### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 2 ; ### ' inclusive and secure society ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 2 ;


### cluster ' digital and industry ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 3 ; ### ' digital and industry ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 3 ;


### cluster ' climate , energy and mobility ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 4 ; ### ' climate , energy and mobility ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 4 ;


### specific provisions to enable an efficient and flexible portfolio approach may be set out in the work programme provided for in article 11 . ### specific provisions to enable an efficient and flexible portfolio approach shall be set out in the work programme provided for in article 11 .


### the president shall be appointed by the commission following a transparent recruitment process involving an independent dedicated search committee , for a term of office limited to four years , renewable once . the recruitment process and the candidate selected shall have the approval of the scientific council . ### the president shall be appointed by the commission following a transparent recruitment process involving an independent dedicated search committee , for a term of office limited to three years , renewable once . the recruitment process and the candidate selected shall have the approval of the scientific council .


### the erc shall operate according to the principles of scientific excellence , autonomy , efficiency , effectiveness , transparency and accountability . it shall ensure continuity with erc actions conducted under decision … / ec . ### the erc shall operate according to the principles of scientific merit , autonomy , efficiency , effectiveness , openness , transparency and accountability . it shall ensure continuity with erc actions conducted under decision … / ec .


### the activities of the erc shall support research carried out across all fields by individual and transnational teams in competition at the european level . ### the activities of the erc shall support research carried out across all fields by individual and transnational teams in competition at the european level , according to worldwide benchmarks .


### the scientific council shall be composed of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise , of both women and men in different age groups , ensuring a diversity of research areas and acting in their personal capacity , independent of extraneous interests . ### the scientific council shall be gender balanced and composed of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise , in different age groups , ensuring a diversity of research areas and acting in their personal capacity , independent of extraneous interests .


### their term of office shall be limited to four years , renewable once , on the basis of a rotating system which shall ensure the continuity of the work of the scientific council . ### their term of office shall be limited to three years , renewable once , on the basis of a rotating system which shall ensure the continuity of the work of the scientific council .


### the work programme for the implementation of the erc activities ; ### the work programme for the implementation of the erc activities , in consultation with the relevant configuration of the programme committee ;


### the commission shall depart from the positions established by the scientific council in accordance with points , , , and of the first subparagraph only when it considers that the provisions of this decision have not been respected . in that case , the commission shall adopt measures to maintain continuity in the implementation of the specific programme and the achievements of its objectives , setting out the points of departure from the scientific s and duly motivating them . ### the commission shall depart from the positions established by the scientific council in accordance with points and of the previous subparagraph only when it considers that the provisions of this decision have not been respected . in that case , the commission shall adopt measures to maintain continuity in the implementation of the specific programme and the achievements of its objectives , setting out the points of departure from the scientific s and duly motivating them .


### the president shall be appointed for a term of office limited to four years , renewable once . ### the president shall be appointed for a term of office limited to four years , not renewable .


### the president shall chair the eic board , prepare its meetings , assign tasks to members , and may establish dedicated sub - groups , in particular to identify emerging technology trends from eic ' s portfolio . he or she shall promote the eic , act as interlocutor with the commission and represent the eic in the world of innovation . the commission may provide for administrative support for the president to undertake his or her duties . ### the president shall chair the eic board , prepare its meetings , assign tasks to members , and may establish dedicated sub - groups , in particular to identify emerging technology trends from eic ' s portfolio . he or she shall promote the eic , act as interlocutor with the commission and represent the eic in the world of innovation . the commission shall provide for administrative support for the president to undertake his or her duties .


### a code of conduct addressing , inter alia , the avoidance of conflict of interests shall be established by the commission . members of the eic board are expected to accept the code of conduct upon assuming office . ### a code of conduct addressing , inter alia , the avoidance of conflict of interests shall be established by the commission . members of the eic board must accept the code of conduct upon assuming office .


### the commission shall adopt separate work programmes , by means of implementing acts , for the implementation of actions under the following components , as set out in article 3 of this decision : ### having consulted member states , associated countries and other relevant stakeholders , the commission shall adopt the work programmes , by means of implementing acts , for the implementation of actions under the following components , as set out in article 3 of this decision :


### for grants the priorities , the selection and award criteria and the relative weight of the different award criteria and the maximum rate of funding of the total eligible costs ; ### for grants the priorities , the selection and award criteria , the relative weight of the different award criteria , and the maximum rate of funding of the total eligible costs ;


### there will be appropriate support for mechanisms to communicate the programme to potential applicants . ### there will be appropriate support for mechanisms to communicate the programme to potential applicants . the commission will establish a system of national contact points as an essential component of horizon europe implementation , building on the experience of previous framework programmes , so as to ensure that the programme becomes known and readily accessible to all potential applicants , irrespective of sector or discipline .


### the search for breakthroughs in understanding and the acquisition of knowledge ; the world class facilities needed to achieve this including physical and knowledge infrastructures for research and innovation as well as the means to openly disseminate and share knowledge ; and an adequate supply of excellent researchers ; are at the very heart of economic , social and cultural progress in all its forms . ### an adequate supply of talented researchers and innovators , the search for breakthroughs in understanding and the acquisition of knowledge , the world class facilities needed to achieve this including physical and e - infrastructures for research and innovation , as well as the means to openly disseminate and share knowledge , are at the very heart of economic , social and cultural progress in all its forms .


### open and excellent science is inextricably linked to the achievement of world leading innovation . scientific and technological paradigm shifts have been identified as key drivers for productivity growth , competitiveness , wealth , sustainable development and social progress . such paradigm shifts have historically tended to originate from the public - sector science base before going on to lay the foundations for whole new industries and sectors . ### the achievement of world leading innovation is inextricably linked to the advancements of open , high quality science . scientific , technological and social paradigm shifts , if properly and wisely guided , may be the key drivers for inclusive social progress , the transition to a net - zero ghg emission economy by 2050 at the latest , prosperity , competitiveness , and disseminated wealth . such paradigm shifts have historically tended to originate from public - sector - funded research before going on to lay the foundations for comprehensive societal progress .


### public investment in research , especially through universities and public research institutions and research facilities , often undertakes the longer - term , higher - risk research and complements the activities of the private sector . besides this it creates skills , knowhow and experience , new scientific instruments and methodologies , as well creating the networks which transmit the latest knowledge . ### public investment in research , especially through universities and public research institutions and research facilities , often undertakes the longer - term , higher - risk research which then complemented and implemented by the activities of the private sector . besides this , it creates highly skilled human resources , knowhow and experience , new scientific instruments and methodologies , as well creating the networks which transmit the latest knowledge .


