Metropolia takes a stand: the need for applied research should be noted in the upcoming EU programming period

The European Commission is currently preparing the multiannual financial framework for the EU programming period starting in 2028. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is actively involved in the discussions on the future financial framework and the principles of cohesion policy. Metropolia highlights society's need for applied research, securing of the education and R&I activities of European university alliances as well as support from European structural funds also for developed and innovative regions such as Helsinki-Uusimaa in Finland.

Metropolia, in cooperation with the Helsinki EU Office, has prepared a statement summarising Metropolia's proposals for the priorities of the future EU financial framework. Metropolia emphasizes the effectiveness of applied research that is practical and boosts business and industry development. Applied research is at the heart of responding to the needs of society and providing concrete solutions to issues such as climate change mitigation or the well-being of an ageing population.

− Meeting societal challenges in Europe and ensuring global competitiveness and sustainable development will require an increased budget for the EU's research and innovation framework programme in the upcoming programming period. Priority should be given to R&I activities that have a measurable impact and tangible benefits for stakeholders from citizens to businesses. Applied research is truly needed alongside basic research, and this is the message we need to highlight in Brussels, says Riitta Konkola, President and CEO of Metropolia.

Metropolia stresses that especially ecosystem-based R&I, uniting universities of applied sciences, universities, cities, regions, research institutes, businesses and other stakeholders, has proven essential for addressing Europe’s societal challenges and enhancing its competitiveness. Ecosystem-based collaboration combines expertise and resources as well as promotes an effective translation of research into societal and economic benefits.

The future of the European University Alliances must be secured

Education is the cornerstone of European values and democracy as well as the foundation for a better future. The professionals of the future, with the skills to meet society's evolving needs, are essential for Europe's competitiveness. This is why Metropolia proposes that the Erasmus+ programme should receive a substantial increase in funding for the entire upcoming programming period.

Erasmus+ funding would benefit international cooperation and mobility in education, which are effectively implemented in the European university alliances. These are networks of higher education institutions across Europe working closely together: developing high quality education, research and innovation as well as promoting student and staff mobility.

− At Metropolia, we have a unique vantage point, as we are the only Finnish higher education institute acting as the main coordinator of a European university alliance. This gives us an important opportunity to contribute to European higher education developments. The U!REKA alliance supports European cities in their climate neutrality goals and educates future experts to promote the green and digital transition. Such university alliances have huge potential and need predictable long-term funding to operate successfully, says Mona Roman, Research Director at Metropolia.

European university alliances would also benefit from increased synergies between different EU funding programmes. In particular, it would be important to target appropriate EU funding to support the research and innovation activities of the alliances.

The impact of the European cohesion policy would be improved by supporting pioneering and innovative regions like Helsinki-Uusimaa region in Finland

EU’s cohesion policy is about reducing economic and social disparities between regions and member states by promoting job creation, business competitiveness, sustainable development as well as cross-border and inter-regional cooperation. In the upcoming programming period, the European regional and structural funds must continue to support the whole of Finland − including innovative regions like Helsinki-Uusimaa.

− The urban area faces major societal challenges, the solution of which would have a positive impact on the competitiveness and development of the whole of Europe. The future cohesion policy should therefore empower regional innovation ecosystems so that actors in urban areas can join forces. Particular attention should be paid to Interreg programmes, as these transnational and cross-border cooperation projects are urgently needed to promote regional cooperation on climate neutrality, economic development, innovation and social cohesion in geopolitically sensitive areas such as the Baltic Sea region, says Riitta Konkola.

Read Metropolia's full statement on the upcoming EU programming period

More information

Mona Roman
Research Director, EU advocacy and international activities
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
+ 358 40 555 1044
mona.roman [at] metropolia.fi (mona[dot]roman[at]metropolia[dot]fi)