The European Commission has adopted the main Horizon Europe work programme for 2021-2022! Over the next two years, the European Commission will invest €14.7 billion in the research and innovation priorities set out in the Strategic Plan.
What will it fund?
The work programme shows a clear intention to accelerate Europe’s green and digital transitions while working towards a sustainable post-coronavirus Europe.
Of the funding available, over a third – €5.8 billion – will be invested in research and innovation to support the European Green Deal, while another €4 billion will fund the development of core digital technologies. Finally, around €1.9 billion will fund research and innovation to help repair the immediate economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:
“With 40% of its budget devoted to making Europe more sustainable, this Horizon Europe work programme will make Europe greener and fitter for the digital transformation. Horizon Europe is now fully open for business: I would like to encourage researchers and innovators from all over the EU to apply and find solutions to improve our daily lives.”
Background
Horizon Europe is the EU’s €95.5 billion research and innovation programme for 2021-2027 and the successor of Horizon 2020. Significantly, the UK will have ‘Associated Country’ status. This means that UK entities will be able to access funding on equivalent terms as organisations in EU countries.
The programme has three ‘pillars’: 1) Excellent Science, 2) Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness and 3) Innovative Europe. For more information about what comes under each pillar, click here.
Funding is available for a wide variety of research and innovation areas, such as health, ICT and climate change. In addition, funding is available to all sectors through the European Innovation Council.
Next Steps
The first calls for proposals will open on the Commission’s Funding and Tenders Portal on 22nd June. Additionally, Horizon Europe Information Days targeting potential applicants will take place between 28th June and 9th July.
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