This monthly ERA Policy Overview presents key European research and innovation policy developments from August 2026, with a focus on innovation ecosystems, R&I competitiveness, knowledge valorisation, widening participation and international R&I cooperation. The report highlights new opportunities for researchers to access multidisciplinary research infrastructures, the consultation shaping the future EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda for 2028–2034, and developments supporting European deep-tech scale-ups through the Scaleup Europe Fund. It also features the Rhine Group initiative on European competitiveness, the Ready4EIC capacity-building programme for innovative SMEs in enlargement countries, and EU–Africa cooperation on youth innovation and researcher development. Bringing together the latest policy initiatives, consultations, funding opportunities and cooperation activities, the report provides the ERA community with a concise overview of developments shaping the European research and innovation landscape.
