Gradovi i regije žele biti u potpunosti uključeni u upravljanje europskim istraživačkim i inovacijskim politikama i njihovu provedbu. Uspostava centara europskog istraživačkog prostora (EIP) može biti ključan instrument za postizanje ciljeva Europske unije u području ekološke, digitalne, socijalne i gospodarske tranzicije, naglašava Europski odbor regija (OR) u mišljenju koje je pripremio Christophe Clergeau (FR/PES), član Regionalnog vijeća Regije Pays-de-la-Loire.

At its first plenary of 2021, the European Committee of the Regions will discuss with Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge​​, Regional Director for Europe of the World Health Organization, the progress and challenges of the vaccination campaign against Covid-19 and the potential role that regions and cities should play. At the same occasion, Ana Paula Zacarias, Secretary of State for European Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, will present her country's priorities for its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. Local leaders will also discuss with European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira the priorities of the new cohesion policy and the economic recovery plans. The presence of European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel will offer the opportunity to discuss the importance and challenges of recovery of the cultural and creative sectors. Pedro Silva Pereira, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Christa Schweng, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, will discuss the European Citizens' Initiative.

Kako bi se ojačala europska baza znanja na lokalnoj i regionalnoj razini te podržao oporavak od krize koju je izazvao COVID-19, Europski odbor regija (OR) pojačat će suradnju sa službama Europske komisije u području istraživanja i inovacija, obrazovanja i kulture. Novim akcijskim planom koji su potpisale te dvije institucije nastojat će se regijama i gradovima pružati najnovije podatke i znanje te im pomoći u prevladavanju inovacijskog jaza i odljeva mozgova, uklanjanju nejednakosti u obrazovanju i ostvarivanju političkih prioriteta EU-a, kao što je zeleni plan.

Members of the European Committee of the Regions have welcomed the European Commission's increased focus on regional and local innovation ecosystems. On 30 September, the Commission published a c ommunication on a new European Research Area for Research and Innovation . It promises strategic and coordinated support to regions and cities, building on successful initiatives such as the Knowledge Exchange Platform and Science meets Regions, which will be upgraded to a strategic level.