — — References: During the episode, Ricardo Miguéis refers to two books that help frame the discussion around state capacity, innovation and long-term competitiveness. For listeners interested in exploring these ideas further, the references are listed below: How to Make an Entrepreneurial State: Why Innovation Needs Bureaucracy Kattel, R., Drechsler, W., & Karo, E. (2022). Yale University Press. How Progress Ends: Technology, Innovation, and the Fate of Nations Frey, C. B. (2025). Princeton University Press.

The Insider - Season 2, Episode 2 "European Innovation Scoreboard 2025 Explained: Bridging Data and Policy with Alasdair Reid" Season 2 continues with a topic that sits right at the crossroads of evidence and strategy in European research: the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) 2025. We talk a lot about innovation in Europe — but do we really understand the numbers we rely on to judge how well we’re doing? In this episode, Ricardo Miguéis is joined by Alasdair Reid, economist and long-standing contributor to Europe’s innovation policy framework. Alasdair has been closely involved with the European Innovation Scoreboard since its origin, overseeing key elements of innovation policy benchmarking, and currently serves as coordinator for the 2024-2027 period. His perspective reflects a deep, system-level understanding of how innovation indicators are developed, interpreted, and translated into policy. With the new EIS 2025 now out, this conversation is a chance to take a step back and look at what these indicators actually tell us, and what they don’t. Part 1 – Making Sense of the Numbers The first half of the episode looks at how the scoreboard came about, how it has changed over the years, and what the 2025 edition reveals about Europe’s innovation landscape. Ricardo and Alasdair discuss: What stands out in the EIS 2025 results, and where the data remains silentWhy countries with similar tools and spending patterns often move in very different directionsThe role that governance, trust and institutional capacity quietly play in shaping innovationWhy benchmark indicators often become political stories, not just technical onesHow the scoreboard can be both incredibly useful — and sometimes misleading It’s a reminder that metrics don’t simply describe reality; they influence how we understand it. Part 2 – From Indicators to Strategy (and FP10) The conversation then widens to Europe’s bigger innovation challenges and the structural questions behind them. This includes: The long-standing regional paradox: why some areas surge ahead while others remain stuckLessons from countries like China or Canada, and what Europe can and cannot borrow from themThe persistent gap between policy intentions and actual outcomes on the groundWhether our current indicators are fit for a world shaped by green, digital, social and geopolitical transitionsHow FP10 might look if Europe treated metrics not just as a scoreboard, but as a steering tool One theme keeps resurfacing: measurement shapes strategy, and Europe may need to rethink what it values if it wants different results. For anyone involved in European R&I — from research organisations and innovation agencies to policymakers and analysts — this episode is an opportunity to hear directly from someone who has helped define the indicators we all work with. It sheds light on the logic behind the EIS, its limitations, and the broader implications for the next Framework Programme. Listen to “European Innovation Scoreboard 2025 Explained: Bridging Data and Policy with Alasdair Reid” on The Insider.

The Insider – Season 2, Episode 0 Season 2 of The Insider starts with a special Episode 0 – a pre-launch recorded live during an internal INESC webinar in October: “Understanding FP10 & the European Competitiveness Fund: Strategic implications for INESC.” In this episode, host Ricardo Miguéis talks with Carla Matias dos Santos, Research and Space Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of Portugal to the European Union. From her position inside the Council policy ecosystem, Carla has been closely involved in the political discussions around the Framework Programme 10 (FP10) and the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) – two instruments that will shape how Europe organises and funds research and innovation in the next decade. The session was originally designed as an internal workshop for the INESC community. We’re now sharing it more widely because the discussion is highly relevant for anyone trying to understand where the European research and innovation policy is heading. During the conversation, Carla and Ricardo look at: How FP10 is being structured – including key novelties such as dual-use research, research and technology infrastructures, and changes to widening measures. The rationale behind the European Competitiveness Fund, its four policy windows, and the idea of following the full path from research to deployment, manufacturing, and market uptake. The links between FP10 and the ECF: shared governance, a common rulebook, and what this means in practice for collaborative research and strategic domains like AI, digital, decarbonisation, health, resilience, security and defence. What all this implies for research organisations: larger and more directional projects, stronger emphasis on partnership-building, and the need to think earlier and more strategically about positioning. For INESC, this episode also serves as an early step on the way to the HUB Winter Meeting 2026, feeding into our work on scenario building, FP10 readiness and long-term strategic alignment across centres and institutes. Whether you work within INESC, lead a research organisation elsewhere in Europe, or are involved in designing and implementing R&I policy and programmes, this episode offers a very concrete, practitioner-level view of the FP10–ECF debate. Listen to Episode 0 and explore how FP10 and the ECF are likely to frame European research and innovation in the next decade.

