Europe’s global competitiveness will depend on one key question: can we turn scientific excellence into economic impact?

From the perspective of HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network, the biggest challenge is not generating world-class science. It is closing the gap between discovery and market application, the critical stage where many innovations are lost before reaching industry or investors. Our strategy is to actively bridge this gap by strengthening technology transfer, building investment-ready research portfolios, and expanding our innovation ecosystem through HUNRENTECH.

Widening countries should not be viewed as catching up, but as regions with significant untapped growth potential. With the right policy incentives, stronger regional cooperation and a sharper focus on knowledge utilisation, Europe can unlock enormous value from its research excellence.

For me, the mission is clear: scientific breakthroughs must not stop at publications they must become technologies, companies and solutions that shape our economy and society.

Many thanks to Science Business for organising an excellent conference and for addressing truly important questions for the future of European research and innovation.