Opportunities for Women in Science and Innovation: the European Commission Invites Proposals
he European Commission has launched the preparation of an action plan on women’s participation in research, innovation and startups (“EU’s action plan for women in research, innovation and startups”). The objective of this plan is to ensure that by 2030 the European Union (EU) becomes the most attractive place in the world for women in these fields.
The action plan is based on the goal of strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and innovation potential by fully harnessing the diversity of talent. Although progress has been made in recent years in the area of gender equality, significant gaps remain.
In the field of education, women account for more than 60% of doctoral graduates; however, in areas such as information and communication technologies, engineering, manufacturing and construction, this share is only around 40% or less. In terms of occupations, female scientists and engineers represent 3.4% of the total workforce, compared to 5% for male scientists and engineers.
Moreover, women account for only 22% of researchers working in the EU business and enterprise sector, which employs 57% of all researchers (“She Figures 2024”). With regard to leadership positions, women remain underrepresented among heads of institutions, comprising only 26%. In the business sector, which employs more than half of all EU researchers, women make up just 22% of researchers. Only 9% of patent applications are filed by women, and female-only startup teams attract just 2% of venture capital investment.
As a result of these disparities, a significant number of specialists, ideas and innovations are ultimately lost, hindering progress in research, innovation and society, as well as reducing overall competitiveness.
The action plan is expected to propose measures aimed at:
creating a safe and inclusive research and innovation environment;
strengthening women’s career development and leadership opportunities;
reducing gender gaps in STEM fields and the innovation ecosystem;
improving data availability and the integration of the gender dimension in research.
The European Commission invites researchers, higher education and research institutions, the startup community, investors, gender equality experts and other stakeholders to submit proposals for the development of the action plan. Comments may be submitted until 23 February.
The initiative was presented in November 2024, and its adoption is planned for the second quarter of 2026.
More information about the initiative and the call for proposals is available on the European Commission’s website.