EARTO published response to the EC Call for Evidence on a Single Basic Act for Joint Undertakings
The European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) has published its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the future Single Basic Act for Joint Undertakings. EARTO supports the development of a common legal framework for Joint Undertakings but stresses that the reform should preserve the characteristics that enable them to mobilise research, industry and public authorities around long-term strategic objectives.
EARTO summarises its position in five principal recommendations for the future Single Basic Act:
- Co-design future Joint Undertakings: Industry and RTOs should be involved from the outset, while the selection of partnerships should be based on strategic added value rather than minimum budget thresholds.
- Preserve coherent technology communities: Technologically distinct communities should not be merged into broader Joint Undertakings solely to achieve administrative consolidation.
- Maintain in-kind contributions: Personnel, expertise, equipment and access to testing or pilot facilities should continue to be recognised as valid private contributions. Any move towards cash contributions should be voluntary and evidence-based.
- Simplify and harmonise implementation: Participation rules, funding rates and reporting requirements should be aligned across Joint Undertakings. EARTO also calls for the removal of unnecessary JU-specific reporting and the integration of all calls into the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
- Formally recognise the role of RTOs: RTOs should have defined roles in the governance of Joint Undertakings, while appropriate funding conditions for non-profit research organisations should be maintained.
EARTO represents more than 350 Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) in over 32 countries.