In this episode, Ricardo Migueis sits with Eszter Lakos, a member of the European Parliament, to explore the concept of widening in European research and innovation. They discuss the importance of leadership, trust, and cultural shifts in fostering collaboration across Europe. Eszter shares her personal journey and insights into the challenges and successes of widening initiatives, emphasizing the need for a living system approach that goes beyond mere policy. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of institutional structures and personal agency in driving change within the European research landscape. They discuss the complexities of mainstreaming in research funding, the importance of maintaining excellence, and the challenges faced by widening institutions. They explore the concept of a 'ghetto' in research funding, the need for alignment between funding programs, and the role of cohesion funds. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of political cohesion and the future of widening in European research, culminating in a vision for 2035 where institutions in widening regions are autonomous and competitive. Takeaways Widening is more than a policy; it's a living system.Leadership in research requires deep listening and understanding.Cultural shifts are essential for effective collaboration.Trust is a fundamental element in research and innovation.Widening countries carry historical legacies that impact development.Successful initiatives often stem from visionary leadership.Institutional inertia can slow down necessary changes.Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for progress.Mainstreaming widening across EU programs is a potential solution.Flexibility in instruments can enhance stakeholder engagement. Mainstreaming in research funding must not dilute excellence.Widening institutions should not be seen as inferior.Positive self-reinforcement is crucial for widening programs.Alignment of funding programs is necessary for effective research.Cohesion funds play a significant role in research and innovation.Widening is a choice that reflects political cohesion.The future of widening must be integrated into the framework program.A strong knowledge base is essential for global competitiveness.Widening can help retain talent within the EU.Political conditions are necessary for a cohesive widening program. Chapters 00:06: Introduction to Widening in European Research 02:31: Eszter Lakos: A Journey of Leadership and Values 13:37: Widening as a Living System: Understanding the Ecosystem 22:31: Challenges in Resource Distribution and Trust 27:14: Navigating Institutional Structures and Personal Agency 31:57: Current Dynamics in Widening: Successes and Challenges 41:37: Mainstreaming and Excellence in Research Funding 44:11: The Ghetto Concept in Widening Institutions 46:40: Positive Self-Reinforcement in Widening Programs 49:15: Aligning Funding Programs for Research and Innovation 52:29: The Role of Cohesion Funds in Research 56:44: Widening as a Choice for Political Cohesion 01:01:12: Future of Widening in European Research 01:08:35: Imagining the European Research Landscape in 2035 The 2025 INESC Brussels HUB Summer Meeting, titled "Strategic Autonomy & Dual-Use R&I: Coherence, Capabilities & Europe’s Future," will bring together research-performing organisations (RPOs), EU policymakers, national authorities, and industry representatives to examine how Europe can reinforce its strategic autonomy through research, innovation, and coordinated funding. Access the full programme and registration details here

How can Europe’s Research & Technology Infrastructures (RTIs) create real impact, beyond research labs and into industrial resilience, digital transformation, and societal well-being? In this episode of The Insider, host Ricardo Migueis discusses the key takeaways from the HUB Winter Meeting in Porto, where experts examined one of the biggest gaps in EU innovation policy: the missing framework for technology infrastructures (TIs). With insights from leading voices at the European Commission, ESFRI, Technopolis, and TNO, this episode covers: Why bridging research infrastructures (RIs) and technology infrastructures (TIs) is essential for Europe’s competitiveness.How the RITIFI project is developing ecosystem-based approaches to unify RIs and TIs.The challenges SMEs face in accessing cross-border infrastructures and how policy must adapt.What it takes to fund and sustain cutting-edge pilot lines and living labs beyond single-shot grants. Europe has spent 20 years developing a policy for research infrastructures but what about technology ones? The Porto meeting addressed this question, and this episode shares the key discussions and insights. Listen now to explore how RTIs can strengthen Europe’s R&I landscape.

