EU to be ‘more assertive’ in its approach to global R&D relations

Commission says bloc’s international cooperation will require reciprocity on issues such as openness

The European Commission has set out a plan to grow the EU’s international R&D links over the coming years, but with cooperation “modulated” by partner countries’ reciprocity on issues including openness and economic fairness.

“The EU should more assertively promote a level playing field and reciprocity to respect fundamental values and principles,” the Commission said in the plan. It also referred to the need to protect intellectual property, and to prevent rules and subsidies from distorting innovation ecosystems.