The EU will invest almost €16 billion over the next two years under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation funding scheme.
Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation said: "Research and innovation are the engines of Europe's progress and vital to addressing today's new pressing challenges like immigration, climate change, clean energy and healthy societies. Over the next two years, €16 billion from Horizon 2020 will support Europe's top scientific efforts, making the difference to citizens' lives."
The new Work Programme 2016-17 offers funding opportunities through a range of calls for proposals, public procurements and other actions like the Horizon Prizes, together covering nearly 600 topics. The programme will support a range of cross-cutting initiatives, including: the modernisation of Europe's manufacturing industry (€1 billion); the Internet of Things (€139 million) to address digitalisation of EU industries; Industry 2020 in the Circular Economy (€670 million) to develop strong and sustainable economies; and Smart and Sustainable Cities (€232 million) to better integrate environmental, transport, energy and digital networks in EU's urban environments.
The new Work Programme is also set on improving the impact of Horizon 2020 funding. First, it will ensure more money is available for innovative companies thanks to new leveraging opportunities supported by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), in addition to over €740 million dedicated to support research and innovation activities in nearly 2000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). More will also be done to improve synergies with other EU funding programmes, as well as support researchers in their applications with clearer guidance and impact criteria.
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui