In this episode, Ricardo Migueis speaks with Matthias Björnmalm, Secretary General of CESAR, about the shifting role of European universities in a time when science, sovereignty, and security are increasingly intertwined. Matthias reflects on his international journey through different research environments and how those experiences have shaped his views on collaboration, responsibility, and the broader role of science in society.

The conversation dives into CESAR’s work supporting European universities of science and technology, its diverse membership, and the careful balance between openness and research security. Matthias explains how dual-use technologies, defense research, and governance structures require thoughtful, interdisciplinary approaches rooted in strong ethical foundations.

Ricardo and Matthias explore the tension between academic autonomy and institutional compliance, the influence of European funding frameworks, and the risk of overly directive policies that could undermine innovation. They also discuss the importance of foresight in preparing for future skills needs and the responsibilities universities carry when it comes to societal impact and global engagement.

Throughout the episode, Matthias makes the case for universities especially technical ones to act as reflective, engaged institutions that not only generate knowledge but help steer societal progress across local, national, and European levels.

Takeaways

• European universities must navigate the growing intersection between science, security, and sovereignty while preserving academic integrity.
• Governance models in universities must balance institutional autonomy with compliance and societal accountability, particularly in sensitive domains.
• Ethical engagement in research, especially in defense and dual use technologies, requires interdisciplinary input and reflective institutional mechanisms.
• Top down policy frameworks risk limiting innovation and undermining the capacity for critical scientific exploration.
• Universities should actively shape policy discourse, particularly in strategic areas such as research security, knowledge protection, and societal resilience.
• Open engagement with global partners must be balanced against emerging constraints in knowledge security and geopolitical shifts.
• The concept of “autonomy traps” illustrates the risks of assigning universities responsibilities beyond their core missions without adequate support or authority.
• Strategic coherence across European funding instruments remains essential; policy structures should prioritise functional synergies over administrative consolidation.
• Technical universities have a pivotal role in foresight processes, particularly in anticipating future skills needs and guiding societal transitions.
• CESAR positions itself as a solution oriented, peer driven network that aims to elevate European science and technology in service of the public good.
• Research integrity frameworks must evolve to address contemporary challenges, supporting informed and contextual decision making at all institutional levels.
• Cultural change within funding institutions and governance structures is necessary to enable effective and resilient synergies.
• Universities are not isolated entities but are embedded in societal systems. They must engage meaningfully with their communities to retain legitimacy and relevance.
• Maintaining openness in higher education and research requires thoughtful mechanisms that do not compromise institutional trust or mission.
• Europe’s strategic autonomy in science and technology must be grounded in collaborative foresight, broad engagement, and support for bottom up innovation.

The 2025 INESC Brussels HUB Summer Meeting, titled "Strategic Autonomy & Dual-Use R&I: Coherence, Capabilities & Europe’s Future.

Access the full programme and registration details here

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

In this episode of The Insider, Ricardo Migueis discusses the evolving role of research performing organizations in Europe, emphasizing the need for systemic thinking in research and innovation policy. He introduces the concept of the 'Fraunhofer moment' to illustrate how these organizations are becoming strategic actors in shaping Europe's future.

Ricardo highlights the importance of building ecosystems that foster collaboration and adaptability, and outlines key priorities for future framework programs to support this vision.

Takeaways

• We are all system builders now.
• Europe's ambitions require tangible outcomes, not just declarations.
• Research organizations are moving beyond traditional roles.
• Ecosystem thinking is essential for addressing complex challenges.
• Missions in Horizon Europe need to create space for connection.
• Public policy must focus on creating supportive frameworks.
• Excellence should encompass institutional management and collaboration.
• Building alliances is crucial for long-term impact.
• Leadership in research and innovation must be visionary and resilient.
• The real work lies in shaping the systems that carry ambition forward.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to The Insider

00:58: The Role of Research Performing Organizations

05:45: The Concept of Ecosystems in Research and Innovation

10:05: Priorities for Future Framework Programs

13:01: The Importance of Systemic Thinking

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