The Future of Italian Research: Challenges and Opportunities in FP10

APRE, in collaboration with the European Parliament, organized the event “Italian Research and Innovation in Europe: From Horizon Europe to FP10”, where experts discussed the future of Italian research within the EU.

Italy has the potential to be a major player in European research, but is it truly making the most of the opportunities available? What are the key challenges and opportunities for FP10, the next EU research and innovation funding program?

These critical questions took center stage on March 5 at the European Parliament in Brussels, where APRE (Agency for the Promotion of European Research) gathered policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to evaluate Italy’s participation in Horizon Europe and set strategic priorities for the future.

Among the key voices, Andrea Ricci, President of APRE’s Expert Committee and Lead Researcher at ISINNOVA, emphasized a crucial point: a shift in strategy is needed to make European research more effective and competitive.

Italy in Horizon Europe: Strong, but Not Strong Enough

The numbers reveal a mixed picture of Italy’s involvement in Horizon Europe (2021-2024). On one hand, Italy ranks third in Europe for project participation, with over 2,200 research entities involved—a clear sign of a dynamic and engaged scientific community.

However, when it comes to financial returns, the results are less impressive: Italy ranks only fifth in funding secured, with €3.76 billion, representing just 8.7% of total EU research funds.

Where does Italy fall behind?

• Managing EU projects is complex: Bureaucracy and coordination difficulties put Italian researchers at a disadvantage compared to their German or French counterparts.
• Fragmented national funding: Italy’s domestic research funding is often spread too thin, making it harder to fully leverage EU opportunities.
• Lower funding per project: Italian researchers receive, on average, less funding per participation than their European peers, limiting the competitiveness of their projects.

FP10: What Needs to Change for Italy to Excel?

As the European Commission works on its FP10 proposal, Italy has a unique opportunity to push for more effective and ambitious research policies. The discussions in Brussels focused on several key priorities:

• Less bureaucracy, easier access to funds: Simplifying procedures for researchers and removing administrative barriers that often discourage participation.
• FP10 must remain independent: Some propose merging it into a broader EU Competitiveness Fund, but research needs a dedicated and autonomous funding stream, as ISINNOVA strongly advocates.
• Stronger links between research and industry: Too many innovations remain theoretical and fail to become real-world applications. FP10 must bridge the gap between academia, business, and policy-making.
• Preventing brain drain: Europe continues to lose top researchers to the US and China, where funding and career opportunities are more attractive. A long-term strategy is needed to make Europe the best place for research careers.

Andrea Ricci: “FP10 Must Be a Game-Changer”

Speaking on behalf of APRE and ISINNOVA, Andrea Ricci delivered a clear message:

“FP10 cannot just be a continuation of Horizon Europe. We need a bolder strategy, clearer priorities, and a research system that looks ahead—anticipating future challenges rather than reacting to them.”

Ricci also highlighted the importance of foresight methodologies—a key area of expertise at ISINNOVA—for shaping FP10’s research priorities. By predicting global trends and challenges, research can become more proactive, ensuring that EU policies and funding align with the long-term needs of society and industry.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead for FP10

The European Commission will present its first FP10 proposal in mid-2025, kicking off intense negotiations between EU institutions, national governments, and research stakeholders. In the meantime, ISINNOVA and APRE will continue working closely with the research community to ensure that Italy’s priorities are well represented in the final program.

The message from Brussels is clear: Italy has the talent and expertise to be a leader in European research, but it must advocate for the right policies and funding to make it happen. At ISINNOVA, we are ready to play our part.

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