The new European Research and Innovation Framework Program for the period 2021-2027, Horizon Europe, is the European Union’s primary initiative for promoting research and innovation. It succeeds the Horizon 2020 Framework Program and has a budget of over 95 billion euros to be executed from 2021 onwards. Among the objectives of this new program are combating climate change, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and boosting the competitiveness and growth of the European Union.
STRUCTURE
The Horizon Europe program (HE) consists of 3 pillars and a cross-cutting section with measures to support Member States in expanding participation and strengthening the European Research Area. The scheme is as follows:
- Excellent Science: To strengthen and expand the excellence of the Union’s scientific base. Pillar I includes actions by the European Research Council, Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions, and Research Infrastructures. (Budget 25.011 billion EUR)
- Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness: To drive key technologies and solutions that underpin EU policies and the SDGs. Pillar II is divided into 6 thematic Clusters, some of which have associated Missions, and the Joint Research Centre. (Budget 53.516 billion EUR)
- Innovative Europe: To stimulate cutting-edge and market-creating innovations and the ecosystems that foster innovation. Pillar III consists of the European Innovation Council, European Innovation Ecosystems, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. (Budget 13.597 billion EUR)
Cross-Cutting Section. Its purpose is to expand participation and strengthen the European Research Area: optimizing strengths and potential for a more innovative Europe. (Budget 3.393 billion EUR)
INNOVATIONS
The innovations of Horizon Europe compared to the Horizon 2020 program are as follows:
- European Innovation Council (EIC): In parallel with the European Research Council (ERC), the EIC supports cutting-edge innovation with expansion potential and too much risk for private investors.
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Missions: Establish a stronger link between EU research and innovation and the needs of society and citizens in themes with high visibility and impact. Five mission areas are established, each with a specific mission:
Mission: Caring for soil means caring for life. Achieve that at least 75% of the soils in each EU country are healthy soils capable of providing the essential services we depend on by 2030.
Mission: Conquering cancer: Mission possible. Save more than three million lives by increasing prevention so that more people can live better and longer by 2030.
Mission: Regenerate our oceans and waters. Understand, restore, and protect our ocean and waters by 2030.
Mission: Europe becoming climate-neutral by 2030. Accelerate the transition to a Europe that is prepared and resilient to climate change.
Mission: 100 climate-neutral cities by and for citizens by 2030
- New approach to European partnerships: a new generation of goal-oriented partnerships in support of the agreed objectives of EU policy.
- International cooperation: addressing global societal challenges jointly, to access the world’s best talent, expertise, and resources, enhancing the supply and demand for innovative solutions.
- Open Science throughout the program: improving the dissemination and exploitation of research and innovation results, as well as supporting active societal participation.
PARTICIPATION TYPES
There are various participation instruments in Horizon Europe:
- Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
- Innovation Actions (IA)
- Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)
- Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
- Frontiers of Knowledge (ERC)
- Co unding Co-Actions (COFUND)
- Innovation and Market Deployment Actions (IMDA)
- Others: Pre-commercial/innovative procurement actions (PCP and PPI actions) and innovation prizes (stimulus and recognition).
Quick Guide to Horizon Europe (CDTI)
Participant’s Guide to Horizon Europe (CDTI, FECYT)
If you need more information, please use the following links:
- Horizon Europe
- Horizon Europe Portal (Spain)
- Missions
- Partnerships – Other Funding Opportunities in the Horizon Europe Program
- Horizon Europe Presentation
- Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2021-2024
- Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027
- General Model Grant Agreement
- Horizon Europe Program Guide
- Pre-Draft Annotated Model Grant Agreement
- Reference Documents for the Horizon Europe Program
- Successful ERC Proposals, Funded and Open
- Information Days:
- Presentation Day for Horizon Europe in Spain
- Horizon Europe – Infodays Clusters, 2024 Calls, and other useful proposal writing events
- Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) 2023/2024 – Available Presentations and Videos
- CDTI-SOST Webinars on How to Prepare a Successful Proposal in Horizon Europe
- CDTI-SOST Webinars Horizon Europe Partnership
Calls, documentation, and applications are processed through the Funding and Tenders Portal.