The European Commission advances action plan for women in research, innovation and start-ups

The European Commission is preparing a new action plan for women in research, innovation and start-ups, scheduled for adoption in Q2 2026, with the objective of strengthening gender equality and positioning the European Union as a leading environment for women researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs by 2030.

Despite progress to date, women remain underrepresented in key areas such as STEM fields, leadership positions, patenting activity and access to venture capital, while persistent gender gaps and issues including gender-based violence and harassment in research environments continue to limit Europe’s full talent and innovation potential.

The action plan will focus on creating safer and more inclusive research and innovation ecosystems, improving career development and working conditions, supporting women-led innovation and start-ups, and driving structural change across institutions through an intersectional approach.

A Call for Evidence is now open for feedback, inviting stakeholders to contribute to the development and refinement of the initiative. The feedback deadline is 23 February. Feedback rules can be found here.

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Action plan for women in research, innovation and startups