Cofunded by the European Union

The Water4All Partnership released the updated version of its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) in May 2026, building on the first edition published on 30 September 2022. The SRIA sets out water-related topics for which research and innovation (R&I) activities are recommended to secure water for all. This new edition identifies 31 priority topics organised around five main themes: Water-smart, circular and competitive economy; Water for ecosystems and biodiversity; Integrated water management; Water and health; and Water infrastructures. It also introduces an updated framework of key drivers and enablers, together with guiding principles to strengthen the implementation and impact of water R&I activities.

The SRIA is considered the “backbone” of the Water4All Partnership, as it defines the strategic orientations of the programme. As such, the SRIA guides partners in the preparation of annual implementation plans, the definition of joint research calls, and the analysis of thematic synergies with other European and international initiatives addressing water issues and environmental challenges.

The first SRIA, released in 2022, was the result of more than two years of work during which partners analysed strategic agendas of other water initiatives (e.g. Water JPI and other JPIs, PRIMA, EurAqua network, Water Europe) and followed a consultative approach to collect stakeholders' views on water challenges and knowledge needs. This process included consultations with advisory boards, a public consultation and targeted interviews with representatives from international organisations, water authorities, technology platforms, non-governmental organisations, funding institutions and research and innovation networks.

The updated SRIA 2026 builds on this initial work, integrating emerging water challenges, new scientific knowledge and evolving European policy priorities, particularly the European Water Resilience Strategy. Its development involved two stakeholder consultative workshops (Helsinki and Lisbon), a public consultation, a foresight exercise, expert consultations and an extensive review of scientific literature and strategic documents.

The 2026 SRIA introduces a strengthened strategic framework reflecting the main environmental, societal and economic drivers shaping water challenges, including climate change, human and environmental health, conflicts, population dynamics, and food and energy security. It also identifies key enablers for developing and implementing solutions, notably digital transformation, research infrastructures and Water-oriented Living Labs, responsible research and innovation, and public awareness and engagement.

Beyond defining 31 priority R&I topics across five themes, the updated SRIA establishes guiding principles to promote implementation-oriented research, alignment with policy priorities, fair and inclusive transitions, the use of research infrastructures and living labs, open science, stakeholder engagement and the long-term impact of research results.

Together, these developments reinforce the role of the SRIA as a strategic reference for Water4All and the wider water R&I community, supporting the development of scientific knowledge, innovative solutions and evidence-based policies to strengthen water security and resilience in Europe and beyond.

Attachement

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.