2023 Knowledge Valorisation campaign – Making research results work for societyHere’s a wrap-up from the Autumn event, with eight videos of discussions held recently on this topic. - Making research results work for society: Opening session
- Paving the way for knowledge valorisation
- Efficient management of intellectual assets for innovation uptake
- Fostering contributions to standardisation activities
- Finding inspiration by enhancing collaboration and networking
- Building solutions for the circular economy through open innovation
- CEN-CENELEC Awards for Standard & Innovation Ceremony
- Making research results work for society: Closing session
How to make a European research framework programmeThis article by Science Business explains how the next seven-year EU research programme, FP10, is being crafted, from the EU institutions and stakeholders to the budget battle and potential sticking points. In anticipation of Framework Programme 10 (FP10) in 2028, preparations have already kicked off in 2024. The European Commission is evaluating past programs and gathering recommendations for FP10, while member states outline their visions. However, there’s tension surrounding budget expectations, with calls for a doubled budget facing the reality of potential cuts. Discussions center on crucial issues like balancing basic and applied research, improving missions’ effectiveness, and reforming Widening measures. These debates will shape FP10’s direction, making it a critical and uncertain phase in research funding and strategy. Read more here.Replay 2023: The most significant research and innovation happenings of the yearScience Business showcases what happened in 2023 in the landscape of research and innovation policy, which witnessed significant developments amid global challenges.
In resume, leadership changes occurred as Marc Lemaître assumed control of the Commission’s research and innovation directorate, outlining his vision for Framework Programme 10 (FP10) in February. The research community began expressing demands for FP10 early in the year. There were new associations to Horizon Europe, with the UK officially associated with Horizon Europe in 2024, while New Zealand and Canada also strengthened their ties with the program. The European Commission established a new unit to formulate AI policies, reflecting the growing importance of artificial intelligence in science and industry. Simultaneously, concerns over research security emerged, with the EU funding projects involving China’s military. In Israel, ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and a terrorist attack, disrupted the nation’s renowned research and innovation activities. Know more here.
Emmanuel Macron announces ambitious research reforms
According to Science Business, plans are underway for a transformation in the French research landscape, aiming to enhance global competitiveness. President Emmanuel Macron revealed intentions to establish a council of 12 research leaders, advising him directly and positioning science as a pivotal factor in decision-making. As part of this shift, research institutes will assume a larger role in national research coordination, while universities are slated to receive increased autonomy. Macron’s announcement during an address at the Elysée Palace signals a significant overhaul, seeking to elevate science and redefine the roles of key institutions over the next 18 months. Know more here.
European Research Executive Agency ‘s impact: facilitating EU R&I in 2023As showcased by Marc Tachelet in its year´s review of the European Research Executive Agency (REA) work, in 2023, the agency managed over €2.5 billion in EU funds, mainly through Horizon Europe, supporting 11,000 project proposals spanning the EU Green Deal, societal well-being, and international collaborations. The agency initiated 137 projects for sustainability, including Mission Soil, while also funding projects in civil security, R&I system reforms, and supporting over 1,500 researchers’ careers through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions with €858 million. REA focused on elevating research visibility and provided guidance for Horizon Europe applications, with plans for new calls in 2024. Read the full article here.
New EIC Board members appointedThe European Commission has welcomed ten fresh faces to the EIC Board while reappointing ten others for another term. This Board, integral to the Horizon Europe legislation, holds a pivotal position in steering and executing Europe’s primary innovation initiative, the European Innovation Council (EIC), endowed with over €10 billion. Chaired by its President, the EIC Board provides counsel on strategy, work plans, thematic focuses, and can be consulted by the Commission for broader innovation policy guidance. Meet the new EIC board here.
Assessing the impact of EU research grants: the Horizon 2020 effect on firm-level outcomesThe “Horizon Effect” study delves into the impact of EU research and innovation grants under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. Using a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) approach, it assesses how these grants influenced financial outcomes at the firm level. The findings indicate that companies that received Horizon 2020 grants experienced an average increase of 20% in employment and roughly 30% growth in total assets and revenues compared to similar firms not receiving grants. These positive effects persisted even 2.5 years after the grant receipt, aligning with the average project duration in the study’s sample. Notably, companies in specific sectors like “Information and communication” and “Professional, scientific and technical activities” drove these effects, while impacts in other sectors were not significant. Know more here.
Foresight analysis: informing Horizon Europe’s 2nd strategic planThis publication from the European Commission comprises a foresight study aimed at informing the development of Horizon Europe’s Strategic Plan (2025-2027). It offers early-stage strategic insights, delving into issues, emerging trends, perspectives, and innovative ideas to infuse fresh perspectives into the strategic planning process. The report encompasses various activities, including envisioning future scenarios and analyzing disruptive trends that could bring forth challenges and opportunities within the Horizon Europe framework. Moreover, it details engagement initiatives where stakeholders and the public contributed ideas on how Horizon Europe could effectively address future challenges and leverage upcoming opportunities. Know more here.
Proposed Horizon cut stuck as EU leaders fail to reach budget review dealAccording to Science Business, the proposed reduction in Horizon Europe funding remains in limbo as EU leaders couldn’t reach a consensus on a seven-year budget review. Late-night negotiations ended without a deal, delaying the decision until January. All member states, except Hungary, support a plan that includes €2.1 billion cuts to Horizon Europe’s €95.5 billion budget, redirecting the funds to address new challenges like aid for Ukraine and the European Defence Fund. This reallocation aims to avoid additional contributions from member states beyond the planned budget since 2021, but disagreements persist, stalling progress. Know more here.
CESAER launches recommendations on Horizon Europe missionsCESAER, a body of science and technology-focused universities, has released a report addressing the future trajectory of Horizon Europe’s contentious “missions,” designed to achieve tangible outcomes through collaborative research and innovation. The report proposes a recalibrated approach, envisioning these missions as streamlined tools where success is measured by their capacity to attract new funding sources. To fortify EU resilience, the paper suggests reallocating the current mission budget to clusters. This strategy entails launching regular Horizon Europe cluster calls on mission-related topics but without adhering to the mission governance framework, as stated by Wendy Sonneveld, a member of the CASAER presidency team. Read the full statement here. |
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