This call addresses the EU's open strategic autonomy, emphasizing the ability to act independently in critical policy areas, spanning economic and non-economic dimensions. These include energy, research, health, technology, defence, food, and the promotion of democracy and human rights. The initiative aims to consolidate workable definitions and robust evidence to guide policymaking and assess the evolving threats, vulnerabilities, and opportunities in the geopolitical landscape. The call's framework aligns with the European Economic Security Strategy, focusing on managing economic security risks while promoting international collaboration in research and innovation.

The scope includes mapping trends, actors, and risks linked to open strategic autonomy and economic security across diverse sectors like research, innovation, and production. It also analyzes the interrelations between strategic autonomy and research security, balancing openness and necessary restrictions to ensure resilience in EU policies. Policy recommendations will highlight pathways to enhance autonomy while minimizing negative effects on the EU, its Member States, neighboring countries, and developing economies.

Proposals must assess the proportionality, costs, and benefits of policies, interlinking open science, academic freedom, and science diplomacy. The call also encourages exploring global trends and responses from key geopolitical players (e.g., USA, China) and incorporating gender-responsive approaches and ethical diplomacy.

Stakeholder engagement, participative methodologies, and leveraging EU-funded research results are integral. Cooperation with past and ongoing projects is expected, emphasizing data standards under the FAIR principle. The objective is to enhance EU resilience, competitiveness, and partnerships without promoting harmful protectionism.

Opening: 15 May 2025
Deadline(s): 16 Sep 2025