Assessment of the implementation of Horizon Europe in view of its interim evaluation and recommendations for the 10th Research Framework Programme
This report assesses the implementation of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and provides recommendations for the next framework programme. It highlights the importance of research and innovation for the EU's competitiveness, societal progress, and its ability to address global challenges. The programme affects researchers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and various research institutions across the EU. SMEs have seen improved success rates in participation, with many being new to EU research programmes. Key changes and obligations include a call for increased administrative simplification, a need for more agile governance, and a focus on translating research into successful businesses. The report also stresses the importance of fostering research careers to prevent brain drain. Recommendations for the future include a substantially higher budget for the 10th Framework Programme, a focus on three core objectives: competition of ideas, strategic research initiatives, and advancing the European Research Area. Simplification of administrative processes and improved governance are also emphasized.
Analysis
Horizon Europe is the EU's largest centrally managed funding programme, with Parliament initially proposing EUR 120 billion, compared to the EUR 93.4 billion allocated after the multiannual financial framework revision.
What changes
- FP10 implementation should be improved by adopting an agile governance structure, including new Councils for expert advice and programme managers for strategic portfolios.
- FP10 should implement radical administrative simplification for applications and project management, minimizing information requests to essential details for evaluation.
- FP10 should focus on three core objectives: fostering competition of ideas from basic science to scale-up, supporting strategic European collaboration, and advancing the European Research Area.
Expected impact
- The complexity and bureaucracy in Horizon Europe implementation have been experienced negatively by participants, with longer time-to-grant than targeted.
- Europe lags behind the US and China in translating research into successful businesses and scaling up start-ups, indicating a gap in the value chain.
- The EU currently lacks sufficient funding to support researchers at risk, despite efforts by some Member States and NGOs, indicating a fragmented approach.
Limitations
- The document is a European Parliament report and does not contain specific legislative text for direct analysis of Articles or Regulations.
- Analysis is based on the 'Motion for a European Parliament Resolution' and associated observations and recommendations, which interpret and assess the implementation of Horizon Europe.
- Specific financial figures for future programmes are recommendations and not final legislative allocations.
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