UK finance minister highlights importance of Horizon 2020

Over £40,000 (~€50,016) has been invested in 18 organisations across Wales to help them forge collaborations with European partners to access Horizon 2020, UK finance minister Jane Hutt said at the UK and Ireland Annual Conference of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

Last year, the Welsh Government set up a fund called SCoRE Cymru (Supporting Collaborative Research and innovation in Europe), to help Welsh organisations involved in cutting-edge research and innovation to develop competitive, collaborative bids so they can benefit from Horizon 2020.

One year on, organisations such as Mackworth Healthcare based in Bridgend and Phytovation in Caernarfon have received support through SCoRE Cymru. The funding is helping them prepare competitive Horizon 2020 bids for collaborative projects which, if successful, will develop a novel system for the early detection of cancer and research into plant growth to help farmers increase yield production.

Hutt said: “Research and innovation is vital to the global competitiveness of the Welsh economy and so it is very important that we provide the support needed to help organisations maximise the opportunities for collaborative research and technological development through EU funding programmes, such as the European Structural Funds and Horizon 2020. These schemes can help build strong foundations upon which Wales can drive forward its Knowledge Economy and help secure growth and jobs.”

The Minister also announced the publication of CM International’s Scoping Study report, commissioned by the Welsh Government, to determine how best to help Welsh organisations access Horizon 2020.

She said: “The report endorses the approach we have taken in working alongside key stakeholders, such as EEN, across Wales, the UK and Europe to identify and maximise the opportunities available to Welsh organisations in Horizon 2020. It also recognises the value and supports the continuation of SCoRE Cymru.”