Horizon Europe is the ninth European Research and Innovation Framework programme (2021-2027). In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is one of the key instruments of the European Union's efforts to steer and accelerate Europe's recovery, preparedness and resilience. In the context of a new European Research Area for research and innovation, it aims to strengthen Europe's knowledge base through frontier research, spur breakthrough innovation and support the development and demonstration of innovative solutions, and help restore industrial leadership and open strategic autonomy.

Activity under Horizon Europe is primarily organised under three 'pillars':

Pillar I - Excellent Science

Pillar II - Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness

Pillar III - Innovative Europe.

European Innovation Ecosystems is a significant part of Pillar III - Innovative Europe, which will target specific support to enable innovation ecosystem actors to work together across Europe:

• Bring together people or organisations whose goal is innovation, and
• Include the links between resources (such as funds, equipment, and facilities), organisations (such as higher education institutions, research and technology organisations, companies, venture capitalists and financial intermediaries), investors and policymakers.

The actions supported by European Innovation Ecosystems complement the actions carried out by the EIC and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), activities across Horizon Europe, initiatives at national, regional and local level as well as private and third sector initiatives.

Aim

European Innovation Ecosystems actions are grouped under two destinations: CONNECT and SCALEUP.

CONNECT

The actions in CONNECT focus on building interconnected, inclusive innovation ecosystems across Europe by drawing on the existing strengths of national, regional and local ecosystems and pulling in new, less well-represented actors and territories to set, undertake, and achieve collective ambitions towards challenges for the benefit of society, including the green, digital, and social transitions.

SCALEUP

The actions in SCALEUP focus on reinforcing network connectivity within and between innovation ecosystems to accelerate sustainable business growth with high societal value. By actively engaging in local, national and European networks, companies can better capture and create ecosystem opportunities and gain new competitive advantage.

Some relevant topics covered are listed below. Please refer to the PDF for the complete list of topics.

HORIZON-EIE-2021-CONNECT-01-01: Preparatory action for setting up joint programmes among innovation ecosystems actors. The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 4.00 million. Per topic 0.50 million aprox. Expected to fund 8 projects.

HORIZON-EIE-2022-CONNECT-01-01: Towards more inclusive networks and initiatives in European innovation ecosystems. The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 4.00 million. Per topic 0.50 million aprox. Expected to fund 8 projects.

Eligibilty

Any legal entity may participate in an action provided that the conditions laid down in the Rules of Participation have been met as well as any conditions laid down in the relevant work programme or work plan.

Applicants must be established in:

• A Member State of the European Union, including their outermost regions
• Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States
• Non-EU countries associated to Horizon Europe

Applications to Horizon Europe calls and topics must be submitted via the European Commission Funding and Tenders Portal.

In case of interest, please contact internacional(ELIMINAR)@fsjd.org