On Monday 8 April, the European University Association (EUA) published its observations and proposals for the next European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (R&I), which will succeed Horizon Europe.
In its document, EUA stresses that, with the right funding and structure, this instrument could be more than a funding mechanism and could prove to be a catalyst for research and innovation. It could contribute to better preserving the EU’s strategic autonomy and leading role in R&I, and support the EU’s ability to meet societal challenges.
Some of the proposals are in line with the conclusions of the ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020 (see EUROPE 13338/6).
EUA stresses the need to balance levels of public support between support for applied R&I and support for basic research.
In addition, EUA proposes that the budget for the next framework programme be increased to €200 billion and that funds be allocated on the basis of excellence and impact criteria. EUA also stresses that this budget must be ring-fenced so that the funds are used to finance the objectives initially defined and are not diverted to support new political priorities for which no funding is provided.
The association also wants synergies between funding instruments and programmes to be strengthened, the programme and its participation rules to be simplified, and communication and exploitation of the results generated to be improved.
Finally, EUA would like to see the principle of responsible openness applied by default to international cooperation, and calls for greater involvement of stakeholders in regular dialogue, perhaps through a dedicated body.
Further information: https://aeur.eu/f/bnq (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)