Specific programme implementing the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014-2020
The European Parliament adopted by 559 votes to 24, with 19 abstentions, in the framework of a special legislative procedure (European Parliament consultation), a legislative resolution on the proposal for a decision establishing the Specific Programme Implementing Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020).
Parliament amended the Commission proposal as follows:
Priorities and specific objectives: Horizon 2020 should focus on three priorities:
- strengthen the excellence of European research (Excellent science);
- strengthen industrial leadership (Industrial leadership);
- contribute to the priority societal challenges (Societal challenges).
Parliament hoped that these priorities would be achieved through a specific programme with a section for each of the three priorities, a section for "Spreading excellence and widening participation ', a section for" Science with and for society "and section for direct actions of the Joint Research Centre.
The three priorities should include an international dimension.
- Spreading excellence and widening participation actions should fully exploit the potential of European talent and aim to ensure that the benefits of focusing on innovation are both maximised and widely distributed in the EU economy accordance with the principle of excellence.
Activities shall help close the research and innovation divide in Europe by promoting synergies with the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds and also by specific measures shall be taken to unlock excellence in low performing RDI regions, thereby widening participation in Horizon 2020 and contributing to the realisation of the European Research Area.
- Science with and for society: actions should build effective cooperation between science and society, recruit new talent for science and pair scientific excellence with social awareness and responsibility. Social sciences and humanities research should be fully integrated into each of the general objectives of Horizon 2020. This will include ample opportunities for supporting such research through the European Research Council, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions or the Research Infrastructures specific objective.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Horizon 2020 should encourage and support the increased participation of SMEs in an integrated way across all specific objectives.
Fast Track to Innovation (FTI): the Fast Track to Innovation will speed up time from idea to market significantly and is expected to increase industry participation in Horizon 2020 and first-time applicants.
International cooperation: Horizon 2020 sets out the general principles for participation of organisations from third countries and international organisations. As research and innovation in general benefit largely from an openness towards third countries, Horizon 2020 will continue with the principle of general openness, while encouraging reciprocal access to third country programmes. Focus should be on cooperation with three major country groupings: (i) industrialised and emerging economies; (ii) enlargement and neighbourhood countries; and (iii) developing countries.
Sustainable development and climate change: Horizon 2020 should encourage and support activities towards exploiting Europe's leadership in the race to develop new processes and technologies promoting sustainable development, in a broad sense, and combating climate change. Such horizontal approach, fully integrated in all Horizon 2020 priorities.
Bridging from discovery to market application: bridging actions throughout Horizon 2020 are aimed at bringing discovery to market application, leading to exploitation and commercialisation of ideas whenever appropriate. The actions should be based on a broad innovation concept and stimulate cross-sectoral innovation.
Cross-cutting support measures: these should be supported by a number of transversal support measures, including support to: (i) enhancing the attractiveness of the research profession, including the general principles of the European Charter for researchers; (ii) strengthening the evidence base and the development of and support for ERA; (iii) recognising top performing Horizon 2020 beneficiaries and projects in the different fields through symbolic awards; (iv) improving framework conditions in support of the Innovation Union, including exploring the possibility of setting up an European Intellectual Property Rights valorisation instrument; (v) administration and coordination of international networks for excellent researchers and innovators (such as COST).