Guild Publications
Positions
Position paper on the European Universities initiative
The Guild supports the European Universities initiative to boost the competitiveness of the European higher education sector. The creation of collaborative flagships, distinguished by high-quality education and research excellence, will bring a step-change to the Bologna process through the mutual recognition of degrees and the removal of barriers to mobility.
23 March 2018
Mind the Gap: Supporting excellence across Europe in the 9th Framework Programme
Position paper on Spreading Excellence in the ninth Framework Programme
Our commitment to excellence in research and innovation (R&I) must be inclusive: excellence should be fostered and strengthened wherever it exists, in all countries and regions of Europe.
7 March 2018
Bolstering Europe’s innovation ecosystems: Research, creativity, and co-creation
Position paper on innovation in the ninth Framework Programme
Ahead of the establishment of the European Innovation Council (EIC), we urge that the role of universities as part of the innovation ecosystems be recognised and strengthened. Responding to the proposed creation of the EIC, we are calling for EU policy to be even bolder in bringing science and innovation closer together.
22 February 2018
Mission (im)possible? Addressing Europeans’ pressing concerns through research and innovation
Position paper on R&I missions
The Guild welcomes the new mission-oriented approach to challenge-driven research in the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP9). Formulating missions that address the concerns of European citizens, contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster interdisciplinary and transnational research excellence holds great potential to build on the successes of the current and past framework programmes.
14 December 2017
This document presents proposals for missions for the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP9) stemming from the academic communities of The Guild’s nineteen member universities.
14 December 2017
Supporting Europe’s Societies: Research and Innovation for the Ninth Framework Programme
Position paper on the ninth Framework Programme
The European Union provides outstanding added value to research, innovation, and education. No other continent, no other group of states has developed such a capacity to bring together the best minds across borders to solve major challenges, create knowledge, and acquire new skills. The budget for research and innovation in the next Framework Programme (FP9) needs to be increased to €130bn as the EU must concentrate on areas where it provides the most added value to Member States.
12 June 2017
Empowering citizens – Raising the aspirations of European higher education
Position paper on Erasmus+
In its submission to the Interim Evaluation of Erasmus+, the Guild emphasises the importance of raising the aspirations for the programme. Erasmus+ must reach its full potential to serve the present and future needs of European citizens in a fast-changing world.
31 May 2017
Serving Europe’s Societies: Research, Innovation, and the Future of Europe
Position paper on the ninth Framework Programme
Research and Education are part of the foundation of European public life. They are predicated on values, trust, and the pursuit of truth, without which our institutions and our interactions cannot function. The next Framework Programme must strengthen frontier-led science. We must also be bold in addressing the structural and cultural impediments to research excellence in all parts of Europe.
2 March 2017
Unleashing the Potential of Europe’s Universities
Position paper on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon 2020
Knowledge creation is key to Europe’s cultures, societies, and economies. Europe’s potential for research and innovation is reliant upon its universities as the environment in which scientific knowledge is gained and future innovators are educated. The Guild makes nine propositions for how Horizon 2020 and its successor programme could further strengthen excellence in research and innovation across Europe.
16 January 2017
Statements
Research, education and innovation must be at the core of the EU’s future vision. Hence, we welcome Horizon Europe’s new approaches. However, Europe’s global position in
science and innovation requires a much higher level of ambition, read our recommendations here.
12 June 2018
Research and innovation for the Europe we want to see
FP9 must empower researchers to fulfil their potential and contribute to evidence-based policies on social cohesion, education, intercultural communication, democratic participation, and developing a fair and sustainable economy in the context of globalisation. The Framework Programme must contribute to a deeper understanding of the effects of disruptive innovation, and transformation based on expertise in all STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Medicine), to strengthen our societies, cultures, institutions, and economies.
19 April 2018
Investing in the Future of Europe – The Guild’s statement on Brexit
The success of European universities depends on their ability to circulate ideas freely, through their researchers, students, and alumni. This must not be affected adversely by Brexit.
13 November 2017
The Guild’s response to the Lamy report
In its response to the High-Level Group report on the future of EU research and innovation, the Guild welcomes the proposal to double the budget for the next Framework Programme. However, the Guild stresses that investing in research, innovation, and education is not only economically sound, it also strengthens Europe’s public life, and preserves its social and cultural welfare.
18 July 2017
The Guild’s response to the Commission’s renewed Agenda for Higher Education
The Guild endorses the European Commission’s latest proposals to further strengthen European higher education, built on a recognition that effective education systems are the foundation of open, fair and democratic societies.
16 June 2017
The Guild’s response to the ITRE draft report on H2020 and FP9
5 April 2017