In this episode, Ricardo Migueis sits with Eszter Lakos, a member of the European Parliament, to explore the concept of widening in European research and innovation.

They discuss the importance of leadership, trust, and cultural shifts in fostering collaboration across Europe. Eszter shares her personal journey and insights into the challenges and successes of widening initiatives, emphasizing the need for a living system approach that goes beyond mere policy.

The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of institutional structures and personal agency in driving change within the European research landscape. They discuss the complexities of mainstreaming in research funding, the importance of maintaining excellence, and the challenges faced by widening institutions.

They explore the concept of a 'ghetto' in research funding, the need for alignment between funding programs, and the role of cohesion funds. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of political cohesion and the future of widening in European research, culminating in a vision for 2035 where institutions in widening regions are autonomous and competitive.

Takeaways

• Widening is more than a policy; it's a living system.
• Leadership in research requires deep listening and understanding.
• Cultural shifts are essential for effective collaboration.
• Trust is a fundamental element in research and innovation.
• Widening countries carry historical legacies that impact development.
• Successful initiatives often stem from visionary leadership.
• Institutional inertia can slow down necessary changes.
• Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for progress.
• Mainstreaming widening across EU programs is a potential solution.
• Flexibility in instruments can enhance stakeholder engagement. Mainstreaming in research funding must not dilute excellence.
• Widening institutions should not be seen as inferior.
• Positive self-reinforcement is crucial for widening programs.
• Alignment of funding programs is necessary for effective research.
• Cohesion funds play a significant role in research and innovation.
• Widening is a choice that reflects political cohesion.
• The future of widening must be integrated into the framework program.
• A strong knowledge base is essential for global competitiveness.
• Widening can help retain talent within the EU.
• Political conditions are necessary for a cohesive widening program.

Chapters

00:06: Introduction to Widening in European Research

02:31: Eszter Lakos: A Journey of Leadership and Values

13:37: Widening as a Living System: Understanding the Ecosystem

22:31: Challenges in Resource Distribution and Trust

27:14: Navigating Institutional Structures and Personal Agency

31:57: Current Dynamics in Widening: Successes and Challenges

41:37: Mainstreaming and Excellence in Research Funding

44:11: The Ghetto Concept in Widening Institutions

46:40: Positive Self-Reinforcement in Widening Programs

49:15: Aligning Funding Programs for Research and Innovation

52:29: The Role of Cohesion Funds in Research

56:44: Widening as a Choice for Political Cohesion

01:01:12: Future of Widening in European Research

01:08:35: Imagining the European Research Landscape in 2035

The 2025 INESC Brussels HUB Summer Meeting, titled "Strategic Autonomy & Dual-Use R&I: Coherence, Capabilities & Europe’s Future," will bring together research-performing organisations (RPOs), EU policymakers, national authorities, and industry representatives to examine how Europe can reinforce its strategic autonomy through research, innovation, and coordinated funding.

Access the full programme and registration details here