In collaboration with KnowledgeRights21, we proudly present the 5th Freedom project in our innovation lab!

🔎 In our latest Innovation Lab, philosopher Thomas Sturm explores how the 5th Freedom—the free circulation of knowledge and researchers—can become the cornerstone of a stronger, smarter, and more democratic Europe. From its philosophical roots to policy action points, he makes the case for turning this often-overlooked concept into a tangible right for scientists and societies alike.

Key quotes:
🗣️ “The 5th freedom’s central goal is to enhance the free mobility of researchers.”
🗣️ “Researchers should not perceive national borders inside the EU. EU member states must abolish unnecessary and discriminatory national rules and habits.”
🗣️ “We need freedom not just for knowledge, but for the process that generates it.”
🗣️ “Much scientific knowledge requires know-how of procedures and methods. This knowledge cannot be expressed completely by abstract rules.”
🗣️ “Science is one of the best inventions of human culture and history. It creates ever better, less biased and less parochial knowledge of nature and humankind.”

📌About Our Guest
🎙️ Thomas Sturm | ICREA & Autonomous University of Barcelona
🌐 https://www.icrea.cat
🌐 linkedin.com/in/thomas-sturm-b458a4230

Read the paper on: the 5th Freedom:

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-review/article/eus-fifth-freedom-why-and-how-to-develop-the-freedom-of-knowledge/593D3128D60C889B9C8092D6CC636123

Thomas Sturm specializes in the philosophy of rationality and science policy. His work connects foundational concepts with real-world needs—arguing that Europe’s future as a knowledge society depends on the political realization of the 5th Freedom. His recent publication in the European Review lays out a detailed roadmap for this transformation.

Our bite-sized videos bring you:

↪️ Expert predictions on the future of Europe’s competitive edge in a knowledge-driven economy.

↪️ Crucial insights on what policymakers should (1) enable—bold investments in research and innovation—and (2) avoid—barriers that limit the free movement of ideas and talent.

#5thfreedom