### european science and researchers have been and continue to be at the forefront in many areas . but this is not a position we can take for granted . there is ample evidence to show that as the pace of research continues to grow , so the number of countries competing to be the best is increasing as well . the traditional challenge from countries such as the united states is now being joined by economic giants such as china and india , from the newly industrialising parts of the world in particular , and from all countries where governments recognise the manifold and abundant returns which derive from investing in research . ### european researchers and their scientific products have been and continue to be at the forefront in many areas . but this is not a position that can be taken for granted . there is ample evidence to show that as the pace of research continues to grow , so the number of countries competing to be the best is increasing as well . the traditional challenge from countries such as the united states is now being joined by economic giants such as china , india and south korea , from the newly industrialising parts of the world in particular , and from all countries where governments recognise the manifold and abundant returns which derive from investing in research .


### although the eu remains the largest producer of scientific publications in the world , it is essentially a ' mass producer ' of knowledge with , relative to its size , comparatively few centres of excellence that standout at the world level and with large areas of average and poor performance . compared with the us and now china to some degree , the eu still tends to follow a ' distributed excellence model ' in which resources are spread across a larger number of researchers and research institutions another challenge is that in many eu countries the public sector still does not offer sufficiently attractive conditions for the best researchers . these factors compound europe ' s relative unattractiveness in the global competition for scientific talent . ### the eu remains the largest producer of scientific publications in the world ; it is essentially a ' mass producer ' of knowledge which tends to follow a ' distributed excellence model ' in which resources are spread across a relatively large number of researchers and research institutions . unwisely , in many eu countries the public sector investment in research is below any acceptable threshold and thus it does not offer sufficiently attractive conditions for the best researchers . these latter factors limit europe ' s relative attractiveness in the global competition for scientific talent .


### the erc supports the best researchers with flexible , long - term funding to pursue ground breaking , high - gain / high - risk research . it operates autonomously led by an independent scientific council made up of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise and diversity . the erc is able to draw on a wider pool of talents and ideas than would be possible for any national scheme , reinforcing excellence through the way in which the best researchers and the best ideas compete against each other . ### the erc supports talented researchers with flexible , long - term funding to pursue ground breaking , high - gain / high - risk research . it operates autonomously led by an independent , gender - and disclipline - balanced scientific council made up of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise and diversity . the erc is able to draw on a wider pool of talents and ideas than would be possible for any national scheme , reinforcing high quality research in all fields of science through the way in which the best researchers and the best ideas compete and co - operate for the progress of the whole human society .


### frontier research funded by the erc has a substantial direct impact in the form of advances at the frontiers of knowledge , opening the way to new and often unexpected scientific and technological results and new areas for research . in turn , this generates radically new ideas which drive innovation and business inventiveness and tackle societal challenges . the erc also has a significant structural impact , driving up the quality of the european research system over and above the researchers and actions it funds directly . erc - funded actions and researchers set an inspirational target for frontier research in europe , raising its profile and making it more attractive for the best researchers worldwide as a place to work , and work with . the prestige of hosting erc grant - holders creates competition between europe ' s universities and research organisations to offer the most attractive conditions for top researchers and can indirectly help them to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses and bring about reforms . ### frontier research funded by the erc should have a substantial impact in the form of advances at the frontiers of knowledge , opening the way to new and often unexpected scientific , technological and societal results and new areas for research . in turn , this may generates radically new ideas which drive innovation and business inventiveness and tackle societal challenges . the erc also has a significant structural impact , driving up the quality of the european research system over and above the researchers and actions it funds directly . erc - funded actions and researchers set an inspirational target for frontier research in europe , raising its profile and making it more attractive for the best researchers worldwide as a place to work , and work with . the prestige of hosting erc grant - holders creates competition between europe ' s universities and research organisations to offer the most attractive conditions for top researchers and can indirectly help them to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses and bring about reforms .


### the gap between the research performance of the us and the eu countries has narrowed over the 10 years since the erc was established . the erc funds a relatively small percentage of all european research , but from this achieves a disproportionally high scientific impact . the average citation impact of the research supported by the erc is comparable to that of the world’s top elite research universities . the erc’s research performance is extremely high when compared with the world’s largest research funders . the erc funds a great deal of frontier research in many of the research areas that have received the highest numbers of citations , including those areas that are rapidly emerging . although erc funding is targeted to frontier research it has resulted in a substantial number of patents . ### the erc funds a relatively small percentage of all european research , but from this achieves a disproportionally high scientific impact . the average citation impact of the research supported by the erc is comparable to that of the world’s top elite research universities . the erc’s research performance is comparable to and sometimes higher than that of the world’s largest research funders . the erc funds a great deal of frontier research in many of the research areas that have received the highest numbers of citations , including those areas that are rapidly emerging .


### so there is clear evidence that the erc attracts and funds excellent researchers through its calls and erc actions are producing a substantial number of the most significant and high impact research findings worldwide in emerging areas leading to breakthroughs and major advances . the work of erc grantees is also highly interdisciplinary and erc grantees collaborate internationally and publish their results openly across all fields of research including the social sciences and humanities . ### so there is clear evidence that the erc attracts and funds excellent researchers through its calls and that the erc actions are producing a substantial number of the most significant and high impact research findings worldwide in emerging areas leading to breakthroughs and major advances . erc grantees collaborate internationally and publish their results openly across all fields of research , including the social sciences and humanities . the work of erc grantees is expected also to become increasingly interdisciplinary .


### there is also already evidence of the longer term impacts of erc grants on careers , on training highly skilled postdocs and phds , on raising the global visibility and prestige of european research and on national research systems through its strong benchmarking effect . this effect is particularly valuable in the eu ' s distributed excellence model because erc funded status can replace and serve as a more accurate indicator of research quality than recognition based on the status of institutions . this allows ambitious individuals , institutions , regions and countries to seize the initiative and scale up the research profiles in which they are particularly strong . ### there is also evidence of the longer term impacts of erc grants on careers , on training highly skilled recognised researchers and doctoral degree holders , on raising the global visibility and prestige of european research and on national research systems through its strong benchmarking effect . this effect is particularly valuable in the eu ' s distributed excellence model because erc funded status can replace and serve as a reliable and simpler indicator of research quality than other currently used indicators . this allows ambitious individuals , institutions , regions and countries to seize the initiative and scale up the research profiles in which they are particularly strong .


