Neth-ER (Netherlands house for Education and Research)

The Dutch knowledge sector, represented by Neth-ER, welcomes the Commissions initiative to propose a European Innovation Act to create an innovation-friendly environment in Europe. Scaling up innovation efforts is crucial for the EU to compete with global players such as the US and China, promote knowledge transfer, and tackle societal challenges.

Despite existing EU tools, skills and qualifications are still too often unclear or mistrusted across borders. Fragmented recognition procedures, sectoral differences and legal and administrative barriers hinder mobility and recruitment. This is particularly visible in vocational and regulated professions, but affects graduates, researchers and third-country nationals (TCNs) across all education sectors.

Despite existing EU tools, skills and qualifications are still too often unclear or mistrusted across borders. Fragmented recognition procedures, sectoral differences and legal and administrative barriers hinder mobility and recruitment. This is particularly visible in vocational and regulated professions, but affects graduates, researchers and third-country nationals (TCNs) across all education sectors.

Despite existing EU tools, skills and qualifications are still too often unclear or mistrusted across borders. Fragmented recognition procedures, sectoral differences and legal and administrative barriers hinder mobility and recruitment. This is particularly visible in vocational and regulated professions, but affects graduates, researchers and third-country nationals (TCNs) across all education sectors.

Neth-ER welcomes the Commission's initiative to establish the 5th freedom through the ERA Act. We welcome legislative action to address challenges in the ERA that cannot be resolved through policy measures alone. We also propose measures to streamline implementation. 1) 3% R&D target. Neth-ER strongly supports integrating the possible enforcement of the 3% R&D investment target for all Member States in the ERA Act.

Further debate is necessary Neth-ER believes in general that the White Paper doesnt provide enough information to make an conclusive choice about the given options. Further discussion and conversation on the topic of dual use in the Framework Programme (FP) is highly needed, and should be held together with all relevant stakeholders of Horizon Europe.