Horizon 2020

Definition

Horizon 2020 is the European Union's key funding program for research and innovation, running from 2014 to 2020 with a budget of nearly €80 billion. It aims to enhance Europe's global competitiveness by supporting various projects in science, technology, and societal challenges, making it a crucial part of the funding landscape and investment trends across Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Horizon 2020 was designed to foster innovative solutions to societal challenges, such as climate change, energy efficiency, and health issues.
2. The program emphasizes collaboration between academia, industry, and public authorities to maximize the impact of research funding.
3. Around 70% of the Horizon 2020 budget was allocated to areas that contribute directly to economic growth and job creation.
4. The program encouraged participation from both EU member states and non-EU countries, promoting international cooperation in research.
5. Horizon 2020 has laid the groundwork for its successor program, Horizon Europe, which continues the emphasis on innovation and research funding with an even larger budget.

Review Questions

• How does Horizon 2020 support collaboration among different sectors within the funding landscape?
  • Horizon 2020 promotes collaboration by creating opportunities for researchers, businesses, and public authorities to work together on innovative projects. By fostering partnerships across sectors, it enhances knowledge exchange and resource sharing, which leads to more effective solutions for societal challenges. This collaborative approach not only strengthens individual projects but also contributes to a more interconnected European research ecosystem.
• Evaluate the impact of Horizon 2020 on Europe's global competitiveness in research and innovation.
  • Horizon 2020 significantly boosted Europe's global competitiveness by investing heavily in research and innovation across various fields. By providing substantial funding for high-impact projects and promoting public-private partnerships, it helped European organizations develop cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. This investment positioned Europe as a leader in addressing pressing societal challenges while fostering economic growth through job creation and enhanced industrial capabilities.
• Assess how Horizon 2020 has influenced future research programs in Europe, particularly with regard to sustainability and innovation.
  • Horizon 2020 has set a precedent for future research initiatives in Europe by emphasizing sustainability and innovation as core themes. Its strategic focus on addressing climate change, health issues, and sustainable development has shaped the objectives of its successor program, Horizon Europe. The lessons learned from Horizon 2020 regarding stakeholder collaboration and resource allocation will continue to guide funding strategies, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of global research while tackling the critical challenges facing society.

Related terms

European Innovation Council (EIC): A body within the European Union that supports high-risk, high-reward innovations, helping to bridge the gap between research and market deployment.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborative agreements between public sector entities and private companies to finance, build, and operate projects that deliver public services or infrastructure.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): A set of funding programs within Horizon 2020 aimed at supporting the training and mobility of researchers across Europe.