Horizon 2020 Projects

Bulgaria has once again ranked at the bottom of a table comparing the innovation performance of the European Union’s 27 member states; for the second consecutive year and third time overall.

The development of Horizon 2020 and a unified patent indicates a busy time ahead for the European Patent Office. Oswald Schröder, principal director of communications, gives his thoughts on the changes ahead.

The Scottish Government in collaboration with other local organisations is developing an action plan in order to reach its full potential under Horizon 2020. Events will also be held to encourage participation.

Francesco Profumo, minister of education, universities and research, has launched a seven-year plan to help Italy gain the most from Horizon 2020, the EU’s next research framework programme.

Following his country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2012, the Minister for Research, Innovation and Higher Education, Morton Østergaard, outlines his expectations for Denmark in Horizon 2020.

Professor Paul Boyle, president of Science Europe, sees his organisation as the “constructive critic” of the European Commission. He talks to Horizon2020projects on his expectations for Horizon 2020.

Professor Manfred Horvat, an independent expert on European and International research and technology co-operation at the Vienna University of Technology, gives his thoughts on the next framework programme.

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts outlines how the UK will benefit from Horizon 2020.

MEPs have vorted in Strasbourg on the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, urging greater flexibility regarding the transfer of EU funds and member states to settle outstanding obligations.

The Irish Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, has flown into Brussels for the concluding session of the ‘EU Science: Global Challenges and Global Collaboration’ conference, describing the event “as too important to miss”.

Professor Seija Kulkki of Aalto University School of Business outlines Horizon 2020’s ambition to develop a leading collaborative innovation ecosystem, though is concerned about EU budget cuts.

Venture capitalists form Union Square Ventures in New York and Earlybird from Germany give their thoughts on working in Europe and the EU’s forthcoming EU research and innovation framework programme.

The Northern Ireland Executive has launched a detailed strategy to help businesses benefit from Horizon 2020. It’s hoped the action plan will assist researchers in gaining the most for Horizon 2020.

In an interview with University World News, Kurt Deketelaere, the secretary general the League of European Research Universities, says he is satisfied with the budget for Horizon 2020.

The budget for Horizon 2020, the EU’s next research and innovation framework programme, is expected to be around €71bn, approximately 12% less than the €80bn initially proposed by the European Commission.

The European Physics Society is the latest body urging EU leaders to approve €80bn for Horizon 2020, describing it as ‘a unique opportunity to…advance Europe’s position in both research and innovation’.

The European University Association, representing 850 higher education institutions, is calling for a full reimbursement of costs during Horizon 2020 following changes to the Seventh Framework Programme.

Spain has outlined a seven-year innovation and investment plan aligned with the priorities of Horizon 2020. Madrid hopes it will encourage business leadership in R&D and tackle the challenges facing society.

The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, has said European heads of government must see the “bigger picture” and not get “absorbed by small details” when discussing the next EU budget.

Representatives from the European Research Council (ERC) and the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT) are calling on EU member state leaders to approve the €80bn budget for Horizon 2020.