European Centre of Excellence on Inclusive Gender Equality in Research & Innovation: Creating Knowledge & Engaging in Collaborative Action

Project Information

INSPIRE

Grant agreement ID: 101058537

DOI

10.3030/101058537

EC signature date 11 May 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2026

Funded under

• Reforming and enhancing the European R&I System

Total cost

€ 4 996 761,25

EU contribution

€ 4 996 758,00

Coordinated by

FUNDACIO PER A LA UNIVERSITAT OBERTA DE CATALUNYA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - INSPIRE (European Centre of Excellence on Inclusive Gender Equality in Research & Innovation: Creating Knowledge & Engaging in Collaborative Action)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

INSPIRE aims to be Europe's sustainable Centre of Excellence, globally renowned for the quality of its research and analysis produced on inclusive gender equality in research and innovation. It brings together cutting-edge knowledge, ambitious policy approaches, and innovative practices to provide a gateway for scholars, equality experts, practitioners and trainers to connect and share resources, co-create new ones, and link strategically with public and private institutions to benefit the European Research Area. INSPIRE's ambitious research programme develops new, relevant indicators for inclusive GEP development, conducts a GEP monitoring survey throughout Europe whilst identifies key configurations of GEP success and failure. INSPIRE counts on 4 Knowledge & Support Hubs (KSHs) led by leading academics and renowned practitioners throughout Europe to develop cutting edge knowledge on sustaining change, widening participation, intersectionality and fostering innovation and change in the private sector.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The main achievements of this reporting period include carrying out the main empirical research activities which include a GEP monitoring survey, webscraping of GEPs as well as carrying out 49 case studies throughout Europe. We have carried out 35 case studies of GEP success, 10 case studies looking at traces of intersectional policies and equality, diversity and inclusion policies in research performing organisations and higher education institutions, as well as 4 case studies on research funders policies to foster inclusive gendered innovations.

Other achievements include establishing the 12 communities of practice, carrying out various knowledge exchange events and developing the various support packages and Open Training Units.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Transforming Research and Innovation Across Europe and Beyond

INSPIRE is reshaping how gender equality is understood and implemented in research and innovation (R&I). Its work is setting new standards by combining cutting-edge research, inclusive practices, and global collaboration.

Scientific Impact: Raising the Bar for Gender Equality Research

INSPIRE has developed a comprehensive research programme that:

- Introduces new indicators and tools to monitor Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) across Europe.
- Identifies key success factors for inclusive and effective GEPs.
- Bridges equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policies with innovation strategies.
- Produces high-impact publications, including:
- A forthcoming Routledge book with 10 chapters based on 14 in-depth case studies.
- Multiple peer-reviewed articles and reports.
- Over 37 publications shared on Zenodo with 4,600+ downloads.
- Two new modules added to the GEAM tool for gender equality assessment.

Economic & Technological Impact: Innovation Through Inclusion

INSPIRE shows that gender equality fuels innovation:

- It helps close innovation gaps in underrepresented (Widening) countries.
- It delivers practical tools and reports for both funders and businesses to build inclusive innovation systems.
- It collaborates with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to pilot support packages for companies.

Societal Impact: Making Research More Relevant and Inclusive

INSPIRE promotes evidence-based policymaking and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

- SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Through training, policy tools, and inclusive practices.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): By linking gender equality to industrial competitiveness.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By developing context-sensitive indicators and policies.

It also enhances public engagement by using social media, open databases, and communities of practice (CoPs) to share knowledge widely.

European and Global Reach: A Truly Inclusive Approach

INSPIRE is deepening the European Research Area (ERA) by:

- Involving partners from 11 EU Member States and Argentina, with a strong focus on Widening countries.
- Applying a decolonial approach to knowledge creation—ensuring local voices shape the agenda.
- Extending its reach to 39 countries, including Chile, Mexico, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, and Tunisia.

In Summary

INSPIRE is not just advancing gender equality in research—it's redefining how inclusive, impactful, and globally connected science can be. Its work is a blueprint for how to align research with societal values, close innovation gaps, and build a more equitable future.