Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship programme for research and innovation, has a significant budget aimed at fostering scientific excellence, tackling societal challenges, and enhancing industrial competitiveness across Europe. The Horizon Europe budget is strategically allocated to support a broad array of research and innovation activities, providing substantial funding opportunities for various stakeholders, including researchers, innovators, and institutions.
Understanding Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the largest transnational programme dedicated to research and innovation, succeeding the previous Horizon 2020 programme. Launched in 2021, it is designed to drive economic growth, create jobs, and address global challenges. The programme is structured to enhance the impact of research and innovation in Europe through a strategic approach that includes three main pillars and a cross-cutting component known as “Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area”.
Pillar 1: Excellent Science
The first pillar, Excellent Science, focuses on reinforcing and extending the excellence of the Union’s science base. It supports frontier research projects defined and driven by researchers themselves through the European Research Council (ERC). The ERC funds ambitious, high-risk projects at the frontiers of knowledge. Furthermore, this pillar includes the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), which provide grants for researchers at all stages of their careers and promote international and cross-sector mobility. Additionally, funding is directed towards research infrastructures to support the creation of world-class facilities and resources.
Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
The second pillar is dedicated to addressing societal challenges and enhancing industrial competitiveness. It is divided into several clusters, each focusing on different thematic areas, such as health, culture, creativity, inclusive society, civil security, digital, industry, space, climate, energy, mobility, food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment. This pillar aims to integrate research and innovation missions to solve pressing global issues, ensuring that technological advancements benefit society at large. Collaborative projects and partnerships are encouraged to drive progress in these critical areas.
Pillar 3: Innovative Europe
Innovative Europe, the third pillar, aims to make Europe a front-runner in market-creating innovation. It primarily focuses on the European Innovation Council (EIC), which supports breakthrough innovations with the potential to create new markets. The EIC provides funding and support for start-ups and SMEs, enabling them to scale up their ideas. Additionally, this pillar includes the European Innovation Ecosystems, which aim to enhance the overall innovation landscape across Europe by promoting collaboration among regional and national innovation actors. The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) also plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and integrating the knowledge triangle of education, research, and innovation.
Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area
Apart from the three pillars, Horizon Europe includes a cross-cutting component dedicated to widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (ERA). This part of the programme aims to support low R&I performing countries in building up their capacities and joining mainstream collaborative activities. It seeks to reduce disparities and ensure that the benefits of Horizon Europe are accessible to a broader range of participants. Measures include spreading excellence and widening participation through various initiatives and funding mechanisms.
Budget Allocation and Funding Instruments
The Horizon Europe budget for the 2021-2027 period is set at approximately €95.5 billion, making it one of the most significant investments in research and innovation globally. This budget is allocated across the different pillars and components to maximise impact and foster inclusive growth. The funding is distributed through grants, prizes, procurement, and financial instruments such as loans and equity investments. Each funding mechanism is designed to support different types of activities, from early-stage research to market deployment of innovations.
How to Access Horizon Europe Funding
Accessing funding from Horizon Europe involves a competitive process. Calls for proposals are published on the Funding and Tenders Portal of the European Commission. Applicants need to submit detailed proposals that are evaluated based on criteria such as excellence, impact, and quality of implementation. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that only the best projects receive funding. Participation is open to a wide range of entities, including universities, research organisations, businesses, and non-profit entities. International cooperation is also encouraged, allowing entities outside the EU to participate in projects.
Horizon Europe represents a critical investment in Europe’s future, providing a robust framework and substantial budget to drive research and innovation. By addressing global challenges, fostering scientific excellence, and promoting market-creating innovation, Horizon Europe aims to enhance the EU’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Understanding its structure and budget is essential for stakeholders looking to participate in and benefit from this ambitious programme. The strategic allocation of funds and the focus on collaboration and excellence underscore the EU’s commitment to maintaining its position as a global leader in research and innovation.
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