Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the innovation union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe’s competitiveness within the scientific circles. With a budget of €80 billion euro, the EU’s new programme for research is part of the drive to create new growth as well as providing jobs in Europe.

 

Horizon 2020 provides major simplification through a single set of rules. It will combine all research and innovation funding currently provided through the Framework Programmes for Research and Technical Development, the innovation related activities of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

 

The proposed support for research and innovation under Horizon 2020 will;

 

- Strengthen the EU’s position in science with a dedicated budget of €24.5 billion. This will provide a boost to top-level research in Europe, including an increase in funding for the very successful European Research Council (ERC).

 

- Provide €31 billion to help address major concerns shared by all Europeans such as; climate change, developing sustainable transport and mobility, making renewable energy more affordable, ensuring food safety and security, and coping with the challenge of ageing population.  

(Source; Horizon 2020)

 

Horizon 2020 has the aim of boosting research, stimulating innovation and simplifying the way scientists and smaller businesses can get funding for EU-backed projects. For visual or detailed explanation about the Horizon 2020 programme, please watch the videos below.