Have Your Say On Horizon Europe’s Priorities Over The Next Four Years

EU innovation funding of the future

A top ambition for Horizon Europe is to create an ambitious EU research and innovation programme to support the green and digital transitions for a sustainable recovery post-coronavirus. And for this, your help is needed.

Now is your chance to have a say on Horizon Europe’s first Strategic Plan. It’s an important opportunity too, as it will set the work programmes and topics across Horizon Europe’s first four years.

 Horizon Europe, particularly its Strategic Plan, is set to target the issues that mean the most to EU countries. More than 9000 people have taken part in the process so far, making it one of the biggest co-design exercises that the Commission has ever undertaken.

The programme is due to launch in 2021, hence why the Commission has now unveiled this latest consultation.

The aim of the survey

Individuals and organisations from across Europe and beyond have the opportunity to spark new debates and ideas. All the feedback that is submitted will be used in supporting the launch of Horizon Europe next year, particularly the scheme’s second pillar ‘Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness’. Furthermore, it will help bring together innovation and R&D priorities with key concerns of EU policy, including future sustainability.

Have your say - but be quick!

The Commission is inviting anyone with an interest in the EU’s research and innovation priorities to have their say. Although the consultation has technically now closed, an important event in this co-design process will be the virtual European Research and Innovation Days. These will take place on the 22^nd, 23^rd and 24th September 2020. It’s at this event that the results of the survey will be released and considered, so if you’re quick there should still be time.

Take the survey.

What is Horizon Europe?

Horizon Europe was proposed by the European Commission in June 2018. Due to run from 2021 to 2027, its budget was set at €100 billion, forming part of the Multiannual Financial Framework.

In July it was announced that Horizon Europe will have a budget of €75.9 billion, plus an extra €5 billion from the proposed €13.5 billion boost courtesy of the pandemic recovery fund.

Essentially, Horizon Europe aims to be the most ambitious research and innovation programme ever seen. It will ensure the EU stays at the cutting edge of research and innovation across the globe, particularly against the backdrop of COVID-19 challenges.

What are the objectives of Horizon Europe?

The key objectives of Horizon Europe are:

• To strengthen the EU’s technological and scientific foundations and the European Research Area (ERA)
• To fulfil socioeconomic needs of European citizens
• To boost European jobs, increase competitiveness and promote European innovation

But of course the question is, how can these be achieved? Especially as the pressures of COVID-19 are unprecedented, and no-one knows what the future holds.

How has Ireland benefitted in the past from its predecessor, Horizon 2020?

During the height of Horizon 2020 between 2014 and 2017, Ireland received innovation funding to the tune of €475 million. Higher Education Institutes received the bulk of the benefit, accounting for just under €255 million, followed by industry at just over €160 million. Of this €160 million, €98.6 million was provided to small and medium sized enterprises.

SMEs are also now able to benefit from EU funding and support if they carry out “breakthrough” projects. This is thanks to the revamped SME Instrument.

What is the SME Instrument?

The SME Instrument was unveiled in 2017 as part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. It puts together the elements of Horizon 2020 that offer support, funding and networking opportunities to those at the sharp end of business innovation.

The EIC pilot is also connected to the Fast Track to Innovation (FTI), Horizon Prizes and Future and Emerging Technologies (FET Open) to provide a 'one stop shop' where EU-based innovators can look for funding.

Could your innovative business benefit from EU funding?

Many Ireland-based businesses are looking to innovate and grow, especially during these tough economic times. But knowing where to turn for access to the best innovation funding supports can be difficult, and applying isn’t easy.

This is where the team at Myriad Associates comes in

R&D grant funding provides an excellent opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to access the money and support they need to innovate. There’s a large number of different funding competitions throughout the year, offering a lifeline in getting projects off the ground.

However, knowing what R&D grants are available at any given point in time can be difficult, especially when it comes to finding one that exactly suits yours needs. The award criteria is also often hard to get to grips with, and the difference between success and failure can often feel like a lottery.

Myriad Associates are experts in all areas of R&D grant funding, so we’re in the perfect position to match businesses with funding opportunities. And of course, once we’ve found these opportunities, we’ll then guide you through the process of applying for maximum success.

Our services are fully tailored to suit you, and we’ll offer as much - or as little - support as you need.

At this point, you may find our recent article Top Tips To Successfully Secure An EU Innovation Grant helpful too.

We understand the grant process

Our team consists of R&D specialists and accountants, all highly trained in knowing each grant type inside out.

We speak your language

We don’t believe in jargon or lots of technical talk. We simply want to understand your business, your project ideas and how we can make your innovative plans a reality.

Everything is done remotely

Our team are also working remotely, meaning you don’t need to come and see us face to face (unless you particularly want to of course!)

So whether it’s by phone, email or video call, we’re here to help at a time to suit you.

We can also help you access additional R&D funding streams

This includes R&D Tax Credits, and other local and national R&D funding opportunities as they arise.

Get in touch today

Just call +353 1 566 2001 or use our contact page. We're ready to help.