Collaborative Action coordinating and enhancing systemic, actionable and transversal Sustainability Research and Innovation

Project Information

CASRI

Grant agreement ID: 101131520

DOI

10.3030/101131520

EC signature date 16 October 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Reforming and enhancing the European R&I System

Total cost

€ 1 999 860,00

EU contribution

€ 1 999 860,00

Coordinated by

UMWELTBUNDESAMT
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CASRI (Collaborative Action coordinating and enhancing systemic, actionable and transversal Sustainability Research and Innovation)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

CASRI is a coordination and support action that strengthens the role of Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) and similar partners in the European Research Area by identifying and implementing shared priorities for environmental and sustainability research and innovation (R&I). CASRI offers a unique platform for bottom-up, co-designed agenda-setting, ensuring that research is grounded in practical knowledge and implementation needs.

Drawing on over 600 expert proposals from 14 countries and the outcomes of a major transnational stakeholder workshop, CASRI identified eight priority themes: four systemic sustainability challenges (resilient net-zero circular production systems, biodiversity and climate, sustainable urbanisation, and nature-friendly energy transition), and four cross-cutting political priorities (security, democracy, competitiveness, and digitalisation).

CASRI’s added value lies in its focus on EPAs as unique connectors between science, policy and practice. EPAs combine rigorous research with practical policy implementation. CASRI is the first Horizon Europe initiative to position these institutions as core contributors to the ERA.

The project brings together experts and innovators across Europe to tackle societal challenges, explore systemic interconnections with environmental and climate issues, and support transformative policy agendas. CASRI generates actionable, cross-cutting knowledge that informs policy-making, the economy and civil society, thereby contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national and EU levels. It promotes science-for-policy processes in line with ERA priorities.

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

CASRI mapped environment and sustainability R&I priorities across 14 European countries and regions. Expert input focused on four core themes: sustainable production, biodiversity and climate, sustainable urbanisation and energy transition. Over 600 priorities were gathered through a systematic bottom-up process.

Building on this, a transnational workshop and comparative analysis led to eight thematic clusters. In addition to refining the four core themes—linked to SDGs and Horizon Europe—CASRI highlighted four cross-cutting priorities of strategic relevance: security and resilience, democratic innovation, regulatory efficiency and competitiveness, and digitalisation and AI.

CASRI also advanced understanding of the science-policy-practice interface (SPPI) across Europe. Findings show diverse interaction modes, from information sharing to permanent advisory structures. A review paper is under preparation.

CASRI’s Co-Design Methodology sets out its “funnelling approach”, combining broad stakeholder engagement with iterative synthesis. This ensures inclusivity and actionable outcomes, aligning national diversity with transnational coherence. CASRI demonstrates the potential of sustained EPA collaboration. Through the EPA Network and IG EPAS, partners are developing a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) to align national priorities with EU goals, due in autumn 2025.

Further achievements include:
- A Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation Plan (D6.2)
- A Policy Brief summarising first results (D6.4)
- A Data Management Plan (D1.1)
- An Ethics, Gender and Diversity Plan (D1.2).

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)

Global challenges such as security threats, digital disruption, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change call for new R&I governance. CASRI shows that connected EPAs and partners can act as stabilising actors in this volatile context. Their collaboration enhances the relevance, legitimacy and uptake of R&I outcomes.

CASRI’s methods and agenda provide input for future EU Framework Programmes and national initiatives by bridging EU strategies with implementation in environment and sustainability.

CASRI is supported by strong national commitments and the EPA Network’s IG EPAS. Still, shifting priorities and reduced R&I focus on sustainability threaten long-term continuity. Guided by Green Deal objectives and bottom-up identified needs, CASRI seeks to maintain consistency and engagement. The next phase will focus on liaising with ERA partners, exploring access to finance, and preparing institutionalisation of the EPA network beyond CSA funding.

CASRI Infographic 2025