Following our insightful discussions with Commissioner Zaharieva on June 2nd, we wish to emphasize the essential role of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Europe’s innovation landscape. While startups and scale-ups are vital in bringing technological advancements to the market, UAS uniquely contribute by bridging the innovation gap—advancing low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) research into high societal readiness and practical application.
Through deeply embedded ecosystem partnerships, multidisciplinary approaches, and targeted impact pathways, UAS deliver highly accessible innovation, connecting research to SMEs, local industries, and government entities. Our research does not stop at proof-of-concept—it translates knowledge into operational solutions, ensuring Technology Readiness meets Social Readiness. With our integrated linkages between research and education, we also equip professionals with future-proof skills, strengthening Europe’s socio-economic resilience.
We strongly support efforts to enhance competitiveness through research and innovation programs that support development across TRL levels. However, to maximize the effectiveness of our contributions at a European scale, we urge the European Commission to design funding frameworks that incentivize real-world application and upscaling of applied research-driven innovations and help bridge Europe’s innovation gap through UAS-driven research. To this end, we propose to double the budget of FP10. Beyond adequate funding, Europe needs tailored funding rules and procedures that stimulate demand-driven applied research and prioritize direct impact.
Below, we highlight examples from Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences that showcase how our research model accelerates impact and fosters regional and European innovation, as well as funding instruments for UAS research in the Netherlands. Both are ready to scale to the European level.
I. Key Areas Where Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) Drive Competitiveness and Innovation
1. Rapid Impact
UAS operate in accelerated innovation cycles, typically achieving tangible results within 1–2 years, starting from industry-driven demand. This agility enables UAS to translate challenges into usable solutions efficiently.
Example:
At Fontys University of Applied Sciences, the Smart Mobility project rapidly developed and piloted smart traffic solutions in Eindhoven, leading to measurable improvements in urban mobility within just 18 months.
2. Multidisciplinary Approach
UAS combine science, technology, social sciences, and humanities, ensuring that innovations are not only technically sound but also socially relevant and applicable in the real world.
Example:
At The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the Centre of Expertise Mission Zero brings together IT, urban planning, municipal professionals, and students to co-create digital tools. These tools integrate data from multiple sources to provide tailored renovation advice to homeowners, accelerating the energy transition.
3. Regional Embeddedness
UAS are deeply embedded in their local regions, collaborating closely with SMEs, governments, and civil society organizations. This regional focus allows UAS to serve as local innovation hubs, while also contributing to Europe’s broader collaborative ecosystems.
Example:
Saxion University of Applied Sciences co-develops and implements regional thematic areas in close collaboration with development agencies, regional authorities, and industry partners.
4. Direct Knowledge Transfer
Unlike traditional academic research, UAS embed knowledge transfer within research cycles rather than treating it as an afterthought. Co-creation with stakeholders ensures immediate economic and social impact.
Example:
Avans University of Applied Sciences’ Learning Communities integrate applied research into continuous professional development, enabling companies to adopt circular economy practices while upskilling their workforce.
5. Talent Pipeline
UAS play a vital role in equipping Europe’s future workforce, ensuring graduates are ready to drive innovation, whether as employees, entrepreneurs, or change-makers. Also by offering programs for reskilling and upskilling of professionals.
Example:
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences’ Entrepreneurship Minor has launched over 100 student-led startups in the Zwolle region, directly contributing to local economic growth.
II. Proven UAS Instruments Ready for European Scale-Up
Dutch UAS have structured innovation ecosystems, supported by key instruments that accelerate innovation and knowledge transfer:
1. Centres of Expertis
These multidisciplinary hubs connect researchers with industry and government, fast-tracking mission-driven innovation. The Netherlands boasts 60 Centres of Expertise, samples of regional innovation-ecosystems spread-out all over the country with thousands of SME’s and other organisations involved in them.
