The European Commission set up a High Level Group on maximising the impact of EU Research and Innovation programmes as part of the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 (Commission Decision of 21 September 2016). The high level group of experts advised on how to maximise the impact of the EU's investment into research and innovation. The Group was chaired by Pascal Lamy, President Emeritus of the Jacques Delors Institute. The Group's main task was to draw, within a report, strategic recommendations on maximising the impact of EU Research and Innovation programmes in the future and to formulate a vision for future EU Research and Innovation, as part of the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020. They based their work on the available Horizon 2020 interim evaluation results and other factual evidence, such as the results of the related public consultation which was open from October 2016 until January 2017.
The project aimed to provide analytical and administrative support to the Chair of the High Level Expert Group, acting on an honorary basis, including secretarial, coordination and logistical tasks as well as research support related to his work as Chair of the High Level Group for a period of 4 months, from 15 March 2017 to 14 July 2017. The support was required as the duties of the Chair demanded a considerable part of his time. The action was expected to contribute to the smooth conduct and progress of the work of the High Level Group.
Pascal Lamy is President emeritus of the Jacques Delors Institute, and his main office is based, since 2013, in its premises in Paris, including a personal assistant. The JDI team, composed of international and appropriately qualified senior researchers and advisors working in close connection with their President Emeritus on various subjects, provided analytical support for Pascal Lamy’s activities as Chair of the High Level Group.
