European strategy on research and technology infrastructures must promote an interoperable European infrastructure ecosystem
CSC welcomes the European strategy on research and technology infrastructures, recognising its important role in providing a long-term framework for developing and coordinating these strategic capacities.
Digital infrastructures are key enablers for breakthroughs in research and innovation across disciplines and sectors, providing a shared foundation for researchers and innovators to exchange data, methods, and expertise. Moreover, they are indispensable for developing and applying new technologies, building Europe’s own technological capacity. However, fragmentation across the infrastructure landscape limits their full potential as a unified driver for European competitiveness.
The strategy must prioritise a comprehensive and interoperable infrastructure ecosystem supported by long-term investments in publicly owned world-class digital infrastructures. EuroHPC exemplifies this strategic approach through its efforts in pooling resources to develop horisontal infrastructures including high-performance computing, AI, quantum computing, data, and connectivity, and such efforts should be reinforced through the strategy.
Data is the key ingredient of disruptive research and innovation. A central challenge for Europe is to fully leverage its own data assets, ensuring their ownership and security, as a key part of technological sovereignty and reducing dependencies. The strategy should scale up the efforts in federating existing data infrastructure such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), the common European data spaces, the Open Web Search initiative, and the upcoming AI Factory Data Labs. This must go hand in hand with investments in computing and AI capabilities.
The strategy’s proposed two-pillar approach that addresses research and technology infrastructures separately, risks overlooking the hybrid nature of many digital infrastructures. Infrastructures such as the EuroHPC supercomputers and the AI Factories combine elements of both, making strict categorisation challenging. These infrastructures are uniquely positioned to support the entire R&I continuum – from basic and applied research to innovation – while also serving the needs of companies, including startups and SMEs. CSC therefore advocates coordinated actions across both pillars, fostering an effective and interoperable European infrastructure ecosystem.
CSC welcomes efforts to position infrastructures as drivers of talent attraction and development. Leveraging state-of-the-art research and technology infrastructures like the AI Factories can attract and retain talent and boost the continent’s upskilling. Additionally, these infrastructures grow talent by offering training opportunities that enhance users’ skills in advanced technologies and methodologies. The infrastructure strategy must support these efforts and align with the Union of Skills and other digital skills programmes.
Talent development is also essential for strengthening the EU’s global leadership. CSC supports promoting research and technology infrastructures as hubs for international cooperation to effectively address global challenges and develop critical technologies. The infrastructure strategy should align with the forthcoming EU international digital strategy to ensure coherence in Europe’s global digital engagement.
One of the challenges requiring strategic European action is energy sustainability. The climate footprint of research and technology infrastructures, including data centers, is growing, driven by their massive energy demands. The strategy should promote a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency across the full life-cycle of research and technology infrastructures—from design and construction to operation and decommissioning. Encouraging the development and use of sustainability indicators can help guide progress. Operating infrastructures sustainably should be recognised as a core element of responsible research practice.
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Irina Kupiainen
Irina Kupiainen is responsible for CSC’s Public Affairs.