The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is pleased to invite you to a stakeholders' consultation for its opinion on the new EU Strategy on research and technology infrastructures, taking place on 31 March 2026, from 10.00-12.30 at the CoR' premises and online via Teams.
This consultation will inform the drafting of the related CoR opinion by rapporteur Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), member of the SEDEC Commission. It will be organised in the form of a workshop with expert speakers active in the field. The rapporteur is supported by Research Director, prof Taina Tukiainen, who acts as an expert in this CoR opinion process.
The European Commission’s Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures sets out a new, integrated vision for strengthening Europe’s scientific excellence, industrial competitiveness, and territorial cohesion. It positions RTIs as critical enablers for innovation ecosystems, digital and green transitions, and global technological leadership. With proposals ranging from a harmonized Charter of Access to new blended financing models and skills development via micro-credentials, the strategy invites cities, regions, and institutions to play a more central role in its implementation.
The Committee of the Regions’ draft opinion, rapporteur Markku Markkula, aims to ensure that the EU’s strategy becomes actionable at regional and local levels. It highlights the importance of place-based innovation, regional smart specialization, and better access to infrastructures for SMEs, universities, and civic actors. The opinion also emphasizes the role of RTIs in accelerating EU Missions, enhancing talent development, and crowding in private investment. This stakeholder hearing will provide an opportunity to refine the opinion based on practical insights and expert perspectives.
If your organisation has any position papers relevant to the subject, we kindly invite you to share them as soon as possible by e-mail to: sedec@cor.europa.eu
You can participate either in person at the CoR (101 rue Belliard, 1040 Brussels, room JDE70), or online via Microsoft Teams (link will be sent a few days before the meeting).
Please register before Friday 27 March eob, indicating if you will come in person, or join online.
Please note that the CoR does not cover expenses and does not provide any allowance for attending in person or online.
For more information, please contact: sedec@cor.europa.eu