Research and Innovation
Horizon Europe budget to be cut by €2.1B, as defence research gets a €1.5B boost
Leaders in Brussels approved adjustments this week following Germany’s rejection of a Commission proposal to inject an extra €100 billion into the EU’s multiannual budget, as explained by Science Business. This decision facilitates the allocation of a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine. As part of a broader €64.6 billion reallocation within the EU’s multiannual budget to address the escalating costs of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Horizon Europe will experience a reduction of €2.1 billion from its €95.5 billion budget. Notably, €1.5 billion of the diverted funds will be allocated to defense research, impacting the research program. The major portion of the reallocated funds, €50 billion, will be directed to Ukraine. Additional financial needs include support for migration and border management, foreign aid to neighboring countries, and an extra €1.5 billion for the European Defence Fund (EDF), the EU’s primary source for military technology research and development. Know more here.
EARTO raises concerns over RD&I budget cuts in EU agreement
The European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) expressed deep concern over the Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) budget cuts in the agreements reached by the European Council on February 1, 2024, as part of the Mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. A substantial €2.1 billion is slated to be redirected from Horizon Europe.
EARTO emphasizes the viewpoint that RD&I funds should not serve as an adjustment tool in European Union budget discussions. This move raises apprehensions regarding the potential impact on research and innovation initiatives within the EU. Know more here.
Horizon 2020 evaluation shows that investment in EU research and innovation greatly pays off
The Horizon 2020 program, the European Union’s initiative for research and innovation spanning from 2014 to 2020, played a significant role in fostering a knowledge-based and innovative EU society and economy. With a substantial budget of nearly €80 billion, it made noteworthy contributions that extended well beyond what individual nations or regions could have achieved. Notable achievements include its swift responses to the COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika outbreaks, along with substantial contributions to climate science.
The recently published ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020 highlights its tangible impact and emphasizes the program’s cost-effectiveness. It reveals that each euro invested in the program is projected to yield five euros in benefits for EU citizens by 2040. This underscores the substantial value for money associated with investments in research and innovation, showcasing the positive impact on European society. Know more here.
Horizon 2020 review underlines need for more ambition in Framework Programme 10, research leaders say
The outcomes, as well as the limitations, of the 2014-2020 research program underscore the need for a larger budget in the future, as reported by Science Business. According to Ole Petter Ottersen, the acting secretary-general of the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, the report indicates that each euro invested in Horizon 2020 will yield five euros in benefits for European citizens by 2040, emphasizing the positive impact. Mattias Björnmalm, the secretary-general of the university association CESAER, adds that beyond economic benefits, the program successfully enhanced scientific excellence, technological leadership, and facilitated digital and green transitions, showcasing its societal value.
However, Horizon 2020’s major drawback was insufficient funding; an additional €159 billion would have been required to support all high-quality proposals. Know more here.
Switzerland holds talks with EU on joining Erasmus+
Swiss Education Secretary Martina Hirayama has engaged in preliminary discussions with the European Commission, expressing interest in Switzerland joining the Erasmus+ education mobility program. Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, the EU’s Director-General for education, youth, sport, and culture, welcomed Switzerland’s interest, emphasizing the potential mutual rewards in collaboration on education and culture. The European Parliament has previously endorsed Switzerland’s participation in Erasmus+.
Fifth EU-US Trade and Technology Council meeting takes place in Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the European Commission and the US government convened in Washington, D.C. for the fifth meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council. Discussions centred around enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation on economic security and emerging technologies. Both parties agreed to explore avenues for facilitating trade in goods and technologies crucial for the green transition, said the Commission in a statement. Additionally, they committed to reinforcing measures related to investment screening, export controls, outbound investment, and dual-use innovation. The next ministerial meeting, described by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as the “capstone TTC,” is scheduled to occur in Belgium in the spring.
Open letter calls on EU Commission to consider impact of policies on research sector
Eight organizations representing the public research and higher education sectors have penned an open letter to Ilze Juhansone, the secretary-general of the European Commission. In the letter, they express the need for better integration of their concerns into policy decisions, citing instances where the needs of research and higher education were not adequately considered. An example highlighted is the Digital Services Act, which lacks explicit exemptions for not-for-profit organizations from obligations designed for commercial platforms. The signatories call on the Commission to review the EU’s Innovation Principle and update its Better Regulation guidance to comprehensively incorporate the needs and interests of higher education and research, ensuring the protection of academic freedom.
EU faces €50 billion cleantech funding gap, says report
The Cleantech for Europe initiative has issued a report highlighting a substantial investment gap for the EU to achieve its cleantech manufacturing goals. Despite being a cleantech innovation powerhouse in the last decade, the EU struggles to scale and industrialize these technologies. The European Commission estimates a need for €92 million in public and private investments until 2030 for five key net-zero technologies. However, the current rate of private investment leaves a significant funding gap of €50 billion, which may double when considering other strategic technologies. The Cleantech for Europe initiative is advocating for an “EU Cleantech Investment Plan” to attract capital from institutional investors, use public guarantees to reduce cleantech risks, and allocate EU ETS revenues for cleantech manufacturing. Read the full report here.
Remote access to research infrastructures should be improved, ESFRI report finds
The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructure (ESFRI) has released a report highlighting ongoing issues regarding access to research infrastructures. Based on a survey of research lab users, the report is part of ESFRI’s initiative to revise the European Charter of Access to Research Infrastructures. The findings indicate that researchers are seeking enhanced options for remote and hybrid access to research infrastructures. Additionally, respondents emphasize the importance of expanding access to these labs for new research communities and industry users. Know more here.
Dutch government identifies ten key technologies in new strategy
The Dutch government has unveiled a new strategy, identifying ten key technologies to be prioritized by various stakeholders, including the government, research institutions, companies, and civil society organizations. These technologies include optics and integrated photonics, quantum technologies, green chemical production processes, biotechnology targeting molecules and cells, imaging technologies, optomechatronics, artificial intelligence and data, energy materials, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. The strategy also outlines specific targets that the Netherlands aims to achieve in these areas by the year 2035.
Survey opens about Horizon Europe missions
A survey is seeking input from the European research community regarding Horizon Europe’s missions—a novel initiative aiming to achieve tangible outcomes in areas such as cancer, ocean and water pollution, and soil health by 2030. The questionnaire aims to gather insights into the current perception and implementation status of the five missions and seeks feedback on the specific challenges and needs researchers currently face. The survey is expected to take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Fostering diversity in research: Science Europe’s practical guide and best practices
Science Europe published a new article, which aims to promote diversity in research environments through the release of a practical guide, sharing insights from their 2023 survey and featuring best practices from their member organisations. The guide reflects on the challenges research organizations encounter in fostering fair and inclusive research cultures, contributing to our broader commitment to embedding shared values in policies and practices throughout Europe to support high-quality research and create attractive and equitable research environments. Read it here. |
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