Contribution to the forthcoming EU action plan on women in R&I and startups
24 February 2026
This week, the Coimbra Group submitted its response to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the upcoming “Women in Research, Innovation and Startups – Action Plan” which adoption is planned for the second quarter of 2026.
In its input paper, the Coimbra Group stresses that women continue to face structural, cultural and institutional barriers across research, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Despite recent progress, significant gender participation gaps persist, as demonstrated by the She Figures 2024, and the underrepresentation of women continues to generate substantial institutional and societal costs.
Key recommendations to the EU and Member States
- Maintain compulsory Gender Equality Plans as a baseline requirement for institutions receiving public research and innovation funding.
- Introduce mandatory protocols against gender‑based violence, establishing the Zero Tolerance Code of Conduct as a core instrument to ensure consistent implementation across institutions.
- Provide long‑term, structural funding to support gender equality structures, gender studies, and gender‑based violence research.
- Ensure year‑round accessibility of funding calls.
- Implement training on gender bias and intersectionality for business angels as well as public and private investors.
- Strengthen positive action measures.
- Support the ongoing reform of research assessment.
The Coimbra Group, particularly though its Equality and Diversity Working Group, stands ready to support and collaborate with the European Commission in the next phases of this initiative.
Download the input paper