An Update on European Funding
On the 24th December, the UK Government announced that it had reached an agreement with the EU, following months of negotiations. The deal has important implications for European funding opportunities and will affect those involved in UK Research and Development. We have summarised the key things that you need to know below:
1. Continued participation in Horizon Europe
Firstly, the UK will continue to participate in a number of EU programmes for the period 2021-2027. This includes Horizon Europe – the EU’s €95.5 billion framework for research and innovation, for which it will have Associated Country status. This is subject to a financial contribution from the UK to the EU budget.
2. The end of Erasmus+
The UK Government has decided not to participate in the Erasmus exchange programme due to the cost of continued membership. It will be replaced with a £100 million national scheme, known as Turing, after the mathematician Alan Turing. This will start in September 2021.
3. The EIC Accelerator - what we know so far
We have received confirmation that UK businesses will remain eligible to apply for grant funding from the EIC Accelerator. However, they will no longer be able to participate in the European Innovation Council Fund, the part of the EIC Accelerator that provides investment through equity or other repayable forms.
4. Eureka Eurostars - continued opportunities for transnational innovation
The UK’s departure from the EU does not affect participation in the Eureka programme and its various funding streams. Therefore, it offers a continued source of European funding opportunities for UK SMEs that engage in transnational innovation. The next competition has a deadline of the 4th February, which you can find more information on here.
5. Freedom of movement ends - implications for researchers
Due to restrictions placed on freedom of movement, UK researchers will require visas for stays of over 90 days in the EU.
The deal answers some pertinent questions surrounding the future of UK participation in EU funding streams. Overall, we are pleased that a deal was reached and that the UK will participate in Horizon Europe. We will keep you updated on any further developments in the coming months, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
European Innovation Agencies Make Plans to Strengthen Innovation
The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have signed a letter of intent to coordinate efforts and strengthen Europe’s innovation services, pledging to build a “more integrated and inclusive EU innovation ecosystem for the benefit of EU innovators.”
Potential areas of cooperation are currently being tested in three €1 million pilot projects. The innovation agencies will finalise their collaboration in Spring 2021, before rolling it out in 2022.
Context
The EIC and EIT are complementary organisations, working towards the shared goal of translating Europe’s research strengths into jobs and growth. However, they operate in different ways:
- The EIT focuses on the integration of higher education, research, and innovation to address global challenges set in Horizon Europe. It has eight designated Knowledge and Innovation Communities, each of which addresses a specific societal challenge.
- In contrast, the EIC provides financial support for innovators. Its focus is on all areas of disruptive and breakthrough market-creating innovation.
A closer working relationship between the two institutions will enable companies from underperforming countries to secure more funding. As a result, this will help narrow the innovation gap between east and west Europe.
Significance
EU research commissioner, Mariya Gabriel, has labeled the move “a stepping stone in creating the European Innovation Area.” It marks a recognition that European innovation is vital. Innovative ideas key to tackling major societal challenges, including Covid-19 and climate change. They can also help Europe regain its position as a world leader in the field of innovation.
Please note: Negotiations are still ongoing to determine the UK's participation in Horizon Europe, the EU's next funding programme for research and innovation. However, UK scientists, researchers, and businesses can still apply for funding from the European Green Deal, the last and biggest call under Horizon 2020. You can read more about this competition here.
Source: Science|Business