### research funded by the erc is expected to lead to advances at the frontier of knowledge , with scientific publications of the highest quality , to research results with high societal and economic potential impact and with the erc setting a clear and inspirational target for frontier research across the eu , europe and internationally . aiming to make the eu a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists , the erc will target a measurable improvement in the eu ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications , and aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe which it funds . erc funding shall be awarded in accordance with the following well - established principles . scientific excellence shall be the sole criterion on which erc grants are awarded . the erc shall operate on a ' bottom - up ' basis without predetermined priorities . ### research funded by the erc is expected to lead to advances at the frontier of knowledge , with scientific publications of the highest quality , to research results with high societal , environmental and economic potential impact and with the erc setting a clear and inspirational target for frontier research across the eu , europe and internationally . aiming to make the eu a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists , the erc will target a measurable improvement in the eu ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications , and aim at a substantial increase in the number of highly talented researchers from outside europe which it funds . erc funding shall be awarded in accordance with the following well - established principles . high quality research with the highest expected impact on the advancement of science shall be the sole criterion on which erc grants are awarded . the erc shall operate on a ' bottom - up ' basis without predetermined priorities .


### –review and assess the erc ' s achievements and the quality and impact of the research funded by the erc and make recommendations for corrective or future actions ; ### –periodically submit to external review and assessment the erc ' s achievements and the quality and impact of the research funded by the erc and , accordingly , adopt recommendations and draw guidelines for corrective or future actions ;


### europe needs a highly - skilled and resilient human capital base in research and innovation that can easily adapt to and find sustainable solutions for future challenges , such as major demographic changes in europe . to ensure excellence , researchers need to be mobile , collaborate and diffuse knowledge across countries , sectors and disciplines , with the right combination of knowledge and skills to tackle societal challenges and support innovation . ### europe needs a quantitatively important pool of highly - skilled and resilient human resources in research and innovation that can easily adapt to and find sustainable solutions for current and future societal challenges , such as , in e . g . , major demographic changes in europe . to ensure top quality , researchers need to be mobile , collaborate and diffuse knowledge across countries , sectors and disciplines , with the right combination of knowledge and skills to tackle societal challenges and support innovation .


### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must reinforce its efforts to entice more young women and men to a career in research , to attract researchers from third countries , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . in addition , in order to more widely spread excellence , the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund . ### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must boost its efforts to entice more young women and men to a career in research , to attract researchers from third countries , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . in addition , in order to more widely spread excellence and participation in higly quality research and innovation programmes and activities , the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund .


### the marie skłodowska - curie actions focus on excellent research that is fully bottom - up , open to any field of research and innovation from basic research up to market take - up and innovation services . this includes research fields covered under the treaty on the functioning of the european union and the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community . if specific needs arise and additional funding sources become available , the msca may target certain activities in specific challenges , types of research and innovation institutions , or geographical locations in order to respond to the evolution of europe ' s requirements in terms of skills , research training , career development and knowledge sharing . ### the marie skłodowska - curie actions focus on high quality , bottom - up research that is open to any field from basic research up to market take - up and innovation services . this includes research fields covered under the treaty on the functioning of the european union and the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community . if specific needs arise and additional funding sources become available , the msca may target certain activities in specific challenges , types of research and innovation institutions , or geographical locations in order to respond to the evolution of europe ' s requirements in terms of skills , research training , career development and knowledge sharing .


### the eu needs a strong , resilient and creative human resource base , with the right combination of skills to match the future needs of the labour market , to innovate and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit . this can be achieved through training researchers to further develop their core research competences as well as enhance their transferable skills such as a creative and entrepreneurial mindset . this will allow them to face current and future global challenges , and improve their career prospects and innovation potential . ### the eu needs a strong , resilient and creative human resource base , with the right combination of skills to match the future needs of the labour market , to innovate and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit . this can be achieved through training researchers to further develop their core research competences as well as enhance their transferable skills such as a creative , responsible and open - to - the - society mindset . this will allow them to face current and future global challenges , and improve their career prospects and innovation potential .


### 2 . 3 . strengthening human capital and skills development across the european research area ### 2 . 3 . strengthening human resources and skills development across the european research area


### state of the art research infrastructures provide key services to research and innovation communities , playing an essential role in extending the frontiers of knowledge . supporting research infrastructures at the eu level helps to mitigate what in many cases is the reality of scattered national research infrastructures and pockets of scientific excellence , as well as tackling the low circulation of knowledge across silos . ### state of the art research infrastructures provide key services to research and innovation communities , playing an essential role in extending the frontiers of knowledge . supporting research infrastructures of european interest and level overcoming what in many cases is the reality of scattered national research infrastructures , complementing and upgrading pockets of scientific excellence , as well as tackling the low circulation of knowledge across silos .


### the overall aim is to endow europe with world - class sustainable research infrastructures open and accessible to all researchers in europe and beyond , which fully exploit their potential for scientific advance and innovation . key objectives are to reduce the fragmentation of the research and innovation ecosystem , avoiding duplication of effort , and better coordinate the development and use of research infrastructures . it is crucial to support open access to research infrastructures for all european researchers as well as , through the european open science cloud , increased access to digital research resources , specifically tackling the currently sub - optimal embracement of open science and open data practises . equally , the eu needs to tackle the rapid increase of global competition for talent by attracting third country researchers to work with european world - class research infrastructures . increasing the competitiveness of european industry is also a major objective , supporting key technologies and services relevant for research infrastructures and their users , thus improving the conditions for supply of innovative solutions . ### the overall aim is to endow europe with world - class , sustainable research infrastructures , open and accessible to all researchers and innovators in europe and beyond , which fully exploit their potential for scientific advance and innovation . key objectives are to reduce the fragmentation of the research and innovation ecosystem , avoiding duplication of effort , and better coordinate the development and use of research infrastructures . it is crucial to support open access to research infrastructures for all european researchers as well as , including through the european open science cloud , increased access to digital research resources , specifically tackling the currently sub - optimal embracement of open science and open data practises . equally , the eu needs to tackle the rapid increase of global competition for talent by attracting third country researchers to work with european world - class research infrastructures . increasing the competitiveness of european industry is also a major objective , supporting key technologies and services relevant for research infrastructures and their users , thus improving the conditions for supply of innovative solutions .


### eu supported activity will provide added value through : consolidating and optimised existing research infrastructures alongside efforts to develop new infrastructures ; establishing the european open science cloud as an effective scalable and sustainable environment for data - driven research ; the interconnection of national and regional research and education networks , enhancing and securing high - capacity network infrastructure for massive amounts of data and access to digital resources across borders and domain boundaries ; overcoming barriers preventing the best research teams from accessing the best research infrastructures services in the eu ; fostering the innovation potential of research infrastructures , focused on technology development and co - innovation as well as increased use of research infrastructures by industry . ### eu supported activity will provide added value through : consolidating and rationalising existing research infrastructures alongside efforts to develop new infrastructures ; establishing the european open science cloud as an effective scalable and sustainable environment for data - driven research , taking into account the existing e - infrastructures ; the interconnection of national and regional research and education networks , enhancing and securing high - capacity network infrastructure for massive amounts of data and access to digital resources across borders and domain boundaries ; overcoming barriers preventing the best research teams from accessing the best research infrastructures services in the eu ; fostering the innovation potential of research infrastructures , focused on technology development and co - innovation as well as increased use of research infrastructures by industry .


