Launch of the Research and Innovation Careers Observatory

The European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with support from the Horizon Europe programme, have officially launched the Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO). This initiative aims to provide reliable data on research and innovation careers in EU and OECD countries.

Developing attractive and sustainable careers for researchers and innovators is a key to enhancing Europe’s competitiveness and retaining talent. ReICO will empower policymakers, researchers, and organizations to make informed decisions by offering valuable insights into career paths. Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, remarked:

„Europe must attract and retain research talent to secure its future prosperity and competitiveness. Sound policies to achieve this goal must be based on reliable data. The Research and Innovation Careers Observatory will help fill the data gaps on research careers in Europe, providing crucial information for policymakers, researchers, and their organizations. It represents a crucial step forward in strengthening research careers in the European Research Area.“

ReICO will draw on the expertise of the OECD to deliver data and insights on key issues such as researcher job security, skills development, and mobility. The first data set is expected in the first half of 2025, with updates on an annual basis. This initiative will benefit the broader research and innovation community, offering essential tools for career development.

The launch of ReICO follows the EU Council’s 2021 recommendations to enhance research careers and conditions in the European Research Area. The observatory’s data will be accessible through the ERA Talent Platform, with continuous updates provided annually.

For more information, visit: Research and Innovation Careers Observatory.