On 5th May 2026, the conference “Unlocking Europe’s Innovation Potential” took place in Brussels at the European Parliament Library. The event, co-hosted by Letizia Moratti MEP and Nicolás Pascual de La Parte MEP, and promoted by Human Technopole, brought together leading representatives from European research institutions, academia, innovation ecosystems, and policymaking.
The main objective was to explore how Europe can build stronger research and innovation ecosystems by connecting fundamental science, advanced infrastructures, healthcare, industrial development and market uptake. In fact, according to the organizers Europe knows how to produce excellent science, however the real question is how to turn that excellence into impact.
Voices and Perspectives from the Conference
The event featured a series of institutional representatives and experts, each of whom contributed to the discussion through their own intervention and perspective:
- Letizia Moratti, Member of the European Parliament
- Nicolás Pascual de La Parte, Member of the European Parliament
- Christian Ehler, EPP ITRE Coordinator
- Anna Maria Bernini, Italian Minister of University and Research
- Gianmario Verona, President of Human Technopole
- Marino Zerial, Director of Human Technopole
- Marina Brambilla, Rector of Università Statale di Milano
- Maike Sander, Vice-President of Helmholtz Research Field Health
- Anette Steenberg, CEO of Medicon Valley Alliance
Throughout the discussion, speakers reflected on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of European research and innovation. A central theme was the need to create an environment that not only retains talent in Europe but also attracts external investment to strengthen the continent’s innovation ecosystem. This requires more efficient public funding mechanisms and a strategic focus on making Europe an appealing destination for global investors.
The conversation also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration across countries and institutions, with more aligned strategic decisions to reinforce Europe’s global competitiveness. In this context, investment in research and innovation was recognised not only as a driver of scientific progress, but also as a key factor for sustainable economic growth.
Finally, the discussion underlined the need to build a truly integrated European single market for innovation, capable of fostering collaboration, scaling new technologies, and accelerating value creation across the continent, while overcoming challenges such as the fragmentation of taxation systems.
The conference offered an important moment for dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and innovation stakeholders on the future of Europe’s research and innovation landscape. By bringing together different perspectives and experiences, the discussion highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation, strategic investment, and integrated innovation ecosystems in enhancing Europe’s competitiveness and capacity to generate impact.