Horizon Europe funding gap: €34 billion needed to support proposals

In accordance with a recent assessment from the European Commission, in order to fill a new Horizon Europe funding gap, the programme needs an additional €34 billion to support its 2021-2022 proposals

In all, 71% of the high-quality applications were unsuccessful in receiving financing from the Horizon Europe scheme. Although high, this 71% can be seen as a minor improvement above the 74% of such projects that were unsuccessful under the previous framework project, Horizon 2020.

In order to accomplish the desired EU objectives, the paper emphasises the significance of continued technology leadership led by Horizon Europe.

The paper points out that an EU responsible for 30% of global research and development,  would have a very different impact to its current standard of 20%.

Future plans for Horizon Europe and new initiatives

Although there is still time to reposition and address the Horizon Europe funding gap, it has been moving along somewhat slowly.

Only €16.3 billion of the seven-year program’s budget has been spent in the first two and a half years, with more than 5,500 grants being given out

Only €16.3 billion of the seven-year program’s budget has been spent in the first two and a half years, with more than 5,500 grants being given out. The most recent data from the end of 2022, however, shows that the majority of the money has yet to be allocated.

The paper establishes the foundation for improvements in Horizon Europe’s next years, notably 2025 to 2027.

In the first quarter of next year (2024), plans describing the program’s course for this time frame are to be released, alongside new industry alliances and potentially much more.

Strategic research, the brain drain and reaching innovation capacity within the EU

To address pressing concerns and stop brain drain, experts in the sector emphasise the need for increased investment in talent and top-notch research.

The French National Centre for Scientific Research’s director in Brussels, Alain Mermet, stresses the significance of quick, decisive action to increase the allure of European research.

Stresses the significance of quick, decisive action to increase the allure of European research

Addressing the Horizon Europe funding gap whilst supporting biodiversity projects

According to replies to a survey the Commission conducted, the Commission has highlighted climate change, energy supply, and biodiversity loss as three of the top priorities for the future of Horizon Europe. The report also lists high-priority concerns in social justice, global industrial leadership, healthcare, and disruption readiness.

climate change, energy supply, and biodiversity loss as three of the top priorities for the future of Horizon Europe

Reservations have been voiced, though, about the possibility of research themes becoming more focused and the necessity of striking a balance between strategic and exploratory study. Opponents contend that the overemphasis on strategic matters may prevent the investigation of novel concepts, which have historically been vital in addressing major global problems, such as the most recent COVID-19 epidemic.

Concerns over focused research and the importance of continued EU R&I

The report recognizes the changing geopolitics and the emergence of a “multipolar” world order, suggesting that the poles will likely revolve around the US, China, Russia, and the EU. This has raised questions sounds the EU’s ability to adapt and leverage research to secure its global position.

Despite being a scientific powerhouse responsible for 20% of the world’s scientific output, the EU’s declining share of global patent applications, from 31% in 2000 to 19% in 2018.

This highlights the need for the EU to enhance its innovative capacity.

The importance of addressing the Horizon Europe funding gap, balancing strategic and bottom-up research, and fostering scientific standing to maintain its leadership in research and innovation cannot be understated.