The European Commission proposes new ambitious research and innovation programme
Our summary of the key points about 'Horizon Europe'
Brussels, 25 June 2018 | Published in Research
The Commission has published its proposal for a €100 billion research and innovation programme in the next EU long-term EU budget 2021 – 2027. The proposed budget allocation includes €97.6 bn under Horizon Europe (€3.5 bn of which will be allocated under the InvestEU Fund) and €2.4 bn for the Euratom Research and Training Programme.
Horizon Europe- the new programme which will succeed Horizon 2020- will be the biggest ever research and innovation funding programme.
It is designed around three pillars:
1. The Open Science pillar (€25.8 billion) supports researchers through fellowships and exchanges as well as funding to projects defined and driven by researchers themselves, through the European Research Council and the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie actions.
2. The Global challenges pillar (€52.7 billion) directly supports research relating to societal challenges, setting EU-wide missions with ambitious goals around major societal challenges. Industrial leadership will be prominent within this pillar and throughout the programme as a whole. More specifically it will cover:
- Health: €7.7 billion
- Inclusive & Secure Society: €2,8 billion
- Digital & Industry: €15 Mrd. billion
- Climate, Energy & Mobility: €15 billion
- Food & Natural Resources: €10 billion
3. The Open Innovation pillar (€13.5 billion) aims to make Europe a front runner in market-creating innovation. A European Innovation Council will offer a one-stop shop for high potential and breakthrough technologies and innovative companies with potential for scaling up.
Among the new elements announced, the Commission will launch new missions be co-designed with citizens, stakeholders, the European Parliament and the Member States. The European Commission also highlights that Horizon Europe will have simpler rules, cutting red tape for beneficiaries.
Next steps
It is now for the Council and European Parliament to negotiate and subsequently adopt the programme - any final agreement will depend on the approval of the new Multi-annual financial framework.