Example 1:
The Centre of Expertise Health Innovation at HAN University of Applied Sciences unites healthcare providers, tech companies, and researchers to co-develop system-based healthcare solutions.
Example 2:
The Centre of Expertise Water Technology at HNL Stenden UAS and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences is the Dutch leading knowledge and innovation centre for applied research and product development in the field of water technology. The CEW brings together expertise from education, research, government and industry.
Example 3:
The Centre of Expertise Energy, Entrance at Hanze University of Applied Sciences accelerates the transition to clean and affordable energy provision. Researchers, students, companies, governments and civil society organisations develop and share knowledge on energy transition and strengthen the regional knowledge economy.
2. Integrated Knowledge Transfer
UAS ensure that research delivers impact throughout the process, rather than waiting for final results. UAS achieve this through a variety of applied research methods like living labs, field labs and action research where co-design and co-creation go hand in hand.
Example:
University of Applied Sciences Utrecht’s Co-Design Studio integrates SMEs in every research phase, ensuring immediate implementation of results.
3. Impact Pathways
UAS use data-driven methodologies to design applied research projects with measurable socio-economic impact. One example is jointly developed and supported by grants to be made available for all: the Key Enabling Methodologies (KEMs) – or ‘key methodologies’ – a large group of methods, strategies, processes and tools that contribute to solving societal challenges – such as the energy transition or rising sea levels
Example:
The Sustainability Innovation Pathways framework at Inholland University of Applied Sciences guides research project selection based on clear societal and economic metrics.
4. Ecosystem Orchestration
UAS go beyond traditional university-industry partnerships, actively coordinating stakeholders within open innovation models. Tools are made available.
Example:
Breda University of Applied Sciences’ Urban Living Lab facilitates quadruple helix collaboration between citizens, companies, government, and academia to co-create sustainable urban solutions.
III. Demonstrated Funding Instruments Ready for European Scale-Up
To fully harness the potential of applied research, we propose the establishment of a European Instrument or tailored funding rules for applied research functioning within regional and European ecosystems. This will strengthen applied research capacity, benefiting not only UAS but also other Higher Education Institutions across Member States as regional engines of innovation. Above all, it bridges the gap between basic research and market application leading to greater competitiveness and societal strength.In the Netherlands, Regieorgaan SIA, a division of the Dutch Science Council NWO, provides targeted support for UAS-based applied research. Its tailored governance model ensures collaboration between universities, industry representatives, and research institutes, fostering real-world impact. This has allowed for more than 3000 impact-driven research projects (RAAK).
Key Success Factors:
-
Grants supporting both early-stage research and scaling innovations to market
-
Short-term (1–2 years) low-threshold grants with minimal administration to increase SME participation
-
Mandatory SME partnerships for application-driven research
-
Student involvement at all EQF levels, integrating education and research
-
Balanced proposal evaluation, including experts from business and academia
To help bridge Europe’s innovation gap as efficiently as the in Dutch ecosystems, we strongly advocate for a dedicated and low-threshold funding for applied research to be created in FP10. This will support innovation for demand-driven applied research and real- world applications. It will promote and support regional-based innovation ecosystems of industries, knowledge institutions and government entities. This can be achieved through applying demonstrated funding instruments with tailored rules and procedures to support applied research. This requires adequate funding for, among others, UAS across Europe. We believe that doubling the budget of research and innovation in FP10, and dedicating a sizeable portion to impact driven research will be a considerable step towards closing Europe’s innovation gap.
Closing Statement
The Universities of Applied Sciences stand ready to accelerate Europe’s innovation capacity, embedding research within dynamic ecosystems to drive real economic, social, and environmental impact. We look forward to continuing discussions with the European Commission to strengthen UAS contributions to achieve the EU missions. We are keen to further contribute to your effort in detailing the R & I framework programme trusting that abovementioned proven Dutch UAS ecosystem instruments guide the way. We remain eager to further exchange knowledge and explore funding structures that ensure applied research delivers tangible results for Europe’s future.
