The Insider
The Insider is a podcast dedicated to EU research and innovation policy. Host Ricardo Miguéis explores relevant discussions and debates in R&I governance, funding dynamics, and public policy. Episodes come in two formats: The Insider Analysis offers deep dives into single topics, while The Insider Interview features conversations with guests on specific policies, papers, and books. The show aims to help researchers, innovators, policy-makers, and others understand the systems shaping EU science and technology policy.
Episódios
Applied Sciences at the Crossroads: Polytechnics, Place-Based Innovation, and Europe's Competitiveness Future
The Insider, Season 2, Episode 9
“Applied Sciences at the Crossroads: Polytechnics, Place-Based Innovation, and Europe's Competitiveness Future”
Europe is entering a new phase in how it thinks about research, innovation and competitiveness.
New instruments are being designed, new priorities are emerging, and the pressure to deliver impact is stronger than ever.
But, as these discussions u
From Wall Street to Science|Business: Richard Hudson on the Past, Present and Future of R&I
The Insider, Season 2, Episode 8
“From Wall Street to Science|Business: Richard Hudson on the Past, Present and Future of R&I”
Research and innovation policy rarely develops in isolation. It evolves alongside markets, institutions, and the broader geopolitical environment shaping how knowledge, technology and investment move across borders.
In this episode of The Insider,, host Ricardo
The Legal Argument Brussels Doesn't Want to Hear!
The Insider, Season 2, Episode 7
"The Legal Argument Brussels Doesn't Want to Hear"
Europe is redesigning its research and innovation architecture. FP10, the European Competitiveness Fund, defence research, dual use, competitiveness and security are all being pulled into the same conversation, and often treated as if the only question is how fast we can move.
But there is a more fundamenta
Partnerships in the Age of Strategic Autonomy
The Insider, Season 2, Episode 6
“Partnerships in the Age of Strategic Autonomy”
Europe’s research and innovation system relies heavily on partnerships, but how well do we understand the machinery behind them? And what will it take for these partnerships to deliver the kind of strategic outcomes Europe now expects?
In this episode of The Insider, Ricardo Miguéis sits down with Niklas Blomb
Building the R&I Agency of the Future
The Insider, Season 2, Episode 5
“Building the R&I Agency of the Future”
Europe is not short on ideas. Over the past decades, it has built world-class universities, produced exceptional science, and developed some of the most advanced policy frameworks in the world.
Yet when it comes to turning knowledge into strategic technologies, industrial strength and long-term innovation capacit
A 2026 Deep Dive with Muriel Attané
The Insider, Season 2, Episode 4
“A 2026 Deep Dive with Muriel Attané”
Europe enters 2026 with a strong inheritance in research and innovation. Well-established frameworks, mature institutions, and a long-standing reputation for scientific excellence continue to underpin its global position. But the year ahead will test something more demanding: Europe’s ability to act strategically in a co
Beautiful Frameworks, Precarious Reality: How Europe Designs Research Careers
The Insider, Season 2, Episode 3
“Beautiful Frameworks, Precarious Reality: How Europe Designs Research Careers”
Europe has spent years refining its approach to research careers. New frameworks, recommendations and initiatives now promise sustainability, fairness and better working conditions for researchers across the European Research Area.
And yet, for many people working inside the sys
European Innovation Scoreboard 2025 Explained: Bridging Data and Policy with Alasdair Reid
The Insider - Season 2, Episode 2
"European Innovation Scoreboard 2025 Explained: Bridging Data and Policy with Alasdair Reid"
Season 2 continues with a topic that sits right at the crossroads of evidence and strategy in European research: the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) 2025. We talk a lot about innovation in Europe — but do we really understand the numbers we rely on to judge
Progress Reimagined: Putting Societies at the Heart of European Research
The Insider Podcast - Season 2, Episode 1
"Progress Reimagined: Putting Societies at the Heart of European Research"
We’re back!
Season 2 of The Insider opens with a big question – maybe THE question – for European research right now: What happens when society becomes an afterthought in how we fund and govern science? And what would it take to put people back at the centre of the picture
Webinar: Understanding FP10 & the European Competitiveness Fund
The Insider – Season 2, Episode 0
Season 2 of The Insider starts with a special Episode 0 – a pre-launch recorded live during an internal INESC webinar in October: “Understanding FP10 & the European Competitiveness Fund: Strategic implications for INESC.”
In this episode, host Ricardo Miguéis talks with Carla Matias dos Santos, Research and Space Counsellor at the Permanent Representati
Bridging Science, Security and Sovereignty: The Role of Technical Universities in Europe’s Defence Future
In this episode, Ricardo Migueis speaks with Matthias Björnmalm, Secretary General of CESAR, about the shifting role of European universities in a time when science, sovereignty, and security are increasingly intertwined. Matthias reflects on his international journey through different research environments and how those experiences have shaped his views on collaboration, responsibility, and
Rethinking Widening - Eszter Lakos
In this episode, Ricardo Migueis sits with Eszter Lakos, a member of the European Parliament, to explore the concept of widening in European research and innovation.
