Activities of Maria da Graça CARVALHO related to 2019/0152(COD)
Reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) 2021-2027: Boosting the Innovation Talent and Capacity of Europe
Amendments (26)
Amendment 145 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 1
Since its set up, the EIT has established itself gradually as a successfulunique instrument addressing societal challenges through the integration of the knowledge triangle. The EIT operates mainly through Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), which are large-scale European partnerships between education and training, business and research organisations. There are currently eight KICs that operate in the following areas: climate change, digital transformation, energy, food, health, raw materials, urban mobility and added-value manufacturing (see Figure 2). The EIT and the KICs’ objectives shall always be coherent with the most relevant Union policies, such as the industrial strategy, the green deal and the economic recovery plan, and they should contribute to their implementation.
Amendment 160 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Nevertheless, all current and future KICs shall use best efforts to dedicate more attention to research embedded in the knowledge triangle contributing together with education and innovation to entrepreneurial development and an innovation ecosystem.
Amendment 167 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 9
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 9
The EIT approach help build resilience, increase sustainability and contributes to both incremental and disruptive innovations to happen, to effectively address market failures and help transform industries and support the creation of start-ups, spin-offs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It enables the creation of long-term business strategies for addressing global challenges and helps creating the framework conditions that are essential for a well- functioning innovation ecosystem to grow and innovation to thrive.
Amendment 182 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 17
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2 – paragraph 17
The EIT has been able to stay agile and to develop the governance principles and rules for the successful management of its KICs under the overall umbrella of Horizon 2020, in accordance with the EIT Regulation. Its operational independence has allowed it to test and effectively implement a number of novelties in the management of its beneficiaries such as a competitive funding mechanism, which shall become the standard funding regime, financial sustainability targets and specific key performance indicators.
Amendment 197 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.3 – paragraph 3
Annex I – point 1 – point 1.3 – paragraph 3
Second, physical proximityroximity (physical and virtual) is a key enabling factor for innovation. Initiatives aiming at developing innovation networks and providing services that support the creation, sharing and transfer of knowledge, play a key role in fostering the interactions between business, academia, research organisations, governments and individuals. Still, research and innovation performances across the EU, as reflected in the annual European Innovation Scoreboard, vary considerably. It is of crucial importance that innovation is inclusive and rooted in the local territories. EIT activities, thanks to their “place- based” approach, are well suited to contribute to strengthening local innovation ecosystems.
Amendment 228 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 3
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 3
The EIT will furthermore facilitate the access of EIC beneficiaries to KICs’ innovation ecosystems and relevant actors of the knowledge triangle. In this way EIC beneficiaries can become actively involved in KICs’ activities and benefit from KICs’ services. In parallel, EIT beneficiaries will be able to apply to the EIC instruments, when EIT KICs support may not be available for support additional to the services provided by the EIT KICs. The EIC may help start-ups supported by KICs with a high growth potential to rapidly scale-up. In particular, the most innovative KICs’- backed ventures may, if selected under the EIC, benefit from a fast-track access to EIC actions, in particular the blended finance support offered by the EIC Accelerator and/or by the financial support offered by InvestEU instruments.
Amendment 230 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 4
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 4
The EIT will also ensure stronger synergies alsowith all the missions and the relevant partnerships, as for example PRIMA, IMI, EDCTP, FCH, ECSEL, and with programmes and initiatives in the [Excellent Science] Pillar, to accelerate the transfer of knowledge resulting from blue sky research into concrete applications benefiting the society. In particular, with regard to the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the ERC, the EIT will collaborate on the development of innovation and entrepreneurial skills of MSCA fellows and ERC grantees. That collaboration shall be made available on a voluntary basis and shall not increase the administrative burden for the beneficiaries.
Amendment 235 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 7
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 7
Opportunities for synergies will be also explored between the SharWidening Participation and Spreading Excellence part of Horizon Europe and the RIS and other outreach activities supported by the EIT. The aim is to reach a more balanced representation of EIT activities across the Union. The EIT shall guide the KICs to make better use of the RIS. In particular, target countries of the Horizon Europe Sharing Excellence part will be able to leverage on EIT expertise and support for the development of downstream activities (i.e. close to market), as the target group for for EIT outreach activities. The RIS budget shall also be used by the KICs as leverage for ESI funds. Such synergies shall be used by the KICs to create funding schemes that are similar to the widening actions of the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Teaming and Twinning).
Amendment 248 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 1 – paragraph 4
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 1 – paragraph 4
The EIT wishall facilitate shared services towards the KICs andthe establishment of shared services and facilities, aiming to jointly handle specific operational tasks that are common to several KICs. It shall also facilitate exchanges of experiences and good practices between KICs and foster collaboration between them (cross- KIC activities) on both thematic and horizontal topics. Cross-fertilisation between different subject areas is increasingly important for creativity, innovation and business. Cross-KIC activities have the highest potential where several KICs already address common EU policy priorities and where no dedicated KICs exist. Bringing together the different KICs communities in dedicated joint actions of mutual benefit has high potential for synergies and. The EIT wishall boost such activities and take an active part in defining the content and structure of the cross-KIC activities. It wishall monitor the implementation of cross-KIC activities as well as the results achieved, with the aim of makingensuring long-term sustainability of those activities as an integral part of the KICs’EIT and the KICs’ multi-annual strategies.
