DeepTechSeeds Contributes to the ERA Cluster Event on Sustainable Research Careers
Brussels, September 2026 – The DeepTechSeeds consortium participated in the European Research Executive Agency (REA) Cluster Event, bringing together Horizon Europe Talent Ecosystem projects, policy makers, researchers, and innovation stakeholders to discuss the future of attractive and sustainable research careers across the European Research Area (ERA).
A central highlight of the event was the presentation and discussion of the ERA White Paper: “The European Charter for Researchers in Modern Talent Ecosystems: Structural Gaps and Policy Pathways across the ERA”, a collaborative publication developed by ten Horizon Europe WIDERA Talent Ecosystem projects, including DeepTechSeeds.
The white paper brings together evidence from surveys, interviews, focus groups, institutional assessments, and policy analyses conducted across Europe, identifying persistent challenges affecting researcher careers. Key findings highlight the need for clearer career pathways, stronger institutional support structures, enhanced intersectoral mobility, improved intellectual property literacy, and broader recognition of innovation-related achievements.
DeepTechSeeds was represented during the event by the coordinator, Harilaos Koumaras, PhD (NCSR “Demokritos”) , Stefanos Plastras, and Christina Skoubridou (Envolve Entrepreneurship), who contributed to discussions on talent ecosystems, researcher career development, matchmaking activities, and innovation-oriented research pathways.
One of the key messages emerging from the event was that creating attractive research careers requires more than funding opportunities. Sustainable talent ecosystems depend on stronger connections between researchers, universities, industry, innovation intermediaries, and public authorities. This aligns closely with the objectives of DeepTechSeeds, which is developing a comprehensive ecosystem of training activities, Virtual World Cafés, Open Innovation Challenges, talent matchmaking services, and policy-oriented actions to support Early Career Researchers in Deep Tech fields.
The discussions also reinforced the importance of collaboration among Horizon Europe projects. By sharing evidence, methodologies, and good practices, Talent Ecosystem initiatives can contribute to stronger policy recommendations and more effective support mechanisms for researchers across Europe.
DeepTechSeeds remains committed to supporting the implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and contributing to a more attractive, inclusive, and innovation-driven European Research Area.
Related publication:
The European Charter for Researchers in Modern Talent Ecosystems: Structural Gaps and Policy Pathways across the ERA
Tags: ERA Cluster Event, European Research Area, Horizon Europe, DeepTechSeeds, Research Careers, Talent Ecosystems, Early Career Researchers, WIDERA, Open Innovation, Deep Tech.
