The Expert Group, chaired by Professor Manuel Heitor, has released the interim evaluation report of Horizon Europe, titled ‘Act, Align, Accelerate: Research, Technology and Innovation to Boost European Competitiveness’, covering the EU’s primary research and innovation framework program for the period 2021-2027.

The report outlines 12 strategic recommendations to ensure Horizon Europe remains competitive and aligned with emerging global challenges. In addition to assessing the program’s progress, it proposes a transformative agenda for its final years (2025-2027) while laying the groundwork for the next Framework Program (FP10), set to run from 2028 to 2034.

The recommendations aim to increase the program’s impact by proposing an approach in four main spheres: 1) scientific excellence, 2) industrial competitiveness, 3) responding to societal challenges and 4) strengthening the European R&I ecosystem. It also proposed the creation of specialized councils to tackle industrial challenges (Industrial Competitiveness and Technology Council) and societal challenges (Societal Challenges Council), and the strengthening of essential instruments such as the European Research Council (ERC) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). The report also suggests radically simplifying administrative procedures and eliminating redundant programs, including the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

With a vision geared towards adapting Europe to global challenges, the report recommends increasing the budget to 220 billion euros in the next framework program. These changes are designed to attract talent and researchers, foster disruptive innovation and ensure scientific and technological breakthroughs that drive Europe’s future.

Access the full report here.