Unveiling EU research funding: Ivanova’s vision for Horizon Europe

Iliana Ivanova, selected to be the new EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation, hopes to enhance EU research funding by exploring diverse financial sources as challenges to fund high-quality proposals in Horizon Europe continue

Addressing the pressing budget deficit, Horizon Europe faces a shortfall of €34 billion in the first two years alone, but what can the new Commissioner do to gain both researcher’s and politicians’ trust?

With only 30% of high-quality proposals in Horizon Europe marked to get funded, Ivanova proposes innovative solutions, from tapping into other EU programs to attracting private investment.

Only 30% of high-quality proposals in Horizon Europe to be funded

She suggests harnessing up to 5% of Cohesion funds and inviting non-EU countries to bolster the Horizon budget, aiming for better distribution and visibility.

EU research funding: Investing in future technologies

Ivanova champions the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, advocating for a €10 billion injection to amplify critical technology development. This includes empowering the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator program with an estimated €2.6 billion.

She suggests harnessing up to 5% of Cohesion funds and inviting non-EU countries to bolster the Horizon budget, aiming for better distribution and visibility.

Ivanova champions the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, advocating for a €10 billion injection to amplify critical technology development.

This includes empowering the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator program with an estimated €2.6 billion. She emphasises backing joint EU initiatives on advanced materials and envisions strategic partnerships with Canada, Japan, and South Korea.

Refining the EIC accelerator program: Balancing risk and innovation

Acknowledging past setbacks, Ivanova commits to refining the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator fund, focusing on maintaining investment profiles for high-risk ventures.

She expresses willingness to consider sole investment in specific companies if aligned with EU strategic interests. Ivanova’s approach aims to address concerns about the fund’s risk-driven ambition.

Ivanova recognises the East-West research gap and highlights the increased allocation of Horizon Europe budget for Widening measures, up to 3.3%. While acknowledging progress, she emphasises continuous efforts for structural reforms, conducive environments, and adequate funding.

Ivanova endorses synergy tools like the Seal of Excellence to bridge the divide and promote collaboration.

Negotiating Horizon Europe: Diplomatic engagement

Ivanova considers negotiations a priority with the UK and Switzerland at different stages of associating with Horizon Europe. She expresses optimism about reaching agreements and aims for transparency by involving the European Parliament in decision-making.

Ivanova pledges to share recommendations and consolidated texts during negotiations, fostering parliamentary involvement.

Sustaining fundamental research: The role of ERC

Recognising concerns about focusing on higher technology readiness levels, Ivanova reaffirms its commitment to funding basic research through the European Research Council (ERC).

While advocating for guaranteed funding and favourable conditions for researchers, she aims to align the ERC with the Commission’s strategic approach. This intention raises questions about maintaining ERC’s independence.

In anticipation of her confirmation hearing, Iliana Ivanova presents a comprehensive vision for EU Research Funding, addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and reinforcing the unity of research and innovation in the European Union.