Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme, introduces several key novelties that will significantly impact applicants. Understanding these changes and their implications is crucial for organisations seeking funding opportunities within the programme. In this article, we explore the key novelties of Horizon Europe and their implications for prospective applicants.
Introduction to Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe, the successor to Horizon 2020, is the largest European Union research and innovation programme with a budget of over €95 billion. Launched in 2021, Horizon Europe aims to drive scientific excellence, foster innovation, and address societal challenges. The programme supports a wide range of research and innovation activities across various sectors, including health, digitalisation, climate change, and sustainable development.
Key Novelties of Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe introduces several key novelties compared to its predecessor, Horizon 2020. These include:
– Missions
One of the most significant novelties of Horizon Europe is the introduction of missions – ambitious, goal-oriented initiatives aimed at tackling major societal challenges. Each mission focuses on a specific problem, such as cancer, climate change, or clean energy, and mobilises resources and expertise to achieve measurable impacts within a defined timeframe. Mission-oriented research and innovation provide a new approach to addressing complex societal issues and driving transformative change.
– Clusters
Horizon Europe organises its funding priorities into thematic clusters, which bring together related research and innovation activities. Clusters encompass a wide range of topics, including health, digitalisation, climate, energy, and mobility. By grouping activities into clusters, Horizon Europe aims to foster synergies, enhance collaboration, and streamline funding processes. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the priorities of relevant clusters to increase their chances of success.
– Focus on Impact
Horizon Europe places a stronger emphasis on achieving measurable impacts and societal relevance. Applicants are required to demonstrate the potential impact of their projects in terms of scientific excellence, innovation capacity, and societal benefits. Proposals should articulate clear objectives, outcomes, and pathways to impact, including dissemination and exploitation strategies. Evaluators assess proposals based on their potential to generate tangible results and contribute to addressing societal challenges.
– Simplified Grant Agreements
Horizon Europe introduces simplified grant agreements to streamline administrative procedures and reduce bureaucracy. The new grant agreements aim to make it easier for applicants to access funding, manage projects, and comply with reporting requirements. Simplified procedures include shorter turnaround times for grant agreements, simplified cost categories, and reduced administrative burden. These changes are designed to make participation in Horizon Europe more attractive and accessible to a broader range of stakeholders.
Implications for Applicants
The key novelties of Horizon Europe have several implications for prospective applicants:
– Strategic Alignment
Applicants must align their proposals with the priorities of Horizon Europe, including missions, clusters, and thematic areas. Strategic alignment increases the relevance and competitiveness of proposals and enhances their chances of success. Organisations should carefully assess the funding priorities and strategic objectives of Horizon Europe and tailor their proposals accordingly.
– Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Horizon Europe encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships to address complex societal challenges effectively. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with stakeholders from different disciplines, sectors, and countries to leverage complementary expertise and resources. Interdisciplinary projects are better positioned to achieve transformative impacts and address the multifaceted nature of global challenges.
– Impact Orientation
Applicants must demonstrate the potential impact of their projects in terms of scientific excellence, innovation, and societal relevance. Proposals should clearly articulate the expected outcomes, beneficiaries, and pathways to impact, including dissemination and exploitation strategies. Emphasising impact orientation enhances the credibility and competitiveness of proposals and increases their chances of success in Horizon Europe.
– Efficient Project Management
Horizon Europe introduces simplified grant agreements and administrative procedures to streamline project management and reduce bureaucracy. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the new rules and requirements to ensure efficient project implementation and compliance. Effective project management practices, including budget planning, reporting, and monitoring, are essential for maximising the impact and success of Horizon Europe projects.
In brief, Horizon Europe introduces several key novelties that have significant implications for prospective applicants. Understanding these changes and their implications is crucial for organisations seeking funding opportunities within the programme. By aligning their proposals with the priorities of Horizon Europe, embracing interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating impact orientation, and adopting efficient project management practices, applicants can enhance their competitiveness and maximise their chances of success in Horizon Europe.
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