Despite progress in research and innovation, a significant gap persists between science-leading European countries and widening countries. This disparity limits the latter’s visibility, competitiveness, and contribution to global research efforts, hindering the transition to a regenerative economy—essential for addressing urgent environmental and societal challenges.

The CROSS-REIS project seeks to bridge this divide by fostering deeper collaboration between higher education and research institutions across nine European countries. By strengthening innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development, the project enhances the role of universities as key drivers of change. Additionally, it champions gender equality, diversity, and inclusiveness while accelerating the twin green and digital transitions, aligning with the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda.

CROSS-REIS aims to enhance research excellence and knowledge valorisation through an inclusive and geographically diverse alliance of institutions from five widening and four science-leading European countries. The project strengthens the global competitiveness of higher education institutions in widening countries by fostering collaboration with leading research institutions in the regenerative economy field. This will directly support the EU’s green and digital transitions.

To achieve this, CROSS-REIS will facilitate talent circulation through exchanges, short visits, and conference participation, fostering a diverse and inclusive research community that drives innovation. It will reinforce the role of higher education institutions within innovation ecosystems by integrating expertise and resources from leading European research-intensive institutions, creating an environment where innovative ideas can thrive. The project also promotes open knowledge and data-sharing practices, ensuring greater accessibility to research outputs.

Further, CROSS-REIS contributes to reforming research and career assessment systems, advancing transparency and fairness in the evaluation of scientific work. By strengthening connections between academia and industry, the project will provide researchers and institutions with access to networks, resources, and expertise, enabling the development of business partnerships and collaborations. Gender equality, diversity, and inclusiveness are central to its mission, ensuring equal opportunities for all researchers.

In alignment with the European Research Area Policy Agenda, CROSS-REIS accelerates society’s transition toward a green and digital future while fostering international cooperation by encouraging collaboration with third-country entities. By empowering universities as key players in research and innovation, the project strengthens cross-sectoral collaboration, enhances knowledge valorisation, and contributes to raising excellence in European science.