The ninth multiannual financial framework (MFF) starting in 2021 until 2027, Horizon Europe, aims to be more ambitious and more impact-oriented than its predecessor – Horizon 2020 – and not only on account of the budget being in excess of € 95.5 billion. There are many programmes and initiatives within Horizon Europe for ambitious researchers with groundbreaking ideas and innovative entrepreneurs with state-of-the-art innovations.

Horizon Europe: the European research and innovation programme

Horizon Europe consists of three pillars: Excellent Science, Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness and Innovative Europe. Which initiative/programme fits your project or organisation best? We would be happy to find out:

1. Excellent Science

This pillar Excellent Science focuses on the quality of research. To bring this to and keep it at the top level, programmes such as the European Research Council (ERC) grants (for groundbreaking scienfitic research) or Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (on advancing researchers’ (international) mobility and training) have been introduced.

2. Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness

Address societal challenges directly at European and global level within one of the following six clusters:

• Cluster 1 – Health;
• Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society;
• Cluster 3 – Civil Security for Society;
• Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space;
• Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility;
• Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.

There are several calls within each cluster focused on an important societal theme within Europe. Think, for example, of developing and launching new technologies for providing the best care, stimulating inclusiveness or promoting climate action.

3. Innovative Europe

The Innovative Europe pillar focuses on stimulating innovations in order to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness. For example, you can receive funding for cutting-edge innovations with upscaling potential from the European Innovation Council (EIC) programme.

Additional focus: participation and strengthening the research area

Besides the three aforementioned pillars, this grant programme is also focused on widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (ERA) for a more innovative Europe.

EU Missions

A few major European social issues deserve extra attention. That is why the European Commission is launching additional subsidy calls within Horizon Europe, called EU Missions. EU Missions seeks solutions to various crucial challenges. Five EU Missions have established, each with a concrete objective that must be achieved by 2030. Each mission symbolizes important themes within Horizon Europe:

• Adapt to climate change: support at least 150 European regions and communities to become climate resilient by 2030.
• Cancer: working with the European Cancer Control Plan to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, cures, and solutions to live longer and better.
• Restore oceans and waters by 2030.
• 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030.
• A Soil Deal for Europe: 100 testing grounds and lighthouses to lead the transition to healthy soil by 2030.

For whom is Horizon Europe?

Because of the broad range of grants offered by Horizon Europe, the programme offers opportunities to all kinds of organisations based in the EU: from start-ups to SMEs and from large companies to universities. Do not miss out on funding from Horizon Europe for your project or organisation. We would be happy to advice you on the possibilities of this programme.

Need support writing your Horizon Europe proposal?

Writing a strong Horizon Europe proposal takes more than a good idea: it requires a convincing impact case, a tightly coordinated consortium and a clearly substantiated budget. Hezelburcht guides organisations through the full process, from an initial feasibility analysis to a timely and correctly submitted application. Curious how we can support your application? Read more about our Horizon Europe proposal writing support.

Our project management support for Horizon Europe consortiums

Securing Horizon Europe funding is the first milestone: running a large-scale consortium project brings its own demands, from planning and reporting to financial oversight and partner coordination, all in line with strict EU requirements. Hezelburcht offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative to hiring a full-time project manager, giving your consortium access to a broader team of specialists while keeping one dedicated point of contact. Curious how we can support your consortium from kick-off to final report? Read more about our Project Management Support for Horizon Europe Consortiums.

More information about Horizon Europe?

Keen to build awareness regarding your project or company? The specialists at Hezelburcht are experienced in advocating for change and networking at regional, national and international levels. We look forward to supporting and advising you in your endeavours. Please contact us via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com
for more information!