On 29th November 2024, the European Union (EU) and Japan commenced formal negotiations to integrate Japan into Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. This move represents a significant step forward in deepening international scientific collaboration and highlights the global importance of cooperative research in tackling shared challenges. By exploring Japan’s association with Horizon Europe, both parties aim to create a mutually beneficial framework for advancing scientific excellence and innovation.

What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the EU’s most ambitious research and innovation programme to date, with a budget exceeding €95.5 billion for 2021–2027. It succeeds Horizon 2020 and is structured around three key pillars:

1. Excellent Science: Supporting top-tier researchers and frontier science through grants and scholarships.
2. Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness: Tackling pressing global issues such as climate change, health, and digital transformation.
3. Innovative Europe: Boosting Europe’s innovation potential by bridging the gap between research and market-ready products or solutions.

As the cornerstone of the EU’s research agenda, Horizon Europe facilitates cross-border collaboration, driving breakthroughs that are often unattainable through isolated efforts.

The Context of EU-Japan Cooperation
Japan and the EU share a longstanding history of collaboration in science and technology. This relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared vision of addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. Over the years, their partnership has flourished in areas such as climate action, health sciences, renewable energy, and digital technologies.

Under Horizon 2020, the EU’s previous research framework, Japanese organisations actively participated in 176 projects, contributing their expertise to collaborative research efforts. This history sets a strong precedent for Japan’s potential association with Horizon Europe.

Why is This Association Significant?
The negotiations are focused on Japan’s association with Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which is dedicated to addressing global challenges. By joining this pillar, Japanese researchers and institutions will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in multinational research consortia.
• Lead and coordinate joint projects with EU partners.
• Access funding and resources from the Horizon Europe programme.

This agreement would enable Japan to contribute directly to large-scale, multidisciplinary research initiatives designed to tackle issues like climate change, health crises, digital innovation, and sustainable development.

A Strategic Milestone for Japan and the EU
The association negotiations align with broader strategic objectives for both Japan and the EU.

• For the EU: This move reinforces its commitment to fostering global partnerships in research and innovation, ensuring that Europe remains a hub for scientific excellence. By collaborating with leading global innovators like Japan, the EU strengthens its position in tackling complex global challenges.
• For Japan: Associating with Horizon Europe provides Japanese researchers with access to one of the world’s most prestigious and well-funded research platforms. It also allows Japan to integrate more deeply into global research networks, expanding its influence and leveraging international expertise.

Shared Goals: Addressing the Green and Digital Transitions
Iliana Ivanova, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:

“The opening of the negotiations on the association of Japan to Horizon Europe marks a step change in our cooperation. For both EU and Japan, research and innovation are key to ensuring competitiveness and achieving the green and digital transitions. Together, we will be able to reach them faster and find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The green transition involves achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century, a goal shared by both Japan and the EU. Collaborative projects in renewable energy, carbon capture, sustainable agriculture, and electric mobility are expected to play a pivotal role in reaching these objectives.

Similarly, the digital transition focuses on advancing artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. By pooling resources and expertise, Japan and the EU aim to lead in setting global standards for emerging technologies.

What Does Japan Stand to Gain?
Japan’s association with Horizon Europe presents numerous advantages:

1. Increased Collaboration: Japanese institutions will have greater opportunities to collaborate with European universities, research centres, and industries.
2. Access to Funding: Japanese researchers can directly benefit from Horizon Europe’s substantial financial resources, enabling them to pursue ambitious projects.
3. Global Influence: Participating in EU-led initiatives enhances Japan’s visibility and influence in the global scientific community.
4. Innovation Boost: Exposure to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research can catalyse innovation within Japan’s domestic research ecosystem.

Challenges and Considerations
While the potential benefits are substantial, several challenges must be addressed during the negotiation process:

• Funding Mechanisms: Determining how Japanese contributions will align with Horizon Europe’s funding model.
• Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring that Japan’s research policies and intellectual property laws are compatible with EU standards.
• Administrative Barriers: Streamlining the integration process to facilitate seamless collaboration between Japanese and European researchers.

These challenges highlight the need for careful planning and mutual understanding to make the association successful.

Building a Global Research Ecosystem
The EU’s Horizon Europe programme has already established partnerships with other non-EU countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea. These associations demonstrate the EU’s commitment to fostering a global research ecosystem that transcends geographical boundaries. Japan’s inclusion in this network would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to a more interconnected and collaborative global scientific community.