On 22^nd October, INEA, European Commission’s Executive Agency for Research and Innovation, hosted an information day on the funding made available in 2019 under Horizon 2020’s transport initiatives. With funds of up to €355m available in the upcoming year, the Commission has published a list of projects which will focus on mobility for growth, automated road transport, green vehicles and next generation batteries. The transport funds in particular aim to fuel the innovation and research needed to support the EU in its ambition for decarbonization and green agenda targets. Further details on priorities for transport under Horizon 2020 can be found here.  

Horizon 2020 is the 8^th Framework Programme of the EU dedicated to Research & Innovation, specifically focused on fostering excellence in research and innovation. With a budget of nearly €80bn over the 2014-2020 MFF, the programme contributes to enhancing Europe’s competitiveness and helping in achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy in areas such as energy, transport and digital advancements.

 

Research performed by the Committee of the Regions analyzing the involvement of Local and Regional Authorities in Horizon 2020 has found that LRAs are eligible to participate in virtually all of the programme’s actions [1].

 

Although up to date the largest recipient group of Horizon 2020 were private companies and Higher Education Authorities (approximately 66% of all participants between 2014-2016), there is scope for Local and Regional Authorities to get involved in projects, depending on the types of action. Research performed by the Committee of the Regions analyzing the involvement of Local and Regional Authorities in Horizon 2020 has found that LRAs are eligible to participate in virtually all of the programme’s actions [1]. In short, a detailed analysis of the various calls is needed to fully appreciate opportunities for LRAs to become involved, particularly as research funders, public procurers or managing authorities of regional research & innovation programmes.

Ireland is leading the way when it comes to securing Horizon 2020 funding and Enterprise Ireland is managing the implementation of the Irish strategy for maximizing the country’s participation in Horizon 2020. Up to 2017, Ireland as a whole has secured €424m in funding. The overall aim is to secure €1.25bn in funding until the close of the programme in 2020, representing 1.66% of the total EU budget committed.

Local and regional authorities also have their share of this success. Limerick City and County Council, together with consortium members from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia and Spain, secured a €20m funding for their project to work on developing Positive Energy Districts across Europe. The +CityxChange project will allow Limerick to become the first Irish ‘lighthouse smart city’ to develop innovative solutions for sustainable urban environments.

Although the structure of Horizon 2020 is very complex, there are a number of widely available resources to support your understanding the programme. If you wish to access more information, please contact the Irish Regions European Office.

[1] Horizon 2020 and Local and Regional Authorities