Synergy or cacophony?

Creating European research and education areas requires a transparent and inclusive dialogue, says Thomas Jørgensen

The European Commission’s release of communications on the European Research Area and the European Education Area on 30 September was a historic moment. Just a year ago, this sort of concerted action to strengthen and unite the EU’s approach to research, education and innovation would have been labelled utopian.

But the hoped-for synergies will not appear by themselves. The bodies that advise and steer the ERA and EEA must talk to each other to maintain a common direction. It is crucial that the dialogue is transparent and inclusive—and the details of the communications show that we are not yet at that stage.