Building upon the positive impacts of Horizon 2020, the European Commission has released a draft budget for its latest research program, Horizon Europe, an initiative for driving research in the sciences and to positively affect job, trade and investment growth. The Commission proposed a research budget of €100 billion ($117.7 billion), of which €97.6 billion ($114.9 billion) would be allocated to Horizon Europe. Of that figure, funds would be directed towards the five clusters of Horizon Europe and the Joint Research Center, with the health cluster receiving €7.7 billion ($9.1 billion); inclusive and secure societies obtaining €2.8 billion ($3.3 billion); digital and industry securing €15 billion ($17.7 billion); climate, energy and mobility acquiring €15 billion ($17.7 billion); and food and natural resources receiving €10 billion ($11.8 billion).

Horizon Europe will establish a European Innovation Council to facilitate the transfer of breakthrough research technologies into the commercial space, as well as funding possibly disruptive technologies that have significant potential to open up new market opportunities or new markets altogether. As part of Horizon Europe, the Commission will put forth new research and innovation projects, such as cancer, clean transportation or environmental research. Horizon Europe will also require open access to publications and data to help broaden the potential for innovation across Europe.

Source: European Commission