European Union's Horizon 2020

European Union's Horizon 2020 is the largest European Union research and innovation program, following the Seventh Framework Programme and preceding the Horizon Europe program, with a budget of nearly €80 billion, involving European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the European Union. The program is aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness, driving economic growth, and creating European Research Area. It is implemented by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, in collaboration with European Institute of Innovation and Technology, European Research Council, and European Investment Bank. The program's success is measured by its ability to address Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined by the United Nations, and to promote European science and innovation.

Introduction to Horizon 2020

The European Union's Horizon 2020 program was launched in 2014, following the Lisbon Strategy and the Europe 2020 strategy, with the goal of creating a more innovative Europe, as envisioned by José Manuel Barroso, Herman Van Rompuy, and Martin Schulz. The program is designed to support research and innovation in European Union member states, as well as in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and other associated countries, such as Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. It is also open to participation from international organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Health Organization, and International Energy Agency. The program's implementation involves close collaboration with European University Institute, European Patent Office, and European Space Agency.

Objectives and Priorities

The main objectives of European Union's Horizon 2020 are to strengthen the European science base, foster innovation and competitiveness, and address major societal challenges, such as climate change, sustainable energy, and public health, as outlined by the World Health Organization and the European Environment Agency. The program's priorities include excellent science, industrial leadership, and societal challenges, with a focus on biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information and communication technologies, as promoted by European Technology Platforms and Joint Research Centre. The program also supports research infrastructure, such as European Organization for Nuclear Research, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Funding and Budget

The European Union's Horizon 2020 program has a budget of nearly €80 billion, which is allocated across various funding schemes, including European Research Council grants, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and SME Instrument, as well as European Institute of Innovation and Technology and European Investment Bank funding. The program's budget is also complemented by private investment and national funding, such as from German Research Foundation, French National Research Agency, and UK Research and Innovation. The program's funding is managed by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, in collaboration with European Court of Auditors and European Investment Bank.

Research and Innovation Areas

The European Union's Horizon 2020 program supports research and innovation in various areas, including health, energy, transport, and societal challenges, such as migration and security, as addressed by Frontex and European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The program also supports space exploration and aeronautics, as promoted by European Space Agency and European Aviation Safety Agency. Additionally, the program funds research in information and communication technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data protection, as regulated by General Data Protection Regulation and European Data Protection Board.

Participation and Eligibility

The European Union's Horizon 2020 program is open to participation from European Union member states, as well as from associated countries, such as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. The program is also open to participation from international organizations, such as United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Eligible participants include universities, research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large enterprises, such as Siemens, Philips, and Sanofi. The program's participation rules are outlined by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, in collaboration with European Court of Justice and European Ombudsman.

Impact and Evaluation

The European Union's Horizon 2020 program has a significant impact on European research and innovation, as measured by its ability to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and address societal challenges. The program's evaluation is carried out by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, in collaboration with European Court of Auditors and European Investment Bank. The program's success is also monitored by European Parliament and Council of the European Union, as well as by European University Institute and Joint Research Centre. The program's impact is also assessed by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and World Bank, as part of their efforts to promote global development and sustainable growth. Category:European Union programs