This factsheet introduces the European Research Area (ERA), the EU’s single market for research, innovation, and technology. ERA brings together Member States, Associated Countries, and stakeholders to align policies, strengthen cooperation, and enable the free movement of researchers, knowledge, and innovation across borders.
Since its origins in the 1970s, ERA has evolved into a central political framework, enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty and relaunched in 2021 with the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe. The Pact sets out shared values and principles for research and innovation, while the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024 translates them into 20 concrete actions ranging from open science to gender equality and green and digital transitions.
Governance of ERA is coordinated through the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and dedicated stakeholder bodies such as the ERA Forum. Implementation is continuously monitored to ensure evidence-informed policymaking and measurable impact.
By fostering cooperation, boosting investment in research and innovation, and improving access to excellence across Europe, ERA strengthens Europe’s global competitiveness while addressing pressing societal challenges. The factsheet highlights ERA’s milestones, governance structure, and policy priorities, providing an overview of how ERA supports a stronger, more connected research and innovation ecosystem.
