Introduction
In the evolving landscape of European research, disparities between countries in terms of visibility, participation, and integration into international research frameworks remain a pressing challenge. The CROSSPATHS project, funded under the Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-04), addresses this gap by implementing strategic interventions aimed at enhancing the global visibility and competitiveness of research institutions in Estonia, Poland, and Portugal. By leveraging European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) investments, CROSSPATHS creates synergies with Horizon Europe opportunities to uplift the scientific standing and collaborative capacities of its partner institutions.
Understanding the Challenge: Isolation in the Research Ecosystem
While Estonia, Poland, and Portugal have made significant strides in upgrading their agri-food research infrastructures through ERDF funding, their contributions often remain isolated from the broader European Research Area (ERA). This isolation manifests in limited participation in high-level European consortia, inadequate knowledge transfer mechanisms, and underdeveloped pathways for international collaboration. Furthermore, the lack of tailored strategies for valorising national investments in research infrastructure exacerbates the disconnect between these regions and the EU's core innovation ecosystems.
CROSSPATHS: Concept and Vision
CROSSPATHS seeks to transform the landscape by enabling a more inclusive and interconnected ERA. The project harnesses the unique scientific strengths of its partner institutions to create a cross-border research group capable of delivering integrated solutions in food technology, health effects, and the bioeconomy. These include expertise in side stream valorisation (Estonia), green extraction of plant-based bioactive compounds (Portugal), and in vivo validation of health-promoting effects (Poland). By combining these competencies, CROSSPATHS not only fosters excellence but also positions its consortium as an attractive partner for international collaborations.
Building Sequential Synergies: From ERDF to Horizon Europe
At the heart of CROSSPATHS is the ambition to establish sequential synergies between ERDF investments and Horizon Europe opportunities. This involves aligning regional research assets with EU strategic priorities and ensuring a smooth transition from infrastructure development to internationally recognised research outputs. The approach integrates institutional capacity building with targeted actions in internationalisation and human resource development.
Key to this transition is the creation of frameworks that bridge funding instruments. CROSSPATHS acts as a highway, enabling ERDF-funded laboratories and research infrastructures to contribute actively to Horizon Europe projects. Through this alignment, the project addresses systemic fragmentation and promotes a cohesive model for research valorisation and visibility.
Capacity Building and Talent Empowerment
One of the pillars of CROSSPATHS is strengthening human capital in partner institutions. The project supports researchers and staff through a structured programme of training, mentoring, and international mobility. This capacity-building dimension not only enhances the skills necessary for successful participation in competitive calls but also fosters a new generation of researchers equipped to navigate international research landscapes.
In addition, CROSSPATHS aims to increase institutional attractiveness by developing research careers and creating supportive environments for excellence. Gender equality, diversity, and inclusive research practices are central values promoted throughout the project, ensuring alignment with the EU’s wider research and innovation agenda.
Strategic Internationalisation and Network Integration
To bridge the recognition gap, CROSSPATHS places a strong emphasis on internationalisation. The project leverages the networks and expertise of Wageningen Research (Netherlands) and Innotrope (France) to establish partnerships and collaborative links beyond national borders. These partners serve as mentors and facilitators, providing guidance on proposal writing, networking, and dissemination strategies.
By fostering these transnational relationships, CROSSPATHS enhances its partners’ integration into elite research networks and increases their visibility among potential collaborators, policy-makers, and funding agencies. Participation in strategic events, joint publications, and coordinated research agendas further solidify the presence of CROSSPATHS institutions in international forums.
Creating a Shared Research Identity
One of the most transformative impacts of CROSSPATHS is the creation of a shared research identity across the three Widening countries. Through co-creation workshops, joint planning sessions, and shared strategic objectives, partner institutions build a cohesive scientific narrative that emphasises collaboration over competition.
This identity is reinforced through consistent communication efforts, both internally and externally. A common branding strategy, the development of shared dissemination materials, and coordinated stakeholder engagement activities help position CROSSPATHS as a unified and dynamic actor in the European research landscape.
Dissemination, Visibility, and Policy Impact
CROSSPATHS adopts an innovative communication strategy to maximise the visibility of its activities and outcomes. By targeting both scientific and non-scientific audiences, the project ensures broad dissemination of its results and impacts. This includes scientific publications, policy briefs, infographics, and social media campaigns.
Importantly, CROSSPATHS seeks to influence policy by showcasing successful models of synergy creation between regional and EU-level funding. It advocates for institutional reforms and policy changes that facilitate smoother integration of regional research entities into international programmes. By documenting and disseminating best practices, the project contributes to shaping future WIDERA and Horizon Europe calls.
Towards Long-Term Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of CROSSPATHS' design. The project not only focuses on short-term achievements but also lays the groundwork for long-term impact. Sustainability plans include the establishment of permanent institutional units responsible for international funding acquisition, continued collaboration beyond the project’s duration, and integration of CROSSPATHS methodologies into institutional strategies.
Moreover, CROSSPATHS explores opportunities for scaling and replication in other Widening countries. By offering a replicable model of bridging ERDF and Horizon Europe, the project has the potential to inspire similar initiatives across the EU, contributing to a more balanced and inclusive research ecosystem.
Conclusion: Empowering Excellence Through Connection
CROSSPATHS exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to overcoming systemic barriers in international research recognition. By linking regional strengths to EU-level opportunities, investing in human capital, and fostering a collaborative identity, the project creates a pathway for Widening countries to participate meaningfully in the global research community.
As the European research area continues to evolve, projects like CROSSPATHS play a crucial role in ensuring that excellence is not confined to a few geographical areas, but is nurtured and recognised across all corners of Europe. Through its strategic design and impactful execution, CROSSPATHS paves the way for a more equitable and integrated research future.
