Abstract

Europe faces urgent challenges, including climate change, geopolitical instability, energy crises, and digital threats. Research and innovation are the new battlegrounds in the global economy. Drawing insights from the Draghi Report [1], Letta Report [2], and Manuel Report [3], this article highlights how empowering youth, fostering open science, and enhancing European frameworks through knowledge valorization can create a more resilient and competitive future.

The Draghi Report [1] emphasizes the need to empower Europe’s youth, particularly as the region faces brain drain to global competitors. Students and early-career researchers play a crucial role in driving innovation. Challenge-driven collaborations equip young individuals with practical skills, enable them to lead ventures addressing global challenges, and foster a new generation of leaders. Universities integrate students into challenge-driven projects, preparing them for leadership roles and ensuring Europe’s innovation ecosystem remains strong.

The Letta Report [2] supports a Fifth Freedom within the Single Market—freedom of research, innovation, and education. Open science fosters international collaboration and democratizes access to knowledge. In an AI-driven world where access to data is essential, open science strengthens productivity and creativity. Examples like the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines show how open collaboration accelerates innovation. Similarly, AI, the bioeconomy [4], and energy technologies benefit from open research infrastructure, reinforcing Europe’s global leadership.

With increasing reliance on research data, knowledge valorization ensures that research outputs translate into economic and societal benefits. Strengthening knowledge transfer mechanisms moves innovations beyond academia into industry, policy, and public services. Digital platforms such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) play a critical role in promoting challenge-driven partnerships. Beyond creating platforms, attracting skilled contributors for the development and application of open research data must be prioritized. Skills4EOSC addresses this by engaging researchers in open science and data management.

Challenge-driven collaborations offer structured solutions to pressing global issues:
i. Health Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed healthcare vulnerabilities. Collaborative projects enable researchers to develop agile responses to health emergencies and chronic diseases.
ii. Food Security and Climate Change: Climate-driven disruptions threaten global food security. Integrating research across agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sciences fosters bioeconomic solutions [4].
iii. Geopolitical Instability: Europe’s reliance on external raw materials and technology is a strategic risk. Challenge-driven partnerships diversify supply chains and enhance autonomy.

The Manuel Report [3] highlights the need for robust research frameworks. Proposed investments of €220 billion, alongside streamlined funding, could maximize the impact of collaborative projects. The Letta Report [2] further advocates for deeper integration of research, innovation, and education within the Single Market. Investments in digital and physical infrastructure, such as high-speed connectivity and green energy, will establish a foundation for sustainable growth. Strengthened frameworks also promote equitable regional development, ensuring widespread benefits.

Case Study - Nordic Bridge Project: The Nordic Bridge Project demonstrates how challenge-driven collaborations translate research into real-world solutions. Digital portals such as Nordic Bridge lower barriers to collaboration, making it easier for academia, industry, and government to work together on pressing issues. This initiative, led by Nord University and Nordic partners, aims to develop a problem solution match making portal to solve sociatal challenges by empowering students and early-career researchers. Other digital tools and platforms also foster innovation, scale solutions, and contribute to sustainable development. Increased accessibility to collaboration through digital tools enhances opportunities for impactful research partnerships.

Conclusion: Challenge-driven collaborations are vital for addressing global crises and ensuring Europe's future competitiveness. By empowering youth, fostering open science, and strengthening frameworks like the Single Market, Europe can transform challenges into opportunities. By fostering knowledge valorization, open science, and challenge-driven collaborations, Europe can strengthen its resilience.

References
1. Draghi, M. (2024).
2. Letta, E. (2024).
3. Manuel Report. (2024)
4. McCormick & Kautto (2013), Sustainability, 5(6), 2589-2608.
5. Kvale et. al. (2023). Competency framework for development of Research Data Support Services.