Welcome to The Insider, the podcast where we dissect the most pressing debates shaping Europe’s research and innovation future. And today, we go straight to the heart of one of the most defining battles in EU policymaking: Will we still have an independent, standalone Framework Programme 10? Will European research and innovation remain a driving force for competitiveness and discovery—or will it become just another budget line item in the competitiveness fund and broader priorities? The European Commission’s latest strategic documents—the Competitiveness Compass and The Road to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework have sent shockwaves through the R&I community. A European Competitiveness Fund is emerging, but with no explicit commitment to FP10. Meanwhile, the European Parliament continues to advocate for a robust, ring-fenced R&I budget. The battle lines are drawn. In this episode, your host, Ricardo Migueis, Head of INESC Brussels HUB, is joined by one of the most outspoken figures in European R&I policy—Kurt Deketelaere. As Secretary-General of the League of European Research Universities, he has spent decades leading the fight for R&I independence. A lawyer, professor, and policy strategist, he has advised governments, universities, and industry leaders, shaping the trajectory of EU R&I funding like few others. Today, we ask the hard questions: What happens if FP10 is absorbed into a broader industrial strategy? Can Europe afford to shift towards a more politically driven funding model? And should we—finally—rethink the balance between EU-level R&I investment and national R&I spending? Kurt has been vocal: He supports a €200 billion FP10, fully ring-fenced, protected from short-term budgetary shifts. But he also argues that Europe needs direct EU revenue streams, stable funding that isn’t subject to the political will of national governments. Meanwhile, the Commission is already laying the groundwork for conditionalities—if Member States want EU R&I money, they must step up their own investment, pushing towards 3% GDP in R&I. A revolution? Or just a necessary correction? Fundamental research. The independence of the European Research Council. The need to streamline the EU funding architecture. The role of R&I as a weapon of mass diplomacy. The fierce battle over efficiency, effectiveness, and political control over R&I priorities. And the existential question—who should pay for European R&I, the EU or its Member States? The answers will define the next decade. This is a conversation about R&I, about power, economics, and Europe’s place in the world. And with Kurt, we’re not here to tiptoe around the issues. We’re here to challenge, to debate, and to push for the future of European R&I. ---------------- The INESC Brussels HUB Winter Meeting 2025 📅 Date: March 6, 2025 📍 Location: Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto) The organisation welcomes the participation and partnership of the national research and innovation funding agencies (FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia & ANI – Agência Nacional de Inovação). The event will bring together key European and national policymakers, research and technology infrastructure managers, and funding agencies to discuss the evolving policy landscape and identify strategic investment models for RTIs. Read more and register here: https://hub.inesc.pt/inesc-brussels-hub-winter-meeting-2025/

