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People are pictured outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium June 14, 2017.

Research for EU and Brussels-based organisations

The challenging times Europe faces pose complex problems to policy-makers and stakeholders alike. At the same time, the trend towards austerity in all areas of public spending has brought with it a pressing need for smart governments and evidence-based policy decisions.

RAND Europe's distinctive set of research skills, multidisciplinary approach and more than 25 years of expertise in international policy analysis allows it to make efficient use of existing data and policy tools to optimise public policy planning. Our range of studies for EU institutions and other Brussels-based international organisations and foundations have included impact assessments, evaluations of institutions and policy initiatives, benchmarking exercises and foresight studies.

Through our office in Brussels, RAND Europe specialises in pan-European research and is dedicated to offering an evidence base for EU decision-making. This page highlights the work we have done and are currently conducting for our clients.

Current and Completed Research

  • Graphic concept representing a security vulnerability search

    The economics of vulnerability disclosure

    19 Dec 2018

    Because economic incentives play a key role in whether users, vendors, finders and coordinators disclose hardware and software vulnerabilities once they have been discovered, governments should adopt a coordinated vulnerability disclosure policy.

  • Silhouette of helicopter with soldiers conducting rescue operation

    Exploring collaborative investment in military multirole helicopters

    07 Nov 2018

    Researchers are examining the potential value of cooperation among European Defence Agency member states developing, acquiring, operating, and supporting light-weight and medium-weight multirole helicopter programmes.

  • Dutch Army Open house / Open door Landmachtdagen 2012 in Oirschot

    Opportunities for collaborative armoured vehicle investment

    04 Sep 2018

    The European Defence Agency noticed an opportunity to align their member states' armoured vehicle fleet procurement and development programmes and plans. Researchers identified five potential collaboration models that could offer financial, operational, and strategic benefits compared to purely national efforts.

  • Manager touching AR screen interface

    Ensuring key skills and competences for defence in the governmental domain

    17 Aug 2018

    To help the EDA maintain key skills and competences across the defence sector, RAND Europe developed a taxonomy of skills in the governmental domain required for a functioning defence procurement system. The researchers also assessed the current demand and supply for those skills across Europe.

  • Engineer showing apprentice how to use drill in factory

    Building evidence on defence-related skills

    16 Jul 2018

    RAND Europe and the Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini are building the evidence base on shortages, gaps and mismatches in defence-related skills. The research aims to deliver a sectoral skills strategy that is agreed and validated by stakeholders.

  • Cyber data map of Europe

    Exploring Europe's defence capability requirements for 2035 and beyond

    06 Jul 2018

    A multi-disciplinary study on behalf of the European Defence Agency found the need for conventional weapons systems will persist and the need for cyberspace capabilities will increase. Also, more coordination of existing R&D programmes is needed across the various EDA member states.

  • Silhouette of businessman on EU-flag-painted brick wall

    Ensuring High-Quality Job Creation from EU Funding Programmes

    14 Jun 2018

    Following the 2008 global economic crisis, job creation has been a key focus of recovery. The European Parliament has commissioned RAND Europe to analyse various EU funding programmes’ potential to create high-quality jobs and identify key characteristics for job-creation success.

  • Flowers lying on the grass after a terrorist atack in London

    The cost of terrorism in Europe

    06 Jun 2018

    Terrorism is negatively associated with economic growth in Europe. Between 2004 and 2016, the 28 EU member states lost around €180 billion in GDP terms due to terrorist attacks, in addition to the human toll through loss-of-life and injuries.

  • Google's self-driving car

    Would the EU Benefit from Common Liability Rules for Autonomous Vehicles?

    20 Apr 2018

    Researchers explored the potential impacts of AVs on European car manufacturers, the insurance industry, connected industries and markets, and those who provide public provision of services and supervise compliance.

  • Robot butler leads hotel guest to room

    Game-changing technologies in European services sectors

    19 Apr 2018

    New and potentially ‘game-changing’ technologies such as advanced robotics, autonomous transport devices, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, and wearable devices, will inevitably impact the EU's services sectors. Researchers are exploring their applicability and wider socio-economic implications.

  • Border fence between USA and Mexico at El Paso/Juarez

    Challenges and Opportunities for Operationalising Border Security Research

    26 Mar 2018

    RAND Europe examined how border security research is set up, managed and operationalised in the EU, US, Canada and Australia in order to understand how these processes could be improved in the EU.

  • Hand press on free trial button on virtual screen

    'Free' trials mislead many EU consumers

    19 Mar 2018

    Labelling that includes a notice of the monthly fee to be charged after the end of a free trial can help to improve consumers' awareness of subscription traps, but many people overlook the information or are overconfident in their ability to remember to cancel.