### 2 . 1 . consolidating the landscape of european research infrastructures ### 2 . 1 . consolidating and rationalising the landscape of european research infrastructures


### –networks of pan eu , national and regional research infrastructures addressing global challenges for the provision of access to researchers as well as for the harmonisation and improvement of the infrastructures ' services ; ### –networks of pan eu , national and regional research infrastructures addressing global challenges for the provision of access to researchers and innovators as well as for the harmonisation and improvement of the infrastructures ' services ;


### many of the challenges which confront the eu are also global challenges . the scale and complexity of the problems are vast , and need to be matched by the appropriate money , resources and effort in order to find solutions . these are precisely the areas where the eu must work together ; smart , flexible and joined - up for the benefit and well - being of our citizens . ### in an interconnected world , the major challenges which confront the eu are also global challenges . the scale and complexity of the problems are vast , and need to be matched by adequate , properly trained and skilled human resources , by the appropriate amount of financial resources and a proportionate effort in order to find solutions . these are precisely the areas where the eu must work together ; inclusive , smart , flexible and joined - up for the benefit and well - being of all our citizens .


### greater impact can be obtained through aligning actions with other nations and regions of the world within an unprecedented international cooperation along the lines indicated by the sustainable development goals and the paris climate agreement . based on mutual benefit , partners from across the world will be invited to join eu efforts as an integral part of research and innovation for sustainability . ### greater impact can be obtained through aligning actions with other nations and regions of the world within an unprecedented international cooperation along the lines indicated by the sustainable development goals and the paris climate agreement . based on mutual benefit , partners from across the world will be invited to join eu efforts as an integral part of research and innovation for inclusiveness and sustainability .


### research and innovation are key drivers of sustainable growth and industrial competitiveness , and they will contribute to finding solutions to today’s problems , to reverse as quickly as possible , the negative and dangerous trend that currently links economic development , the use of natural resources and social issues , and turn it into new business opportunities . ### research and innovation are key drivers for competitiveness and for the transition to a net zero ghg and inclusive economy , and they will contribute to finding solutions to today’s problems and to prevent potentially negative and dangerous links between economic development , the use of natural resources and social issues , by turning these links into new jobs and business opportunities and , ultimately , prosperity for all eu citizens .


### research and innovation under this pillar of horizon europe is grouped into integrated clusters of activities . rather than addressing sectors , the investments aim at systemic changes for our society and economy along a sustainability vector . these will only be achieved if all actors , both private and public , engage in co - designing and co - creating research and innovation ; bringing together end - users , scientists , technologists , producers , innovators , businesses , educators , citizens and civil society organisations . therefore , none of the thematic clusters is intended for only one set of actors . ### research and innovation under this pillar of horizon europe is grouped into integrated , non silosised broad aggregates of activities . rather than addressing sectors , the investments aim at systemic changes for our society and economy along an inclusiveness and sustainability vector . these changes will only be achieved if all actors , both private and public , engage in co - designing and co - creating research and innovation , bringing together end - users , scientists , technologists , producers , innovators , businesses , educators , citizens and civil society organisations . therefore , none of the aggregates is intended for only one set of actors .


### clusters will develop and apply digital , key enabling and emerging technologies as part of a common strategy to promote the eu ' s industrial leadership . where appropriate this will use eu space - enabled data and services . ### clusters will develop and apply key enabling and future and emerging technologies as part of a common strategy to promote the eu ' s industrial leadership . where appropriate , this will also use eu space - enabled data and services .


### a healthy population is vital for a stable , sustainable and inclusive society , and improvements in health are crucial in reducing poverty , in fostering social progress and prosperity , and in increasing economic growth . according to the oecd a 10% improvement in life expectancy is also associated with a rise in economic growth of 0 . 3 - 0 . 4% a year . life expectancy in the eu increased by 12 years since its establishment as a result of tremendous improvements achieved in the quality of life , education , health and care of its people . in 2015 , overall life expectancy at birth was 80 . 6 years in the eu compared to 71 . 4 years globally . in the past years , it increased in the eu on average by 3 months annually . ### a healthy population is vital for a stable , sustainable and inclusive society , and improvements in health are crucial in reducing poverty , in fostering social progress and prosperity , and in increasing economic growth . according to the oecd a 10% improvement in life expectancy is also associated with a rise in economic growth of 0 . 3 - 0 . 4% a year . life expectancy in the eu increased by 12 years since its establishment as a result of tremendous improvements achieved in the quality of life , including education and health . in 2015 , overall life expectancy at birth was 80 . 6 years in the eu compared to 71 . 4 years globally . in the past years , it increased in the eu on average by 3 months annually .


### health research and innovation research and innovation have played a significant part in this achievement but also in improving productivity and quality in the health and care industry . however , the eu continues to face novel , newly emerging or persisting challenges that are threatening its citizens and public health , the sustainability of its health care and social protection systems , as well as the competitiveness of its health and care industry . major health challenges in the eu include : the lack of effective health promotion and disease prevention ; the rise of non - communicable diseases ; the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance and the emergence of infectious epidemics ; increased environmental pollution ; the persistence of health inequalities among and within countries affecting disproportionally people that are disadvantaged or in vulnerable stages of life ; the detection , understanding , control , prevention and mitigation of health risks in a rapidly changing social , urban and natural environment ; the increasing costs for european health care systems and the progressive introduction of personalised medicine approaches and digitalisation in health and care ; and the increasing pressure on the european health and care industry to remain competitive in and by developing health innovation vis - a - vis new and emerging global players . ### health research and innovation have played a significant part in this achievement but also in improving productivity and quality in the health and care industry . however , the eu continues to face novel , newly emerging or persisting challenges that are threatening its citizens and public health , the sustainability of its health care and social protection systems , as well as the competitiveness of its health and care industry . major health challenges in the eu include : the lack of effective health promotion and disease prevention ; the rise of non - communicable diseases ; the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance and the emergence of infectious epidemics ; increased environmental pollution ; the rapid digital transformation and the ubiquity of technologies and connectivity ; the persistence of health inequalities among and within countries affecting disproportionally people that are disadvantaged or in vulnerable stages of life ; the detection , understanding , control , prevention and mitigation of health risks , including poverty - related and neglected diseases , in a rapidly changing social , urban and natural environment ; the increasing costs for european health care systems and the progressive introduction of personalised medicine approaches and digitalisation in health and care ; and the increasing pressure on the european health and care industry to remain competitive in and by developing health innovation vis - a - vis new and emerging global players .


