ESFRI Paper Concept Paper on ERICs

The European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) legal framework, adopted in 2009, facilitates the establishment and operation of multinational pan-European Research Infrastructures (RIs). Since 2009, the ERIC framework has been successfully adopted by many RIs. Nonetheless, there are some challenges that may prevent the ERIC legal framework to reach its full potential. The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) has convened an "ad-hoc" ESFRI Reflection Group (RG) to review and propose enhancements to the ERIC framework, with the aim of addressing these challenges. This report focuses on strategic (long-term, including those requiring significant legal alterations) and operational (more feasible without any/or extensive legislative changes) recommendations, developed by the RG. The report and its recommendations are addressed to the MS/AC, the EC, and the ERICs. Implementation of the proposed measures, as appropriate, will rest with the competent stakeholders according to their respective mandates. The RG proposes recommendations in three primary areas: Integration of ERIC Elements: Focusing on personnel mobility, national node integration, and legal harmonization to support ERICs' operational effectiveness. Relationships with stakeholders: Tighter coordination with private and non-academic public stakeholders and academia, emphasizing synergy with emerging entities like European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs) and Technology Infrastructures (TIs), and enhancing international collaboration. Ensuring sustainability of ERICs: Prioritization of financial sustainability to guarantee long-term planning, (technology) upgrades, and strategic expansion of ERICs.