Charter of Access for Industrial Users to Research and Technology Infrastructures

31 July 2026

On 27 July 2026, the European Commission has adopted a Charter of Access for Industrial Users to Research and Technology Infrastructures to speed up and simplify companies’ access to Europe’s world-class infrastructures.

Built around six voluntary principles, the Charter aims to improve businesses’ access to cutting edge laboratories, scientific equipment, pilot lines and other advanced facilities.

By reducing administrative, legal and information barriers, the Charter aims to help startups, scaleups and other companies access the expertise, equipment and services they need to test, validate and scale innovative products more efficiently. In doing so, it is expected to shorten time to-market, foster innovation and contribute to Europe’s competitiveness, supporting the objectives of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy and the European strategy on research and technology infrastructures. The Charter’s six key principles are designed to improve the access conditions for businesses to research and technology infrastructures:

1. Increased visibility and availability of services

2. Transparency and quality of services

3. Simplified contract and agreement procedures

4. Safe intellectual property management

5. Tailored support to companies

6. Cooperation between infrastructures and access to data