Has Europe's approach to innovation shifted? This episode of "The Insider" examines the European Commission's Competitiveness Compass, a strategic initiative that aims to redefine how research and innovation are funded across Europe. The Competitiveness Compass introduces changes that align research funding more closely with economic and industrial objectives. This shift has sparked extensive discussion among European academics, researchers, and policymakers. We highlight opinions from José Carlos Caldeira of INESC TEC, Marta Agostinho from EU-LIFE, and Silvia Gomez Recio of YERUN, who evaluate the potential effects on the research community and Europe's global competitive stance. This episode addresses concerns about whether these changes could compromise the core principles of independent scientific research in pursuit of economic goals. We also consider how this strategic direction might affect Europe’s standing as a leader in innovation while continuing its dedication to fundamental research. We discuss the implications of focusing on industrial and economic outcomes over scientific discovery and whether this focus could fundamentally alter the European research scene. The conversation aims to identify a practical balance that fosters economic growth without neglecting Europe's long-standing tradition of scientific excellence. Tune in for a detailed analysis of the Competitiveness Compass and its implications for reshaping European research and innovation. Takeaways The Competitiveness Compass represents a significant shift in EU research funding.There is growing concern about the influence of industrial priorities on research.Researchers fear a loss of autonomy and bottom-up research initiatives.Long-term funding strategies are essential for sustainable research growth.The EU's research funding is often treated as a secondary priority.National governments are increasingly relying on EU funding to compensate for underinvestment.The European Research Council's independence is at risk due to new funding priorities.Global competition necessitates a reevaluation of Europe's research strategy.Attracting top talent requires a commitment to open and collaborative research environments.The future of FP10 is critical for the sustainability of European research. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to the Competitiveness Compass 02:45: The Shift in Research Funding Priorities 06:09: Concerns Over Industrial Influence in Research 08:50: The Need for Long-Term Research Strategy 11:52: Impact of Funding Shifts on Research Landscape 15:15: Balancing National and EU Research Funding 18:05: Global Context of Research Funding 20:52: The Challenge of Attracting Talent 24:08: The Financial Commitment to Research 26:55: Conclusion and Future of European Research

This is the Insider's Original Solo Episode with Ricardo Migueis. Where he explores the transformative impact of Portugal's partnerships with leading academic institutions like Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and UT Austin. It evaluates the achievements, challenges, and future potential of these collaborations in reshaping Portugal's scientific and innovation landscape. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sustainability, equity, and strategic focus in navigating the complexities of global research and innovation. Takeaways Portugal's partnerships with top universities have reshaped its scientific landscape.Over 1,000 students earned dual PhDs through these collaborations.Publications from these partnerships are cited 60% more frequently.Patents from partnership research are cited three times more than others.Entrepreneurship has flourished, with companies like Feedzai and Sword Health emerging.Private sector engagement amplified the value of these collaborations.The partnerships have created a network that transcends individual programs.Equity in outcomes remains a critical concern in academic partnerships.Sustainability of these partnerships is essential for long-term impact.Portugal must strategically prioritize areas for global leadership. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Portugal's Bold Leap 02:53: Evaluating the Impact of Transatlantic Partnerships 06:12: Assessing Efficiency and Sustainability 09:00: Exploring Equity in Academic Partnerships 11:51: The Future of Portugal's Innovation Landscape 15:06: Strategic Focus and Global Positioning 17:54: Navigating Geopolitical Challenges 20:49: Conclusion: The Path Forward for Portugal