### the research and innovation activities of this global challenge will develop the knowledge base , build the research and innovation capacity and develop the solutions needed for a more effective promotion of health and the prevention , treatment and cure of diseases . improving health outcomes will in turn result in increased life expectancy , healthy active lives and productivity of working age people , and sustainability of health and care systems . ### the research and innovation activities of this global challenge will develop the human resources and the knowledge base , build the research and innovation capacity and develop the solutions needed for a more effective promotion of health and the prevention , treatment and cure of diseases . improving health outcomes will in turn result in increased life expectancy , generalised healthy and active lives , productivity of working age people , and sustainability of health and care systems .


### these health challenges are complex , interlinked and global in nature and require multidisciplinary , cross - sectorial and transnational collaborations . research and innovation activities will build close linkages between discovery , clinical , epidemiological , environmental and socio - economic research as well as with regulatory sciences . they will harness the combined skills of academia and industry and foster their collaboration with health services , patients , policy - makers and citizens in order to leverage on public funding and ensure the uptake of results in clinical practice as well as in health care systems . they will foster strategic collaboration at eu and international level in order to pool the expertise , capacities and resources needed to create economies of scale , scope and speed as well as to share the expected benefits and financial risks involved . ### these health challenges are complex , interlinked and global in nature and require multidisciplinary , cross - sectorial and transnational collaborations , including with low and middle income countries . research and innovation activities will build close linkages between discovery , clinical , epidemiological , environmental and socio - economic research as well as with regulatory sciences . they will harness the combined skills of academia , not - for - profit product developers and industry and foster their collaboration with health services , patients , policy - makers , civil society organisations and citizens in order to leverage on public funding and ensure the uptake of results in clinical practice as well as in health care systems . they will foster strategic collaboration at eu and international level in order to pool the expertise , capacities and resources needed to create economies of scale , scope and speed as well as to share the expected benefits and financial risks involved .


### –technologies for assessing hazards , exposures and health impact of chemicals , pollutants and other stressors , including climate - related and environmental stressors , and combined effects of several stressors ; ### –technologies for assessing hazards , exposures and health impact of chemicals , pollutants , including electromagnetic ones , and other stressors , including climate - related and environmental stressors , and combined effects of several stressors ;


### –risk assessment , management and communication , supported by improved tools for evidence - based decision - making , including alternatives to animal testing ; ### –risk assessment , management and communication , supported by improved tools for evidence - based decision - making , including alternatives to human operators and animal testing ;


### protecting people against cross - border health threats is a major challenge for public health , calling for effective international cooperation at eu and global level . this will involve prevention , preparedness , early detection , treatment and cure of infectious diseases , and also tackling antimicrobial resistance following a ' one health approach ' . ### protecting people against communicable diseases , cross - border health threats and poverty - related and neglected diseases is a major challenge for public health , calling for effective international cooperation at eu and global level as well as coordination between union funding instruments in r&i and international development . this will involve developing tools for prevention , preparedness , early detection , treatment and cure of infectious diseases , and also tackling antimicrobial resistance a number of infectious diseases lack private sector r&i investment because of the lack of market incentives to invest in the prevention , treatment , and diagnosis of these often poverty - related diseases , calling for more ambitious public sector investment . especially complex and costly late stage clinical trials and supporting ethical and regulatory strengthening in developing countries require pooled european efforts .


### the eu must promote a model of inclusive and sustainable growth while reaping the benefits of technological advancements , enhancing trust in and promoting innovation of democratic governance , combatting inequalities , unemployment , marginalisation , discrimination and radicalisation , guaranteeing human rights , fostering cultural diversity and european cultural heritage and empowering citizens through social innovation . the management of migration and the integration of migrants will also continue to be priority issues . the role of research and innovation in the social sciences and the humanities in responding to these challenges and achieving the eu’s goals is fundamental . ### the eu must promote a model of inclusive and sustainable growth while reaping the benefits of technological advancements into social innovation while accounting for the fertility of research in the humanities , enhancing trust in and promoting innovation of democratic governance , combatting inequalities , unemployment , marginalisation , discrimination and radicalisation , guaranteeing human rights and dignity , fostering cultural diversity , memory and european cultural heritage and empowering citizens through social innovation . the management of migration and the integration of migrants will also continue to be priority issues . the role of research and innovation in the social sciences and the humanities in responding to these challenges and achieving the eu’s goals is fundamental . equally fundamental is to reflect on the implications and transformations related to the pervasiveness of digital technologies at the individual and societal level .


### –the history , evolution and efficacy of democracies , at different levels and in different forms ; digitisation aspects and the effects of social network communication and the role of education and youth policies as cornerstones of democratic citizenship ; ### –the history , evolution and efficacy of democracies , at different levels and in different forms such as movements for dialogue among cultures , cooperation among nations and peace among religions ; digitisation aspects including media and digital literacy and the effects of social network communication and the role of education , youth policies and cultural participation as cornerstones of democratic citizenship


### –innovative approaches to support the transparency , responsiveness , accountability effectiveness and legitimacy of democratic governance in full respect of fundamental rights and of the rule of law ; ### –innovative approaches to support the fight against corruption , the transparency , responsiveness , accountability , effectiveness and legitimacy of democratic governance , in full respect of fundamental rights and of the rule of law ;


### 2 . 3 . social and economic transformations ### 2 . 3 . social , cultural and economic transformations


### –statistical and other economic tools for a better understanding of growth and innovation in a context of sluggish productivity gains ; ### –statistical and other economic and quantitative tools for a better understanding of growth and innovation in a context of sluggish productivity gains ;


### malicious cyber activities not only threaten our economies but also the very functioning of our democracies , our freedoms and our values . cyber threats are often criminal , motivated by profit , but they can also be political and strategic . our future security and prosperity depend on improving our ability to protect the eu against cyber threats . the digital transformation requires improving cybersecurity substantially , to ensure the protection of the huge number of iot devices expected to be connected to the internet , including those controlling power grids , cars and transport networks , hospitals , finances , public institutions , factories , homes . europe must build resilience to cyber - attacks and create effective cyber deterrence . ### malicious cyber activities not only threaten our economies but also the very functioning of our democracies , our freedoms and our values . cyber threats are often criminal , motivated by profit , but they can also be political and strategic . our future security and prosperity depend on improving our ability to protect our citizens and the eu against cyber threats . the digital transformation requires improving cybersecurity substantially , to ensure the protection of the huge number of iot devices expected to be connected to the internet , including those controlling power grids , cars and transport networks , hospitals , finances , public institutions , factories , homes , children ' s devices . europe must build resilience to cyber - attacks and create effective cyber deterrence .


### specific future and emerging technologies may also be pursued as appropriate . ### specific future and emerging technologies should be pursued as the grounds on which next breakthrough innovations are based .