They discuss the importance of leadership, trust, and cultural shifts in fostering collaboration across Europe. Eszter shares her personal journey and insights into the challenges and successes of widening initiatives, emphasizi
We All Are System Builders
In this episode of The Insider, Ricardo Migueis discusses the evolving role of research performing organizations in Europe, emphasizing the need for systemic thinking in research and innovation policy. He introduces the concept of the 'Fraunhofer moment' to illustrate how these organizations are becoming strategic actors in shaping Europe's future.
Ricardo highlights the importance of build
Rethinking RTIs – Building the Framework Conditions Europe Needs
How can Europe’s Research & Technology Infrastructures (RTIs) create real impact, beyond research labs and into industrial resilience, digital transformation, and societal well-being?
In this episode of The Insider, host Ricardo Migueis discusses the key takeaways from the HUB Winter Meeting in Porto, where experts examined one of the biggest gaps in EU innovation policy: the missing fra
How Governance and Partnerships Propel Research? ～José Manuel Mendonça Part 3
This conversation explores the evolution of INESC TEC, a pioneering institution in Portugal that transformed from a national entity to a global leader in research and innovation.
Professor José Manuel Mendonça discusses the challenges and decisions that shaped INESC TEC's trajectory, including its governance structure, collaboration with the University of Porto, the impact of structural fund
Will FP10 Survive the Shift to a Competitiveness Fund? Featuring Kurt Deketelaere
Welcome to The Insider, the podcast where we dissect the most pressing debates shaping Europe’s research and innovation future. And today, we go straight to the heart of one of the most defining battles in EU policymaking: Will we still have an independent, standalone Framework Programme 10? Will European research and innovation remain a driving force for competitiveness and discovery—or will
ERA Hubs: The Missing Link for a More Integrated R&I Ecosystem, with Francesco Molinari
In this episode, Ricardo Migueis interviews Francesco Molinari, a prominent figure in European research and innovation.
They discuss Molinari's extensive career, the concept of EraHubs, and the challenges facing European innovation ecosystems.
The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, knowledge valorization, and the need for a cultural shift in public administration to fo
Strategic Compass: Who's Rewriting the Rules of European Research and Innovation?
Has Europe's approach to innovation shifted? This episode of "The Insider" examines the European Commission's Competitiveness Compass, a strategic initiative that aims to redefine how research and innovation are funded across Europe.
The Competitiveness Compass introduces changes that align research funding more closely with economic and industrial objectives. This shift has sparked extensiv
Can Regions Save European Research & Innovation? - Part II with Pirita Lindholm
In this second part of this conversation, Ricardo Migueis and Pirita Linholm delve into the critical role of regions in shaping Europe's research and innovation landscape.
They discuss the importance of innovation ecosystems, the challenges of fragmentation, and the need for interregional collaboration to address the innovation divide.
The conversation highlights the significance of inclu
Trump 2.0: What’s at Stake for Portugal’s Partnerships with CMU, MIT, and UT Austin?
This is the Insider's Original Solo Episode with Ricardo Migueis. Where he explores the transformative impact of Portugal's partnerships with leading academic institutions like Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and UT Austin.
It evaluates the achievements, challenges, and future potential of these collaborations in reshaping Portugal's scientific and innovation landscape.
The discussion emphasizes the
Risk. Responsibility. Research. How INESC TEC Got It Right – with José Manuel Mendonça
This is the second part of the series with with José Manuel Mendonça. It explores the unique governance model of INESC TEC, its evolution in relation to industry collaboration, the role of academia in research institutes, and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in research.
José Mendonça shares insights on how INESC TEC was established to bridge the gap between academia and indust
Bridging Worlds: José Manuel Mendonça on Leadership, Innovation, and Portugal’s R&I Transformation
In this insightful conversation, Professor José Manuel Mendonça shares his journey from a young engineer in post-revolution Portugal to becoming a prominent figure in research and innovation.
He reflects on the challenges faced during his education, the cultural shocks experienced while studying abroad, and the lessons learned from martial arts that shaped his approach to leadership and res
Europe’s Research and Innovation Future: Lessons from 2024 and Vision for 2025
In this final episode of the Insider podcast for 2024, Ricardo Migueis reflects on the transformative forces shaping European research and innovation, focusing on the evolution of research infrastructures, the critical role of technology infrastructures, and the impact of AI.
He discusses the need for alignment with European policy priorities, the ethical dimensions of AI, and the importanc
Can Regions Save European Research & Innovation?
In this episode of the Insider Podcast, Ricardo Migueis and Pirita Lindholm discuss the critical role of regions in shaping European research and innovation. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the innovation landscape, emphasizing the importance of place-based approaches and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The conversation highlights the mission of ARIN, the signif
Defending Europe: Cybersecurity Challenges, AI Threats, and the Future of Digital Sovereignty
The Cyber Frontier: Europe’s Digital Defense in Action
In this episode, we look into the high-stakes world of cybersecurity in Europe, where every click matters and every byte counts. From the escalating sophistication of ransomware to the invisible power of social engineering, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the challenges reshaping Europe’s digital future.