In this insightful conversation, Professor José Manuel Mendonça shares his journey from a young engineer in post-revolution Portugal to becoming a prominent figure in research and innovation. He reflects on the challenges faced during his education, the cultural shocks experienced while studying abroad, and the lessons learned from martial arts that shaped his approach to leadership and resilience. Mendonça emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the desire to implement change upon returning to Portugal, ultimately contributing to the development of renewable energy and research institutions. In this conversation, José Mendonça reflects on his journey of learning from diverse sources, the evolution of research opportunities for young researchers, and the establishment of Inesq and InesqTech. He discusses the cultural shift in Portugal towards a more European identity and the impact of this shift on research and innovation. The conversation also highlights the role of Inesq in European research projects and the challenges faced by the current generation of researchers. Takeaways Portugal in the 1970s faced significant challenges in research and innovation.The Carnation Revolution opened new opportunities for young engineers.Studying abroad was a rare but transformative experience for Portuguese students.Denmark was a leader in wind energy, influencing Mendonça's career path.Mendonça's experiences abroad highlighted the differences in democracy and social harmony.Returning to Portugal, he aimed to apply his knowledge and experiences to improve the local research landscape.Mendonça's martial arts training instilled discipline, focus, and resilience in his professional life.The philosophy of 'be strong, be useful' guided Mendonça's approach to challenges.Mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Mendonça's leadership style.The DNA of an institution is formed by its people and their values. Learning can come from unexpected places.The importance of mentorship in personal growth.Current researchers have more resources but face greater challenges.Portugal's research landscape has significantly improved over the years.Young researchers must publish and have an impact to succeed.Cultural shifts influence institutional development.Inesq was pivotal in integrating Portugal into European research.Collaboration with European partners is essential for growth.The evolution of research opportunities reflects broader societal changes.Innovation requires a balance of ethics and practical application. Chapters 00:00: The Journey Begins: Portugal's Transformation 01:38: Dreams and Challenges of a Young Engineer 04:25: Pursuing Education Abroad: A Leap of Faith 10:37: Cultural Shock: Learning from the UK and Denmark 17:43: Returning to Portugal: A Pragmatic Approach 24:46: Discipline, Focus, and Resilience: The Martial Arts Influence 35:20: Mentorship and Leadership: Influences Along the Way 36:56: Learning from Diverse Sources 39:01: The Evolution of Research Opportunities 44:32: The Genesis of INESC and INESC TEC 46:15: Portugal's Cultural Shift and European Integration 51:09: INESC's Role in European Research Projects

In this episode of the Insider Podcast, Ricardo Migueis and Pirita Lindholm discuss the critical role of regions in shaping European research and innovation. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the innovation landscape, emphasizing the importance of place-based approaches and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The conversation highlights the mission of ARIN, the significance of grassroots initiatives, and the need for effective frameworks to support regional ecosystems in addressing societal challenges and enhancing competitiveness on a global scale. In this conversation, Ricardo Migueis and Pirita Lindholm discuss the critical themes of resilience in renewable energy, the importance of digital sovereignty, and the interconnected challenges faced by regions in Europe. They explore the need for coherent policies that support green and digital transformations, the role of innovation ecosystems, and the significance of skills development in bridging the innovation divide. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of balancing local strengths with EU priorities and preparing for future discussions on these pressing issues. Takeaways Regions play a crucial role in European research and innovation.A place-based approach is essential for effective innovation.ARIN connects over 120 regional organizations to foster collaboration.Diversity in regional capacities presents both challenges and opportunities.Fragmentation in research and innovation can hinder progress.Collaboration across ecosystems is vital for addressing complex challenges.Measuring the impact of ecosystems is necessary for accountability.Grassroots innovations can influence European policy discussions.The future of FP10 must prioritize regional engagement.Local voices are essential in shaping EU research and innovation policies. Building resilience in renewable energy is essential.Green and digital transformations are priorities for regions.Digital technology is crucial for accelerating the green transition.Policy coherence is necessary for effective energy transformation.Multi-level governance is vital for successful strategy implementation.Interconnected challenges require collaborative solutions across regions.Widening innovation is important for non-widening regions.Skills development is key to addressing the innovation divide.Balancing local strengths with EU priorities is a significant challenge.Storytelling is an effective way to engage audiences in discussions. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to European Research and Innovation Challenges 03:00: The Role of Regions in Innovation Ecosystems 05:10: Understanding ARIN's Mission and Membership 08:53: Place-Based Approaches in Research and Innovation 12:03: Navigating Diversity in Regional Innovation 14:55: Addressing Fragmentation in Research and Innovation 18:10: Collaboration Across Ecosystems 21:04: Measuring Impact of Ecosystems 23:59: Closing the Innovation Gap with Global Competitors 26:48: Grassroots Innovations and Policy Influence 30:10: The Future of FP10 and Regional Engagement 33:02: The Importance of Local Voices in EU Policy 35:55: Challenges Facing European Research and Innovation 47:09: Building Resilience in Energy and Technology 50:01: Understanding Digital Sovereignty 53:21: Interconnected Challenges in Regional Development 54:48: Widening Innovation and Skills Development 58:10: Balancing Local Strengths with EU Priorities 01:03:33: Preparing for Future Discussions