Enrico Letta’s report, “Much More Than a Market,” emphasizes the importance of strengthening the Single Market to pave the way for a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens. To achieve this, Letta introduces a novel concept – the fifth freedom. This fifth freedom complements the existing quartet of freedoms (free movement of people, goods, services, and capital) and advocates for including research, innovation, competencies, and education within the Single Market framework. According to Letta, it’s about nurturing an ecosystem where the diffusion of knowledge fuels economic vitality, societal progress, and cultural enlightenment.
At ANE, we represent over 500,000 STEM professionals in the region. We’re elevating the importance of innovation and STEM competencies on the EU political agenda. STEM professionals are the catalysts of innovation and competitiveness. Hence, Letta’s proposal is not only timely but also essential. So, let’s delve into why we’re wholeheartedly embracing the concept of the Fifth Freedom:
Innovation and Competitiveness
By investing in human capital, skills enhancement, including STEM competencies, and lifelong learning, the EU can cultivate a workforce armed with the necessary skills and competencies to excel in a swiftly evolving global economy. Moreover, it will enable an open exchange of knowledge, ideas, and technologies across diverse disciplines, sectors, and borders, thereby accelerating innovation within the Single Market and securing the EU’s competitive edge.
The Green Transition
The EU can encourage the development and adoption of environmentally friendly solutions by prioritizing research and innovation in green technologies. Concurrently, the EU can stimulate the creation of products tailored for a circular economy. This involves advocating for eco-design principles, extending product lifecycles, enhancing resource efficiency, and investing in STEM competencies, as drivers of circular solutions.
Recruitment and Retainment
By bolstering research infrastructures, promoting scientific excellence, and nurturing a collaborative research environment, the EU can establish itself as a global frontrunner in research and innovation. This fosters an environment that attracts and retains top-tier talent, researchers, and innovators worldwide, helping to address talent shortages in numerous fields, including STEM.
Ethical Standards and Transparency
The Fifth Freedom places a strong emphasis on the necessity of ethical standards, transparency, and regulatory compliance in the realm of research and innovation. It promotes the cultivation of trust in new technologies and the pursuit of excellence while aligning with European principles like human rights, privacy, and democracy. Professionals in STEM fields bear a professional obligation, and their expertise can be utilized to give the EU a competitive edge in responsible research and technology development against other global players.
Call for Collective Action
The necessity for the Fifth Freedom is undeniable. However, without dedication and execution, it will merely remain an attractive slogan. That’s why in ANE we are pleased to see a tangible proposal in the report for the forthcoming European Commission to table a thorough and ambitious action plan to realize the Fifth Freedom.
While education falls under national competence, it’s clear that we need a collective effort to elevate the importance of innovation, education, and skills on the political agenda. This includes the introduction of solid indicators and monitoring mechanisms. We’re delighted to see these suggestions incorporated into the report. But this isn’t just about education. It’s about understanding the intricate interplay and mutual dependence of various policies, and the Fifth Freedom proposal provides an excellent response to this complexity.
Download the full report here: much-more-than-a-market-report-by-Enrico-letta.pdf (Europa.eu)
See our position paper, discussed with Mr. Letta in Copenhagen on 21st February.