European agri-food cooperatives call for greater investment in R&D&I from the EU

European agri-food cooperatives , through Copa-Cogeca , are calling for a significant increase in R&D investment in the European Union. This organisation, which represents more than 22 million farmers and 22,000 agricultural cooperatives , has joined a manifesto signed by 110 associations and organisations from various technological and industrial sectors.

Support for the European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10)

The manifesto, signed at the beginning of July, urges the EU institutions to increase the budget allocated to R&D&I in the next European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). The signatory organisations underline the importance of pan-European collaborative research as a cornerstone of the programme.

Need to increase Europe's technological competitiveness

Cooperatives and associations believe that Europe is falling behind in the global technological race, especially in private investment in R&D&I. This limits the EU's ability to maximise its scientific and technological potential. Increasing private investment in R&D&I is crucial for Europe's long-term competitiveness.

Importance of public investments in R&D&I

The EU Framework Programme plays a vital role in this area, as public investments are essential to offset market failures and stimulate private investments , reducing their inherent risks. The organisations urge the EU to increase the current R&D budget in view of FP10, thus ensuring a commitment to European technological leadership.

Promoting public-private collaboration

The 10th Framework Programme should encourage the exchange of knowledge between the public and private sectors, as well as between basic and applied research. This is essential, they believe, in order to:

• Establish long-term public-private partnerships (PPPs) based on trust, strengthening European R&D&I ecosystems and ensuring the adoption and expansion of innovative technologies.
• Reduce risk and uncertainty by stimulating private investment in Europe and demonstrating EU support for technology-intensive sectors, preserving technological neutrality and ensuring a level playing field in the internal market.

Conclusion

The signatory organisations of the manifesto consider that the commitment to adequate investment in R&D&I is essential to improve European competitiveness, support the ecological and digital transitions, and guarantee the well-being and quality of life of European citizens.