The new Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for Earth Observation (EO) aims to set the framework for research and innovation priorities, aligning with the Horizon Europe Work Programmes and future EU Research and Innovation frameworks and guide the evolution of the Copernicus programme for the remaining part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – running from 2021 to 2028 – and beyond (2028-2035).
Published in May 2024, it provides a major update of the roadmap developed in 2020, driven by increasing user requirements, new technologies, evolving policies in the EU and beyond, and a changing global geopolitical context. Its primary purpose is to ensure that Copernicus remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements in EO while continuing to meet the evolving needs of its users and supporting EU policy objectives.
Developed jointly by the Commission’s Directorate Generals for Defence Industry and Space, Research and Innovation, and the JRC, it provides a long-term perspective of the needs and requests collected from users, EU countries and agencies. The entities implementing the core Copernicus Services also provided their perspective, needs and considerations.
One of the SRIA’s other key goals is to “mainstream” the potential of EO solutions throughout the funding programmes, making sure that the value of EO and Copernicus-derived solutions is recognised throughout, as a crosscutting contribution to EU policy development and implementation, improving connections between the different research clusters and bridging to the next MFF.
Bringing together the research, policy and Copernicus dimensions, it explores services priorities, upstream and downstream elements, as well as horizontal elements such as AI, machine learning, digital twins, synergies, partnerships and more, that will drive the evolution of the Copernicus programme – and EO at large – in the coming years.
Our host Geoff Sawyer (EARSC Strategic Advisor and former Secretary General) will be joined by Michel Rixen (Copernicus Programme Officer, DG DEFIS, European Commission), Mark Dowell (Project Leader – Scientific and Technical Support to Copernicus & Lead – KCEO, DG JRC, European Commission) and Franz Immler (Head of the Environmental Observation Sector, DG RTD, European Commission) to explore the ins and outs of the new SRIA and key opportunities for the EO industry.
Some questions that could be addressed during this EOcafe include:
- What is a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), and what does the new EO SRIA contain?
- How did the different actors involved contribute to the SRIA (DG DEFIS, DG RTD, DG JRC) and what implications do this have?
- How are the priorities defined and what should the EO community be aware of (e.g., programme committees, national delegates, etc.)?
- What core needs and trends were identified for the evolution of Copernicus?
- What services priorities were identified for the different Copernicus services?
- How will it affect the EO sector in the coming years? What priorities should the EO services industry be aware of?
Registration: The webinar is open to all. Registration is free but compulsory.
Please note this is a virtual event!
EOcafe is part of a series of EARSC meetings that offer timely, relevant, and practical information on a broad variety of topics related to the EO sector. Join us every two weeks to discuss and network while enjoying a cup of coffee with friends.
IMPORTANT NOTES!!!
- The use of a video camera is not mandatory but is encouraged to facilitate better interaction between the attendees and the guest speaker(s).
- The EOcafe will stay open after 17:00 in case our guests want to continue the discussion.
- By registering for this event, you accept the terms and conditions (https://earsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/EARSC_Events_GDPR.pdf).
If you have any questions, and/or you want to know more about the EOcafe, and/or you want to share an idea about a future EOcafe, please contact Tanya Walker (tanya.walker@earsc.org).
