NMP

'Horizon 2020'

The European Commission has adopted on November 30th its proposal for the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, 'Horizon 2020', that will run from 2014 to 2020 with a proposed total budget of €80 billion.

Horizon 2020 shall have the three mutually reinforcing strategic objectives described below, supporting the whole spectrum of activities of research, technological development, demonstration and innovation, including the dissemination and optimisation of results.

i) Excellent science base. This shall cover:

• The European Research Council;
• Future and Emerging Technologies;
• Marie Curie actions on skills, training and career development;
• European research infrastructures (including eInfrastructures).

ii) Industrial leadership and competitive frameworks. This shall cover:

• Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies of: Information and Communication Technologies, Nanotechnology, Advanced materials, Biotechnology, Advanced manufacturing and processing, and Space;
• Access to risk finance; and
• Innovation in SMEs .

iii) Tackling societal challenges. This shall address the challenges of:

• Health, demographic change and wellbeing;
• Food security, sustainable agriculture and the bio-economy;Secure, clean and efficient energy;
• Smart, green and integrated transport;
• Climate action and resource efficiency including raw materials ; and
• Inclusive, innovative and secure societies.

Key novelties:
Horizon 2020 has a number of new features that make it fit for purpose to promote growth and tackle societal challenges. These include:

• Major simplification through a simpler programme architecture, a single set of rules, less red tape through an easy to use cost reimbursement model, a single point ofaccess for participants, less paperwork in preparing proposals, fewer controls and audits, with the overall aim to reduce the average time to grant by 100 days;
• An inclusive approach open to new participants, including those with ideas outside of the mainstream, ensuring that excellent researchers and innovators from across Europe and beyond can and do participate;
• The integration of research and innovation by providing seamless and coherent funding from idea to market;
• More support for innovation and activities close to the market, leading to a direct economic stimulus;
• A strong focus on creating business opportunities out of our response to the major concerns common to people in Europe and beyond, i.e. 'societal challenges';
• More possibilities for new entrants and young, promising scientists to put forward their ideas and obtain funding.

One of the more interesting features proposed is;

One project - one funding rate.

maximum of 100% of direct costs (except for actions close to market, where a 70% maximum will apply)

Indirect eligible costs: a flat rate of 20% of direct eligible costs.

Where to from here