Amendment 255 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 2 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 2 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme, steered by the EIT and implemented by KICs, has been so far run on a voluntary basis. From 2021 on, the EIT RIS wishall become mandatory and an integral part of the KICs’ multi- annual strategyies. The EIT will continue to provshall ensure that RIS activities are used as a bridge guidance and support to KICs in the preparation of multi-annual EIT RIS strategies and in their implementation. EIT RIS activities will continue with improved(i) towards relevant Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategies thereby catalysing other investments, especially ESI funds and (ii) towards the integration of potential new partners thereby extending the KICs' geographical coverage. The EIT shall continue to provide guidance and support to KICs in the preparation and implementation of multi-annual RIS activities so that they support to the innovation capacity of countries and regions, including outermost regions, that underperform in terms of innovation and have limited participation in the KICs’ activities. The EIT budget devoted to implementing EIT RIS activities wishall be at least 105% of the overall EIT support funding to KICs, thereby increasing thefacilitating an increased number of KIC partners from targeted regions. Activities supported through the RIS wishall aim to:
Amendment 260 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 2
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 2
— attract new partners in EIT KICs, extend the geographical coverage of EIT KICs also through the innovation hubs and link local innovation ecosystems to pan-European innovation ecosystems through cooperation with EIT KICs and their co-locations centres and link local innovation ecosystems to pan-European innovation ecosystems through cooperation with EIT KICs and their co-locations centres.
Amendment 264 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 2 – paragraph 3
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 2 – paragraph 3
Amendment 270 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.1 – point 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
The Water, Marine and Maritime Sectors and Ecosystems priority field covers a wide range of traditional and emerging economic sectors, which are intrinsically linked to an environmental natural capital that is under pressure. This field will play a crucial role in delivering a climate- neutral, sustainable and competitive Union by 2050, as new technologies and the need to decarbonise the economy are leading to an increasing use and exploitation of marine and aquatic resources. Seas, oceans and inland waters have a central role in climate processes, in human health and wellbeing, in the provision of food, the preservation of biodiversity, critical ecosystem services, renewable energy and other resources. Wastewater treatments will reduce the amount of energy used, the pathogenic bacteria during the sewage sludge dewatering and in general increase the plant's efficiency and quality. This priority field is complementary to the eight existing KICs. A factsheet summarising the challenges of the Water field and the expected impact of the future KIC is included in Annex 1B(new) to this Decision.
Amendment 306 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.3 – point 3 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.3 – point 3 – paragraph 1
Within the scope of the EIT Regulation, the EIT will seek greater impact of its activities through international cooperation and will coordinate international EIT- funded activities by and in compliance with the Horizon Europe approach to international cooperation, the EIT shall endeavour to ensure that its activities have a greater impact through international cooperation and shall monitor international and cross- KIC activities funded by the KICs. A better-defined long-term collaboration strategy is needed between EIT and the KICs. Its focus wishall align closely with relevant industrial policy objectives of the European Union as well as its research and innovation priorities and ensuring European added value.
Amendment 317 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 4 – paragraph 2
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 322 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 4 – paragraph 3
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 4 – paragraph 3
As KICs operate across the entire value chain of innovation, they wishall ensure an appropriate and continuous balance of education, research, entrepreneurship and innovation activities in their Business Plan portfolio. The EIT shall monitor that KICs operations will bare implemented through a lean, efficient and cost-effective structure that would keep administrative and overhead costs to a minimum. EIT will ensure that KICs will achieve their expected impacts through a broad range of activities, identified in the KICs’ Business Plans, which effectively support the fulfilment of their objectives. In order to decrease the administrative burden, the KICs’ Business Plans and the EIT grants for the KICs shall cover a period of up to three years, while the KICs activities shall continue to be reported annually.
Amendment 327 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 4 – paragraph 4
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 4 – paragraph 4
Commitments from each KIC’s partner throughout the contractual duration of the initiative wishall be ensured by regularly monitoring the actual partner’s contributions against the original commitments. EIT wishall ensure that KICs have a risk management system in place for cases where some partners are not able to meet their original commitments. Yet, the priority for the KICs shall be to diversify their revenues and leverage other investments for their R&I activities rather than to rely on contributions from their partners. Any effort towards financial sustainability shall not lead to increases of tuition-fees or membership fees from partners, nor to a reduction of the grant funding mechanism in favour of other financial instruments, such as loans or blended finance, except for close-to- market activities. Tuition-fees or membership fees must remain commensurate to ensure the participation of small entities, such as SMEs.
