EU institutions have given the greenlight for Horizon Europe, an initiative proposed by the European Commission last June as a part of the EU budget for 2021–27. Touted as the most ambitious research and innovation program in the world, Horizon Europe is designed to ensure Europe’s position as a global leader of innovation and R&D.

Building on Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe will similarly function through the European Research Council (ERC) and will utilize the technical support and research of the Joint Research Center, which is the Commission’s science and knowledge service. As a new feature, Horizon Europe will include the European Innovation Council (EIC), which is currently in a pilot phase. The EIC will aid in bringing cutting edge innovations in technology from the lab to market applications, as well as support startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises scale-up their operations. Two main funding instruments will be provided by the EIC, one for early stage innovation and the other for development and market deployment, working alongside the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

The implementation of Horizon 2020 has been approved by the European Parliament, ERC and European Commission, but is subject to approval by the European Parliament.

Source: European Commission