European Labs Chronically Underfunded, Sovereignty at Stake

Françoise Combes, chief of the French Academy, warns that European research laboratories face chronic underfunding despite AI acceleration and commercial space competition. She argues that inadequate investment threatens Europe's scientific sovereignty and competitive position globally. The interview explores how funding gaps are undermining European innovation capacity.

Byte's take

Europe's research labs are starving while competitors sprint ahead. Chronic underfunding across EU laboratories undermines scientific sovereignty just as AI and space race past, warns France's Academy chief—threatening Europe's ability to compete with US and Chinese heavyweights.