Amendment 330 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 1
The EIT should ensure a balanced distribution of the budget throughout the years and a smooth transition from the current and the next MFF period, in particular for the ongoing activities. Through a lean and simplified funding model, the EIT will enhance the impact and contribution of KICs towards reaching the objectives of the Horizon Europe Programme. In order to increase the value added of its support, the EIT wishall adapt its funding model in order to increase over time the commitments from KICs’ partners or from other private and public sources. There are four main areas where the EIT will implement improvements.
Amendment 331 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 1
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 1
Through a lean and simplified funding model, the EIT will enhance the impact and contribution of KICs towards reaching the objectives of the Horizon Europe Programme. In order to increase the value added of its support, the EIT wishall adapt its funding model in order to increase, over time, the commitments from the KICs’ partners and from other private and public sources. There are four main areas where the EIT will implement improvements.
Amendment 334 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 2
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 2
Firstly, the EIT will apply the appropriate co-funding rates introduce a co-funding rate in order to increase the levels of private and public investments. The adaptation of the funding model will, other than revenues from their partners, thus facilitateing the KICs in the transition towards financial sustainability. It will incentivise them to decrease gradually during the duration of the framework partnership agreementsThe EIT shall adapt the share of EITthe funding in theiraccording to the KICs’ Business Plan while increasing the level of co-investment from non-EIT sources. Fixed decreasing co-funding rates will be applicable across phases of the entire KICs’ life cycle (start-up, ramp- up, maturity, exit from the EIT grant)EIT funding shall be performance-based, shall incentivise impact and reward success, shall be directly tied to the progress made towards the achievement of the KICs’ objectives, and may be discontinued in the case of as presented belowersistent lack of results.
Amendment 343 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 6
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 – point 5 – paragraph 6
Finally, the EIT will continufurther increase its efforts towards simplification in order to alleviate unnecessaryand reduction of the administrative burden27 ofor the KICs, allowing the implementation of their multi-annual Business Plan and multi-annual strategys in an agile and efficient way. This will include the use of lump sum or unit costs for relevant KIC activities. Moreover, in order to provide a better planning of the resources, in particular of innovation activities, as well as facilitate stronger commitment and long-term investment from participating partners in KICs activities, the EIT will sign multi-annual grant agreements with KICs, when appropriate, under the respective framework partnership agreements. These multi-annual grant agreements should not exceed 3cover a period of at least three years. _________________ 27In particular, the annual reporting on KIC complementary activities would be discontinued, as recommended by the Court of Auditors in its Special Report of 2016 ( Recommendation 1, p. 51).
Amendment 353 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 a (new)
Annex I – point 3 a (new)
Amendment 354 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 3 b (new)
Annex I – point 3 b (new)
3 b. EIT Health should collate expertise and gather data and information for the development of vaccines, testing methods and medical treatments for COVID-19. EIT Health should put in place horizontal platforms that can support research and development in vaccine-related initiatives by academia, industry, in particular small and medium- sized enterprises, and by other organisations that have experience with preclinical expertise, vaccine trials and the production of clinical trial material.
Amendment 363 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 4 – point 4.1 – paragraph 2
Annex I – point 4 – point 4.1 – paragraph 2
Around EUR [2500] million (83,396,7 % of the total EIT budget) is envisaged to fund existing and new KICs and includes EUR [200] millionof which: - at least 15 % for the Regional Innovation Scheme. Through the introduction of a co-fu; - around 10 % for the launch of two new KICs, in 2022 and ing rate, t 2025 respectively. The KICs are expected to mobilise a further EUR [1500] million offunding from other public and private sources. The budget for the launch of two new KICs (to be launched in 2022 and 2025, respectively) will be around EUR [300] million. Should additional budget to that of the EIT become available, the EIT could also launch additional KICs.
Amendment 368 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 4 – point 4.2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex I – point 4 – point 4.2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Mid-term review of the EIT Three years after its establishment and taking into account the periodic evaluations established in Article 19 of the Regulation [xxx] on EIT, the EIT shall be subject to a thorough mid-term review by the Commission. Among other elements, that mid-term review shall also assess the effectiveness of the KICs’ financial sustainability strategies, the feasibility of further increasing the collaboration between the EIT and all implementing bodies under Pillar III of Horizon Europe in order to examine whether the EIT could play a more horizontal role across all pillars of Horizon Europe and/or to establish a one- stop-shop for innovation with a set of different complementary activities .
Amendment 373 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – point 4 – point 4.2 – paragraph 7 – point 3 a (new)
Annex I – point 4 – point 4.2 – paragraph 7 – point 3 a (new)
(3 a) systemic impact, by addressing complex and interconnected issues, creating innovative comprehensive solutions, delivering transformative applications with integrated effects on multiple sectors, contributing to shaping Union policies and address global societal challenges, within each KIC’s Community and especially in the cross-KIC relations;