Interview with Sarika Wilson, former Head of Policy

What inspired you to work in the research & innovation policy sector?/ How did you end up working in the R&I policy sector?

My first Policy Officer job in Brussels 12 years ago was in a regional representation, where I got my first experience in advocating for the interests of universities. This is where I got to know the Framework Programmes for R&I, and I was fascinated by the cultural differences between the research community’s and the Commissions’ expectations when it comes to the funding for R&I. It was about the sensitive relationship between research and policy, and how to make them relevant and understandable to each other. I was also fascinated by how R&I and education policies are increasingly connected to other policy priorities, from competitiveness to employment, green and digital and security. Working with universities in these areas has enabled a wide perspective into the whole range of policies the EU is working with.

Looking at your impressive portfolio, what is your crown achievement at The Guild?

My perspective was truly revolutionised when I started to work for The Guild as its first Policy team member in 2017. I stepped into an empty office space and it was a fantastic challenge to participate in the building of a new kind of a network, that had its own structure, identity and sense of community to be created. The Guild provided me with an insight into the diversity of institutions we have in our network, but at the same time a strong understanding of the distinctive role of research-intensive universities in Europe and what is common for them all. Learning about the differences in their national political contexts has also been a valuable aspect of the work at The Guild. Looking back, I feel privileged to have been part of the journey of a network that acts as a strong voice for its members and that is now considered one of the most appreciated and agile actors in Brussels in our field.

What is on your wish list for the European Research and Education Area?

Reflecting on the recent policy developments, my wish list includes that universities could take the driving seat in the coming years on the priorities for FP10, ERA and EEA. We’re the ones who will implement the policies, so the development of new policies should more clearly reflect our needs and ambitions, which also requires proactiveness from the side of universities. This is particularly important when it comes to the roles of fundamental research and research on global challenges, but also when it comes to capacity building and the definition of areas where universities are expected to develop faster in the coming years. The questions of institutional and research excellence as well as excellence in education and skills development are also crucial questions for the coming years.

What do you envision for the future of The Guild?

I’m convinced that The Guild will continue its fast development as a community and as a policy actor in the coming years, given how dynamically the network has evolved in the past 7,5 years since it was established. It now covers 22 members and roughly the same number of working groups, which reflects the wide range of activities it fosters. At the same time, the policy landscape is getting more complex and the community will need to prioritise well its activities, also considering the forward-looking priorities of The Guild’s members. The future looks extremely bright for The Guild, considering the members we have in the network and the value they give to European engagement, and the fantastic team that the network has in Brussels!