### space is of strategic importance ; around 10% of the eu ' s gdp depends on the use of space services . the eu has a world - class space sector , with a strong satellite manufacturing industry and a dynamic downstream services sector . space provides important tools for communication , navigation , and surveillance and opens up many business opportunities especially in combination with digital technologies and other sources of data . the eu must make the most of these opportunities by fully exploiting the potential of its space programmes copernicus , egnos and galileo , and by protecting space and ground infrastructures against threats from space . ### space is of strategic importance ; around 10% of the eu ' s gdp depends on the use of space services . the eu has a world - class space sector , with a strong satellite manufacturing industry and a dynamic downstream services sector . space provides important tools for communication , navigation , and surveillance and opens up many research , innovation and business opportunities especially in combination with digital technologies and other sources of data . the eu must make the most of these opportunities by fully exploiting the potential of its space programmes copernicus , egnos and galileo to improve the quality of life of its citizens , e . g . by assisting them to reduce the risk of natural disasters , to protect space and ground infrastructures against threats from various origins .


### the eu has the unique chance of being a global leader and increase its share of world markets , by showcasing how digital transformation , leadership in key enabling and space technologies , the transition to a low - carbon , circular economy and competitiveness can reinforce each other through scientific and technological excellence . ### the eu has the unique chance of being a global leader in research and innovation and increase its share of world markets , by showcasing how digital transformation , leadership in key enabling and space technologies , the transition to a low - carbon , circular economy and competitiveness can reinforce each other through scientific and technological excellence .


### –breakthrough manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing , industrial robotics , human integrated manufacturing systems , also promoted via an eu network of industrially - oriented infrastructures ; ### –incremental and breakthrough manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing , industrial robotics , human integrated manufacturing systems , also promoted via an eu network of leading - edge research infrastructures open to industrial users ;


### –breakthrough innovations using different enabling technologies across the value chain ; ### –incremental and breakthrough innovations using different enabling technologies across the value chain ;


### making any object and device intelligent is one of the megatrends . researchers and innovators developing artificial intelligence and offering applications in robotics and other areas will be key drivers of future economic and productivity growth . many sectors including health , manufacturing , construction , and farming will use and further develop this key enabling technology , in other parts of the framework programme . developments must ensure the safety of ai - based applications , assess the risks and mitigate its potential for malicious use and unintended discrimination such as gender or racial bias . it must also be ensured that ai is developed within a framework which respects the eu ' s values and the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . ### making any object and device intelligent is one of the megatrends . researchers and innovators developing artificial intelligence and offering applications in robotics and other areas will be key drivers of future citizens ' wellbeing , and of economic and productivity growth . many sectors including health , manufacturing , construction , and farming will use and further develop this key enabling technology . developments must ensure the safety of ai - based applications , assess their risks and mitigate their potential for malicious use and unintended discrimination such as age , social status , gender , racial or physical disabilities bias . it must also be ensured that ai is developed within a framework which respects the eu ' s values and the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### the internet has become a key enabler of the digital transformation of all sectors of our economy and society . the eu needs to take the lead in driving the next generation internet towards a human - centric ecosystem in line with our social and ethical values . investing in technologies and software for the next generation internet will improve eu industrial competitiveness in the global economy . optimising eu wide take up will require large - scale cooperation across stakeholders . ### the internet has become a key enabler of the digital transformation of all sectors of our economy and society . the eu needs to take the lead in driving the next generation internet towards a human - centric ecosystem in line with our social and ethical values . investing in technologies and software for the next generation internet will improve eu competitiveness in the global economy . optimising eu wide take up will require large - scale cooperation across stakeholders .


### primary raw materials will continue to play an important role in the circular economy and attention must be paid to their sustainable production . in addition , entirely new materials , products and processes should be designed for circularity . building a circular industry will have several advantages for europe : it will lead to a secure , sustainable and affordable supply of raw materials , which will in turn protect the industry against scarcity of resources and price volatility . it will also create new business opportunities and innovative , more efficient ways of producing . ### primary raw materials will continue to play an important role in the circular economy and attention must be paid to their sustainable production . in addition , entirely new materials , products and processes should be designed for circularity . building a circular industry will have several advantages for europe : it will lead to a secure , sustainable and affordable supply of raw materials , which will in turn protect the society and the industry against scarcity of resources and price volatility . it will also create innovative , more efficient ways of producing and new business opportunities .


### the eu will support synergies between space and key enabling technologies ; foster a thriving and entrepreneurial and competitive space sector ; and help secure non - dependence in accessing and using space in a safe and secure manner . activities will be roadmap - based , taking account of the esa harmonisation process and relevant member states initiatives , and will be implemented with esa , as appropriate . ### the eu will support synergies between space and key enabling technologies ; will foster a thriving and entrepreneurial and competitive space sector ; and will secure non - dependence in accessing and using space in a safe and secure manner . activities will be roadmap - based , taking account of the esa harmonisation process and relevant member states initiatives , and will be implemented with esa , as appropriate .


### –european global navigation satellite systems : innovative applications , global uptake including international partners , solutions improving robustness , authentication , integrity of services , development of fundamental elements such as chipsets , receivers and antennas , sustainability of supply chains , new technologies , towards sustained exploitation of services for impact on societal challenges . next generation systems development for new challenges such as security or autonomous driving ; ### –european global navigation satellite systems : innovative applications , global uptake including international partners , solutions improving robustness , authentication , integrity of services , development of fundamental elements such as chipsets , receivers and antennas , sustainability of supply chains , new technologies , towards sustained exploitation of services for impact on societal challenges . next generation systems development for new challenges such as natural disaster risk reduction , security or autonomous driving ;


### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed . as regards fossil fuels , decarbonising their usage will be essential to meet the climate objectives . ### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure , renewable and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . improvements are required at the level of system integration , upgrading the market design , including provisions of grid and system services by renewables . the union needs to speed the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sectors , in particular the energy supplied to the building stock according to the energy performance of building directive 2018 / 844 . to achieve the broadest and fastest deployment of renewables and clean technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed . as regards to fossil fuels their urgent phase out is essential to meet the climate objectives .


### –disruptive renewable energy technologies for new applications and breakthrough solutions ; ### –incremental and disruptive renewable energy technologies for new applications and breakthrough solutions ;


### the expected growth of variable electricity production and shift towards more electric heating , cooling and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . next to decarbonisation , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in innovative network infrastructure technologies and innovative system management . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures . ### the required growth of renewable electricity production and a shift towards more electric heating , cooling and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . next to the transition to a renewable based energy system , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in innovative network infrastructure technologies and innovative system management , also facilitating actions fostering regulatory and social innovation , skills , as well as engagement and empowerment of market players , consumers and communities . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures .


### –integrated approaches to match renewable energy production and consumption at local level including on islands , based on new services and community initiatives ; ### –integrated approaches to increase , improve and match renewable energy production and consumption at local level , including on islands , based on citizens and community initiatives and new services and technologies ;


### –relevant processes , design and materials ; ### –relevant processes , design and materials , especially of natural origin ;


### it is estimated that by 2050 , more than 80% of the eu ' s population will live in urban areas , consuming the lion ' s share of available resources , including energy , and being areas particularly vulnerable to the adverse meteorological change impacts worsen by climate change and natural disasters already now and increasingly in the future . a key challenge is to significantly increase the overall energy and resource efficiency as well as climate - resilience of europe ' s cities in a holistic fashion , targeting the building stock , energy systems , mobility , climate change , as well as water , soil , air quality , waste and noise . synergies with erdf - funded urban policy and actions should be investigated and exploited . ### it is estimated that by 2050 , more than 80% of the eu ' s population will live in urban areas , consuming the lion ' s share of available resources , including energy , and being areas particularly vulnerable to the adverse meteorological change impacts worsen by climate change and natural disasters already now and increasingly in the future . a key challenge is to significantly increase the overall energy and resource efficiency as well as climate - resilience of europe ' s cities in a holistic fashion , targeting the building stock , energy systems , mobility , climate change , as well as water , soil , air quality , waste and noise . synergies with erdf - funded urban policy and actions should be implemented and exploited .


### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overconme reslient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth . ### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , livestock , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth .


### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . ### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help to maintain biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , eutrophication , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity .


### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sd 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 – climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land . ### activities will contribute directly to the sustainable development goals , in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sdg 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 - sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 - climate action . sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land .


### –biodiversity status , ecosystem protection , climate mitigation and adaptation , food security , agriculture and forestry , land use and land use change , urban and peri - urban development , natural resources management , ocean exploitation and conservation , maritime security , and other relevant domains ; ### –biodiversity status , ecosystem protection , assessment of ecosystem services and their value , climate mitigation , species and ecosystems’ adaptation , food security , agriculture and forestry , land use and land use change , urban and peri - urban development , natural resources protection , restoration and management , seas and ocean conservation and exploitation , maritime security , and other relevant domains ;


### –user oriented applications including their scaling up , to contribute to the management of european natural resources and ecosystems services and their related value chain . ### –user oriented applications including their scaling up , to contribute to the preservation , restoration and management of european natural resources and ecosystems services and their related value chain .


### –the state and value of biodiversity , terrestrial and marine ecosystems , natural capital and ecosystem services ; ### –the state and value of terrestrial and marine ecosystems , the appraisal of global and local biodiversity , natural capital and ecosystem services ; the role of structuring species in supporting ecosystem biodiversity and enhancing ecosytem services ; relationship between loss of structuring species and loss of ecosytem stability , biodiversity and value


### –innovations in farming at the interfaces between agriculture , aquaculture and forestry and in urban areas ; ### –innovations in farming at the interfaces between agriculture , aquaculture and forestry and in rural urban areas ;


### seas and oceans ' natural capital and ecosystem services offer significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human and natural stressors such as pollution , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas and oceans from reaching a point of no return , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding in order to sustainably manage , protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and prevent marine pollution , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . this will also include research to sustainably unlock the vast and unexploited economic potential of seas and oceans aiming at producing more food without increasing pressures on them , and also contribute to alleviate pressure on land , freshwater and ocean resources . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basin and macro - regional strategies , extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction . ### seas and oceans ' natural capital and ecosystem services offer significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human and natural stressors such as pollution , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas and oceans from reaching a point of no return , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding on ecosystem changes and response to anthropogenic and climate driven impacts , in order to sustainably manage , protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and prevent marine pollution , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . this will also include research to sustainably unlock the vast and unexploited economic potential of seas and oceans aiming at producing more food without increasing pressures on them , and also contribute to alleviate pressure on land , freshwater and marine resources . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basin and macro - regional strategies , extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction .


### –strengthened resilience of marine ecosystems thereby ensuring seas and ocean health , combating and mitigating the effects of natural and human pressures like pollution and plastics , eutrophication , acidification , seas and oceans warming , sea level rise , considering the intersection between land and sea and fostering a circular approach ; ### –strengthened resilience of marine ecosystems thereby ensuring seas and ocean health , preventing , combating and mitigating the effects of natural and human pressures like pollution and plastics , eutrophication , acidification , seas and oceans warming , invasive species , sea level rise , considering the intersection between land and sea and fostering a circular approach ;


### –nature - based solutions based on marine and coastal ecosystem dynamics , biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services , which will enable systemic approaches to sustainably use the resources of seas and oceans , contribute to environmental protection , coastal management , and adaptation to climate change ; ### –nature - based solutions based on marine and coastal ecosystem dynamics , biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services , which will enable systemic approaches to sustainably use the resources of seas and oceans , contribute to environmental protection , restoration and management , and adaptation to climate change ;


### the combined effects of population growth , resource scarcity and overexploitation , environmental degradation , climate change and migration create unprecedented challenges which require food system transformation . 20 current food production and consumption are largely unsustainable while we are confronted with the double burden of malnutrition , characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity . future food systems need to deliver sufficient safe , healthy and quality food for all , underpinned by resource efficiency , sustainability , linking land and sea , reducing food waste , enhancing food production from the seas and oceans and encompassing the entire ' food value chain ' from producers to consumers – and back again . this needs to go hand in hand with development of the food safety system of the future and the design , development and delivery of tools , technologies and digital solutions that provide significant benefits for consumers and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the food value chain . furthermore , there is a need to foster behavioural changes in food consumption and production patterns as well as to engage primary producers , industry , retailers , food service sectors , consumers , and public services . _________________ 20 swd 319 final : european research and innovation for food and nutrition security ### the combined effects of population growth , resource scarcity and overexploitation , environmental degradation , climate change and migration create unprecedented challenges which require food system transformation . 20 current food production and consumption are largely unsustainable while we are confronted with the double burden of malnutrition , characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity . future food systems need to deliver sufficient safe , healthy and quality food for all , underpinned by resource efficiency , sustainability , linking land and sea , reducing food losses and waste , enhancing food production from the seas and oceans and encompassing the entire ' food value chain ' from producers to consumers – and back again . this needs to go hand in hand with development of the food safety system of the future and the design , development and delivery of tools , technologies and digital solutions that provide significant benefits for consumers and improve the competitiveness , efficiency and sustainability of the food value chain . furthermore , there is a need to foster behavioural changes in food consumption and production patterns as well as to better engage consumers , primary producers , industry , retailers , food service sectors , consumers , and public services . _________________ 20 swd 319 final : european research and innovation for food and nutrition security


