This monthly ERA Policy Overview presents key European research and innovation policy developments from September 2026, with a focus on Knowledge Valorisation, Open Science, Academic Freedom, Research Infrastructures, Innovation Ecosystems, Sustainability and Responsible AI Governance. The report highlights developments around the European Innovation Act aimed at accelerating research-to-market pathways, an expert report calling for stronger coordination of Open Access across the ERA, and recommendations to strengthen academic freedom and institutional autonomy. It also features new guidance for multidisciplinary knowledge valorisation, €411 million in funding for 73 projects covering research infrastructures, EOSC and FAIR data, and EARTO’s position on the future EU governance of technology infrastructures. Further highlights include the consultation on the EIT’s future framework, calls to keep sustainability research central to FP10, and recommendations for an infrastructure-based approach to Neuro-AI governance. Bringing together policy initiatives, strategic guidance, funding developments and expert recommendations, the report provides the ERA community with a concise overview of developments shaping the European research and innovation landscape.