Here’s the big pictu
What Trump 2.0 means for R&I?
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Insider Roundup, where we delve into the pressing issues shaping Europe’s research and innovation landscape. Today, we tackle a timely and complex question: What would a second Trump presidency mean for European research and innovation (R&I)? As Trump returns to office, shifts in U.S. priorities are expected, potentially impacting Europe’s strategic,
Inside the EU’s Research & Innovation Engine with Carla Matias dos Santos
Ever wondered how European research and innovation policies are shaped from within? This episode of The Insider brings you right to the heart of EU policy-making with Carla Matias dos Santos, Research and Space Councillor at the Permanent Representation of Portugal to the EU in Brussels.
Carla is not only an expert in her field but also a key player in representing Portugal's priorities in s
Inside the EU R&I Energy Transition
In this episode, Ricardo Migueis discusses the implications of FP10, the EU's framework for research and innovation. He highlights the importance of balancing excellence with regional inclusivity in funding, the potential of a trust-first model for project evaluation, and the need for national contributions to meet EU budget targets. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of regional v
Navigating the Journey to ERC Success
In this episode, we sit down with Professor Marco Piccardo, the first INESC researcher to win an ERC grant while at INESC, marking a major milestone in his professional journey. Marco shares the fascinating intersection between creativity and scientific research, drawing from his groundbreaking ERC grant-winning project, MetaPOWER. He offers a rare glimpse into the unpredictable nature of ide
Funding Cuts and the Fight for FP10
This episode covers the pressing issues surrounding EU research and innovation funding, highlighting the uncertainty in the funding landscape, the impact of proposed budget cuts, and the critical role of initiatives like the Marie Curie Actions. It also explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in various sectors and emphasizes the urgent need for increased investment in
The Next Horizon: Key Debates on FP10
In this episode we talked about the future of European research and innovation through the lens of the upcoming Framework Program, FP10. This podcast is not just about policies; it's about how strategic funding, collaboration, and academic freedom will drive Europe’s global leadership in science and technology.
We've three experts deeply involved in shaping the research landscape:
Silvia Go
40 Years of EU Research Funding: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
In this episode of the Insider Roundup, we explore the groundbreaking strides being made in European research and innovation, from advancements in quantum computing and cybersecurity to the ongoing push for diversity in science.
As Europe navigates global competition and seeks transformative change, we examine the challenges and opportunities at hand. This Roundup reflects on 40 years of E
How Research and Technology Infrastructures give SMEs a winning edge
In this episode, we discovered the pivotal role of Research and Technology Infrastructures (RTIs) play in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Our esteemed guests Claudia Pfander from Euro-BioImaging, Ed Mitchell from ESRF, Andrew Smith from Elixir, and Nuria Valls Vidal from ALBA Synchrotron, share fascinating insights into how their organizations contribute to advancing re
Shaping European Competitiveness Through Strategic Investments in Research and Innovation
In this episode of The Insider Roundup, Ricardo explores the developments of the past 2 weeks shaping European research and innovation. We dive into the newly published Draghi report on European competitiveness, discussing its implications for technological sovereignty and industrial strategy as well as how we see it from the point of view of INESC TEC position paper on FP10. We also examine
The EU's Bold Move in Cloud Computing: What You Need to Know about the New IPCEI Cloud
In this episode of The Insider, we explore one of Europe’s most ambitious digital initiatives, the EU’s "Important Project of Common European Interest" (IPCEI-CIS) for cloud and edge computing. This project is reshaping the future of digital infrastructure across the continent, advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty, and redefining the cloud computing landscape. Joining us is Dr. Alberto Mart
Research, Freedom and the Common Good
Brussels reawakens from its summer pause, we’re diving into the critical updates that will shape the future of EU Research and Innovation.
In this episode of The Insider Roundup:
🔍Editorial Insight: Inês Lynce reflects on the delicate balance between scientific freedom and the agendas driving our research. Can we reconcile our intellectual passions with the broader societal goals? Her th
From AI Factories to China's Science Ambitions: De-Risking not Decoupling?
In the most recent episode of The Insider Roundup, we covered the significant developments shaping the future of global research and innovation, with a particular focus on the evolving dynamics between Europe and China.
As China continues its rapid ascent in the scientific world, we examine the implications for international collaboration, the potential risks of isolationism, and the critica
The Insider on FP10 – A conversation with Tadas Tumènas
This week, as holidays are approaching and The Insider will go on holiday, we will skip the round-up and share an engaging episode as we sit down with Tadas Tumènas, Head of the Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office LINO and Lecturer in Innovation Policy and Management at Mykolas Romeris University. With a rich background in EU Science, Technology, and Innovation policy, Tadas shares his journey from
The Insider Roundup: Unmasking the Future of EU Research
Introduction:
Welcome to the first episode of 'The Insider Roundup.'Hosted by: [Your Name]This podcast brings you the latest buzz from LinkedIn and other social networks within the EU Research and Innovation community.
Segment 1: Election of Ursula von der Leyen and Political Guidelines for R&I:
Ursula von der Leyen:
Post: "5 more years. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for
