What's Happening?
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) has released a report titled 'Is Horizon Europe Attractive for New Participants? Breaking Down Participation Trends Across Programme Parts and Countries.' This study evaluates
the success of Horizon Europe, the EU's primary research and innovation program, in attracting organizations without prior experience in Horizon 2020. The findings indicate that newcomers constitute 55.1% of participating organizations in Horizon Europe, demonstrating the program's continued ability to draw in new beneficiaries. However, these new participants account for only 18.7% of project participations and receive 13.7% of the total EU grant funding. This suggests that funding and participation remain largely concentrated among organizations with previous framework program experience. Compared to Horizon 2020, the share of newcomers has decreased; at a similar stage, newcomers represented 67.1% of participating organizations and received 17.2% of funding under Horizon 2020. The report also highlights that returning participants submit significantly more applications and achieve higher success rates.
Why It's Important?
The concentration of funding and participation among experienced organizations in Horizon Europe has significant implications for the broader European research and innovation ecosystem. While the program successfully attracts new entities, their limited share of funding and project involvement could hinder the diversification of research efforts and the emergence of novel ideas from less established groups. This trend may perpetuate existing disparities, making it more challenging for smaller organizations, startups, and those from less developed research systems to gain a foothold and contribute meaningfully. The report's findings suggest that the EU's goal of fostering widespread innovation might be undermined if access barriers persist for newcomers. This could lead to a less dynamic and inclusive research landscape, potentially impacting the EU's overall competitiveness in global innovation. The reliance on established players might also limit the program's ability to address emerging challenges with fresh perspectives.
What's Next?
The European Commission will likely need to review and potentially adjust its strategies to ensure broader and more sustained participation in Horizon Europe. The report identifies that Pillar II (Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness) and Pillar III (Innovative Europe) are key entry points for newcomers, with the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator being particularly effective. Future initiatives may focus on enhancing support mechanisms for new applicants, simplifying application processes, and providing targeted assistance to organizations from Widening countries, which currently have less developed research and innovation systems. Efforts could also be directed towards encouraging continued engagement from newcomers, as 82% currently participate in only one project. The insights from this report will likely inform policy adjustments aimed at making the program more accessible and equitable, ensuring that a wider range of organizations can contribute to and benefit from EU research and innovation funding.
Beyond the Headlines
The challenges highlighted in the Horizon Europe report extend beyond mere funding distribution; they touch upon fundamental issues of equity, access, and the long-term health of the European innovation landscape. If new participants, particularly SMEs and private companies, struggle to secure substantial funding and sustained engagement, it could stifle the growth of innovative startups and limit the commercialization of breakthrough technologies. This could lead to a less diverse innovation pipeline and a concentration of research power within a few established entities. The ethical implication is whether the program truly fosters an inclusive environment for all potential innovators or inadvertently creates a system that favors those already integrated. Addressing these disparities is crucial not only for economic competitiveness but also for ensuring that the benefits of scientific advancement are broadly distributed across the EU, fostering a more resilient and adaptable research community.
