Science|Business

Much of the recent debate on closing Europe’s innovation gap with the US and China has centred on top-down policy initiatives, such as those put forward by Mario Draghi, and protecting traditional industries like the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.

This year promises to be pivotal for EU Framework Programmes, as the European Commission prepares to outline plans for the remainder of Horizon Europe and takes key steps toward the next Framework Programme, FP10. The highlight of the year will likely be the unveiling of the Commission’s proposal for FP10. While it won’t start until 2028, negotiations on its shape are set to begin once the Commission (hopefully) presents its proposal in mid-2025.

Last year, the European Commission awarded €12.3 billion in Horizon Europe grants to more than 12,000 organisations. As research lobby groups are limbering up in anticipation of the final work programmes under Horizon Europe and the shaping of Framework Programme 10, we take a look at how countries and research organisations are performing in the EU’s main research funding programme. Biggest beneficiary: CNRS

The European Research Council (ERC), the EU’s leading basic science funder, is often described as the jewel in the crown of European science, due to its high prestige, fierce competitiveness, and reputation for attracting top minds. But like all crown jewels, it’s closely guarded. For most grants, applicants must already work in Europe, or relocate to the continent for at least half of their time.

The founding director of Sprind, Germany’s innovation agency, draws lessons from its first five years of operation

Implementing these innovation priorities will require a doubling of the EU budget, French president says

These updates are republished press releases and communications from members of the Science|Business Network

Report adds to fears that the bloc is ‘flying without radar’ when trying to avoid dependence on other powers

Eureka is the world’s largest public network, empowering companies with funding for international cooperation in research, development, and innovation.

A survey of ten pilot projects finds significant obstacles to the introduction of joint European degrees