The “9th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation” will run from 2021 to 2027 and will be called Horizon Europe. The (8th) EU research framework program “Horizon 2020” expired at the end of 2020. Horizon Europe is one of the largest funding programs for research and innovation worldwide. It concerns itself with important social issues such as health, the environment and transport.
Horizon Europe funding is based on three pillars:
I) Excellent Science
The Open Science pillar (€25.8 billion) supports innovative research projects through the European Research Council (€16.6 billion), through research grants, and through the exchange of scientists through Marie Skłodowska-Curie programs (€6.8 billion). In addition, investments in high-level research infrastructures are supported.
II) Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
This pillar (€52.7 billion) strengthens technical and industrial capacity and supports research on societal challenges with six focal points:
- health
- culture, creativity and an inclusive society
- civil security for society
- digitalization, industry and space
- climate, energy and mobility
- food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment
An additional focus is on five EU-wide missions on which Horizon Europe's thematic calls are based:
- adaptation to climate change, including societal changes
- cancer Research
- healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters
- climate-neutral and smart cities
- soil health and nutrition
III) Innovative Europe
The European Innovation Council (EIC) brings together the main EU instruments for promoting innovation. The call includes innovative technology research, project funding close to the market, and venture financing instruments. EIC Pathfinder and the EIC Accelerator will provide more targeted support for innovation at EU level from 2021 onwards – from basic research to growth and internationalization of innovations.