This is a hybrid event taking place in Brussels (Belgium) and online
Talent ecosystems are integrated networks of training providers and employers of researchers (academia, non-academic sectors, and businesses) from across the European Research Area (ERA).
The cluster event will showcase 10 Talent Ecosystem projects funded under Horizon Europe’s ‘Reforming and enhancing the research & innovation system’ 2024 call. At the time of the event, the projects will have completed about one year of activities.
What to expect from the event?
The event will collect first inputs and recommendations from the projects for policy purposes and enable sharing experiences and practices regarding research careers development paths, training, management of R&I career profiles, to address European labour market needs.
The discussions will be useful to inform future steps for the ERA Structural policy on strengthening research careers, as well as provide information to future applicants in view of the 2027 ERA call for proposals (HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-05-ERA-02).
Who should attend?
We invite stakeholders of the ERA Structural Policy on strengthening research careers, i.e. researchers, research organisations from private and public sector, and policy makers, such as the ERA Forum to join the discussions.
The event is organised by the European Research Executive Agency (REA), in cooperation with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), and the 10 Talent Ecosystems projects.
- research policy | knowledge economy | scientific cooperation
- Tuesday 29 September 2026, 09:00 - 17:30 (CEST)
- Brussels, Belgium
Practical information
- When
- Tuesday 29 September 2026, 09:00 - 17:30 (CEST)
- Where
- Albert Borschette conference centreRue Froissart 36, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
- Languages
- English
Description
AGENDA
09:00–09:15 I Opening and welcome(by RTD.A2 and REA.C4, European Commission)
Introduction to the event’s objectives
09:15–09:25 I Icebreaker (by the projects)
‘Talent Ecosystem’ concept and its anticipated transformational impact
09:25–09:50 I Policy framing keynote: From policy intention to portfolio expectations
Strategic orientation and future outlook of the ERA Structural Policy
By RTD.A2 and with the co-chairs of the ERA Structural Policy on Research Careers
SESSION 1 – Showcasing Progress and Synergies
09:50–11:10 I Talent Ecosystem activation – state of play (by the projects)
Sharing first results and insights after one year of implementation
Leading projects: SmartResearchers and BREATH, ECROS, SECURE2
11:10–11:30 I Coffee break
SESSION 2 – Collecting & Providing Policy Inputs
11:30–13:00 I First feedback to policy (by the projects)
Structured feedback to policy makers on strengthening research careers
Leading projects: DeepTechSeeds, ARCOE, INSIGHT, NextTechTalents
13:00–14:30 I Lunch break
SESSION 3 – Increasing Impact of Future Grants
14:30–15:30 I Informing the next generation of Talent Ecosystems (by the projects)
Inspiring future Talent Ecosystems and increasing the portfolio impact
Leading projects: CROSS and AttractAdria
With RESKILLSPAN, CareerEnhance, ERA-CAREERS
CONCLUSIONS
15:30–15:50 I Portfolio Policy Synthesis (by external experts)
Structured observations and recommendations
15:50–16:00 I Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks(by REA.C4, European Commission)
CLOSING RECEPTION
16:00–17:30 I Networking cocktail (for participants attending on-site)
