Horizon 2020

Definition

Horizon 2020 is the European Union's largest research and innovation funding program, running from 2014 to 2020 with a budget of nearly €80 billion. It aims to drive economic growth and create jobs by supporting innovative projects that address societal challenges, enhance competitiveness, and foster collaboration across Europe and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Horizon 2020 was designed to tackle major societal challenges such as climate change, health, and energy, emphasizing research that benefits society as a whole.
2. The program encouraged collaboration between academia, industry, and public bodies to enhance knowledge transfer and foster innovation ecosystems.
3. Horizon 2020 allocated funds to various sectors, including health, transport, environment, and information technology, making it a comprehensive program for diverse research areas.
4. One of the key features of Horizon 2020 was its focus on open science and the sharing of research results, promoting transparency and accessibility in scientific inquiry.
5. The program also included a strong emphasis on boosting the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in research and innovation activities.

Review Questions

• How does Horizon 2020 promote collaboration between different sectors in Europe?
  • Horizon 2020 promotes collaboration by encouraging partnerships between academic institutions, businesses, and public entities. The program provides funding opportunities for projects that involve multiple stakeholders working together to address complex challenges. By fostering an environment where knowledge and resources are shared across sectors, Horizon 2020 enhances innovation and helps bring new ideas to market more effectively.
• What societal challenges does Horizon 2020 aim to address, and why are they significant for the European Union?
  • Horizon 2020 aims to tackle significant societal challenges like climate change, health issues, and sustainable energy. These challenges are crucial for the European Union as they directly impact citizens' quality of life and the long-term sustainability of economies. By addressing these issues through research and innovation funding, Horizon 2020 not only seeks to enhance Europe's global competitiveness but also strives to create a healthier, more sustainable future for its residents.
• Evaluate the impact of Horizon 2020 on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe.
  • Horizon 2020 has had a substantial impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with access to funding and resources that were previously difficult to obtain. The program's focus on boosting SME participation has led to increased opportunities for these businesses to engage in innovative projects, develop new products, and expand their markets. As a result, SMEs have become vital contributors to the European economy's overall growth and job creation while also enhancing their ability to compete on an international scale.

Related terms

European Research Area: A unified area for research and innovation in Europe that aims to promote the free movement of researchers, knowledge, and technology across borders.

Innovative Action: A type of funding under Horizon 2020 aimed at supporting groundbreaking projects that have a high potential for market impact and social change.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: A program within Horizon 2020 focused on providing training and career development for researchers, fostering international and intersectoral collaboration.