Abstract

Horizon 2020 is the largest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020). It is an opportunity for supporting excellence and collaboration in research, on a scale and scope that is seldom feasible at global level.

Horizon 2020 contributes to the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness. By coupling research and innovation, Horizon 2020 is helping to achieve this with its emphasis on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation. This it is seen as a means to drive economic growth and create jobs, Horizon 2020 has the political backing of Europe's leaders and the Members of the European Parliament.

Horizon 2020 is open to everyone, with simplified and more rapid application and reporting procedures.

The next work programme for the period 2018 – 2020 will be published in Autumn 2017.