How research partnerships under the MSCA are driving innovation [Sponsored]
Companies that receive funding from the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) can take part in initiatives that have a major impact on innovation – in some instances securing nearly one patent pe...
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European research funding program MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) is driving innovation through strategic research partnerships. Since 1996, MSCA has funded over 150,000 researchers across doctoral training networks, postdoctoral fellowships, and staff exchange programmes. Notably, over 4,300 businesses, including more than 2,200 SMEs, have participated in MSCA projects since 2021, representing nearly half of all participating organisations.
SMEs collaborate with universities and research institutes through MSCA actions, gaining access to specialised expertise and advanced technologies while building team skills. MSCA Doctoral Networks connect universities, research organisations, and businesses to tackle real-world innovation challenges, with some projects generating nearly one patent per funded project.
Staff exchanges enable researchers to work across sectors and countries, fostering expertise exchange and long-term partnerships. Additionally, COFUND reduces costs by enabling research-performing organisations to recruit and train researchers through co-funded doctoral and postdoctoral programmes. Recent projects like EMPOWER COFUND and the Choose Europe for Science pilot further expand opportunities for organisations to recruit and retain outstanding researchers through longer-term positions.
The program's emphasis on cross-sector collaboration has enabled researchers to build successful innovation-driven companies. For instance, MSCA alumna Michela Puddu, co-founder of Haelixa, won the European Prize for Women Innovators in 2019 for her intelligent DNA-based tracing solutions. Other MSCA alumni, such as Maria Fátima Lucas and Rana Sanyal, have also achieved international acclaim and success in biotechnology.
As the MSCA celebrates its 30th anniversary, its role in translating research into innovation and providing international talent and long-term research partnerships is expected to grow, strengthening Europe's innovation ecosystem.
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