Cofunded by the European Union

Update -

400 attendees at the different sessions! 

Co-organised by ERA-LEARN and the EC on the theme  “20 years of European Partnerships: Reflecting on the past – shaping the future”, it brought together more than 400 representatives from EU Partnerships including Co-funded Partnerships (like Water4All), Co-programmed and Institutionalised.  

The Forum was structured into plenary and break-out discussions, where different strategic and cross-cutting issues were addressed e.g. international cooperation, strategic alignment, synergies and valorisation.  

Water4All was represented in the Forum by Ms Ariane Blum, the programme coordinator, as well as several members of Pillars A, C, D, and E (Ana Mendes, University of Evora; Pieter de Jong, Wetsus; Esther Diez, ANR).  

Partnerships: essential tools but… 

Partnerships were highlighted as critical tools for: 

  • advancing strategic autonomy,  
  • reducing research fragmentation,  
  • accelerating the transition from R&D to market-ready solutions, with over €39 billion committed, 59% from industry.  

However, a number of challenges from the partnerships were also identified such as:  

  • complex administrative processes,  
  • the need for clearer governance structures,  
  • enhanced stakeholder engagement  
  • Innovation paradox 

Focus on some recommended future directions 

Based on those challenges and the discussions with the audience, the following recommendations were made:  

  • overcome the “innovative paradox”: scientific advances should be translated into market-ready solutions 
  • strategies: better aligning EU, national, and regional strategies 
  • fostering knowledge valorisation 
  • fostering private sector connections 
  • simplifying processes 
  • enhancing synergies 
  • embedding collaboration 

These recommendations are made to ensure partnerships remain impactful and competitive globally. On this basis, the next Framework Programme should build upon the lessons learnt, prioritise impact, and continue fostering openness and participation.  

Back to back to this Forum, Water4All organised its first “Synergies Seminar”.

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December 2024

European Partnership Stakeholder Forum 2024: 20 years of European Partnerships: Reflecting on the past – Shaping the Future

ERA-LEARN and the European Commission will co-organise the third European Partnership Stakeholder Forum on 4 and 5 December 2024 in Brussels. The Partnership Stakeholder Forum “20 years of European Partnerships: Reflecting on the past – Shaping the Future” brings together the whole community of Co-funded, Co-programmed and Institutionalised Partnerships stakeholders. The Forum in 2024 will highlight the achievements of the European Partnerships, while also addressing important challenges and strategic discussions on the way to the 10th Framework Programme. Link here

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The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for seven years from 2022.

The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame. 

All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.

These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.

This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We know that we can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play and especially the scientific research community.

Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as It is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource. 

International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.

Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.