We would like to continue explaining the key facts of the new framework program for R+D+I by the EU, Horizon Europe (#HorizonEU). This is not merely another grant program but intends to adopt a comprehensive approach involving innovation, research, policymaking, civil society, and other relevant organizations. The main concept centers around "bringing together partners from science, innovation and business, to jointly develop agendas, to share the work, and to focus on framework conditions such as regulation to improve the R&I ecosystem as a whole".

The program topics have been defined as "Missions" due to their large scope to support research with societal challenges, to reinforce technological and industrial capacities, and to set new directions for the future EU. The wider missions are: finding cancer cures; transforming our society and economy to adapt to and fight against climate change; cleaning and restoring the health of our oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters; reinventing cities towards climate-neutral and smart ones; and promoting soil health and food. The missions will have a specific time frame and budget depending on the level of difficulty which is to be announced in the coming months.

HorizonEU have adopted a "mission-driven" approach and "investment mind-set" direction. The European Union represents 20% of the worldwide investment in R&D and produces 1/3 of the high-impact research publications. However, it is failing to transform this scientific knowledge leadership into innovation and entrepreneurship leadership, where business R&D investment has fallen to 1.3% of GPD, far from the 3.3% investment of South Korea, the leader of business R&D investment. The ultimate goals of HorizonEU regarding business R&D strategy thus are:

• To ensure essential investment and stimulating private investment, making regulatory frameworks fit for innovation. 

• To become a front-runner in market-creating innovation.

• To reconnect R&I with citizens through EU-wide R&I missions.

• To support the dissemination of innovation throughout the European Union.

• To invest in skills and empower universities to become more entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary.

This novel direction will allow for interdisciplinary collaboration between different partners, where SMEs will be a key stakeholder for developing the program, and they will receive special attention within HorizonEU. 

At Pipette & Chart, we are very excited about the novel approach of the programs. We are confident it will make a significant impact on the European Innovation ecosystem where we are keen to continue developing new innovations, and bring to market the most advanced technologies.

Source for image and information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/horizon-europe-presentation_2018_en.pdf