### circular production and consumption systems will provide benefits to the european economy by reducing resource dependency and increasing the competitiveness of enterprises , and to european citizens by creating new job opportunities and reducing pressures on the environment and climate . beyond industrial transformation , the transition to a low - emission , resource efficient and circular economy will also need a broader system shift that requires systemic eco - innovative solutions , new business models , markets and investments , enabling infrastructure , social innovation changes in consumer behaviour , and governance models stimulating multi - stakeholder collaboration to ensure that the intended system change achieves better economic , environmental and social outcomes22 . opening for international cooperation will be important for comparability , generating and sharing knowledge and avoiding duplication of efforts , e . g . through international initiatives such as the international resource panel . _________________ 22 the activities in circular systems area of intervention are complementary to those of low - carbon and clean industry in the digital and industry cluster . ### circular production and consumption systems will provide benefits to the european society by reducing resource dependency and increasing the competitiveness of enterprises , thus creating new job opportunities and reducing pressures on the environment and climate . beyond industrial transformation , the transition to a low - emission , resource efficient and circular economy will also need a broader system shift that requires systemic eco - innovative solutions , new business models , markets and investments , enabling infrastructure , social innovation changes in consumer behaviour , and governance models stimulating multi - stakeholder collaboration to ensure that the intended system change achieves better economic , environmental and social outcomes22 . where appropriate , opening for international cooperation can be important for comparability , generating and sharing knowledge and avoiding duplication of efforts , e . g . through international initiatives such as the international resource panel . _________________ 22 the activities in circular systems area of intervention are complementary to those of low - carbon and clean industry in the digital and industry cluster .


### –solutions for sustainable and regenerative development of cities , peri - urban areas and regions , integrating the circular economy transformation with nature - based solutions , technological , digital , social , cultural and territorial governance innovations ; ### –solutions for sustainable regenerative and healthy development of cities , peri - urban areas and regions , integrating the circular economy transformation with nature - based solutions , and healthy technologies , digital , social , cultural and territorial governance innovations ;


### –eco - innovation for prevention and remediation of environmental pollution from hazardous substances and chemicals of emerging concern ; looking also at the interface between chemicals , products and waste ; ### –eco - innovation for prevention , restoration and remediation of environmental pollution from hazardous substances and chemicals of emerging concern ; looking also at the interface between ecosystems , chemicals , products and waste ;


### high - quality and trusted scientific evidence is essential for good public policies . new initiatives and proposals for eu legislation need transparent , comprehensive and balanced evidence , whereas implementation of policies needs evidence to measure and monitor their impact and progress . ### high - quality and trusted scientific evidence is essential for good public policies . new initiatives and proposals for eu legislation need transparent , comprehensive and balanced evidence , whereas implementation of policies needs evidence and transparency to measure and monitor their impact and progress .


### knowledge and data are growing exponentially . if policy makers are to make sense and use of this they must be reviewed and filtered . there is also a need for cross - cutting scientific methods and analytical tools for use by all commission services , especially to anticipate upcoming societal challenges and support better regulation . this includes innovative processes to engage stakeholders and citizens in policy - making issues . ### knowledge and data are growing exponentially . if policy makers are to make sense and use of this they must be reviewed and their quality assured . there is also a need for cross - cutting scientific methods and analytical tools for use by all commission services , especially to anticipate and / or timely react to upcoming societal challenges and support better regulation . this includes innovative processes to engage stakeholders and citizens in policy - making issues .


### –data management , data sharing and coherence . ### –data compliance with fair principles


### inclusive and secure society ### inclusive , reflective and secure society


### –support to the preservation of cultural heritage ; ### –support to the restoration , preservation and management of tangible and intangible cultural heritage ;


### digital and industry ### industry in a digital world


### –research on nanotechnology and other key enabling technologies ; ### –research on key enabling technologies ;


### –assessment of risks in vulnerable ecosystems and critical economic sectors and infrastructure , with focus on adaptation strategies ; ### –assessment and reduction of risks in vulnerable ecosystems and critical economic sectors and infrastructure , with focus on adaptation strategies ;


### –research on land , soil , forests , air , water , marine resources , raw materials and biodiversity to support the effective preservation , restoration and sustainable use of natural capital , including sustainable resources management in africa ; ### –research on land , soil , forests , air , water , marine resources , raw materials and biodiversity to support the effective preservation , restoration and sustainable use of natural capital , including equitable and sustainable resources management in africa ;


### –open science and open data . ### –open science , open innovation and fair data .


### –implementation of regional and urban policies , smart specialisation strategies , strategies for economic transformation of regions in transition , integrated urban development strategies and data ; ### –implementation of regional and urban policies , smart specialisation strategies , strategies for economic transformation of regions in transition , integrated urban and rural development strategies and data ;


### like its predecessors , innovation is at the heart of horizon europe . the quest for new ideas , products and processes is driving horizon europe objectives and implementing modalities , from strategic programming to calls , and is present from the onset to the end of any project supported , from ' blue - sky ' research to industrial or technological roadmaps and missions . ### like its predecessors , innovation is at the heart of horizon europe . the quest for new ideas , products and processes is driving horizon europe objectives and implementing modalities , from strategic programming to calls , and is present from the onset to the end of any project supported , from ' blue - sky ' research to industrial or technological roadmaps .


### recent decades have seen the emergence of major and global new markets in entertainment , media , health care , lodging and retail , based on breakthrough innovations in ict , biotech , internet and the platform economy . these market - creating innovations , which impact the eu economy as a whole , are deployed by fast growing and often new companies . but only a few originate in the eu . ### recent decades have seen the emergence of major and global new markets in health care , education and culture , media and communication , retail , mobility , tourism , entertainment etc . , based on breakthrough innovations in ict , biotech , internet and the platform economy . these market - creating innovations , which impact the eu economy as a whole , are deployed by fast growing and often new companies , which , however , seldom have the possibility to thrive in the eu .


### a new global wave of breakthrough innovation is coming up , one that will be based on more ' deep - tech ' technologies such as block - chain , artificial intelligence , genomics and robotics , and other technologies , which may also emerge from individual innovators and communities of citizens . they have in common that they are taking shape at the intersection between different technologies , industry sectors and scientific disciplines , offering radically new combinations of products , processes , services and business models , and have the potential to open up new markets worldwide . additional sectors such as manufacturing , financial services , transport or energy will also be impacted . ### a new global wave of breakthrough innovation is coming up , one that will be based on more ' deep - tech ' technologies such as block - chain , artificial intelligence , genomics and robotics , and other technologies , which may also emerge from individual innovators and communities of citizens . they have in common that they are taking shape at the intersection between different technologies , industry sectors and scientific disciplines , offering radically new combinations of products , processes , services and business models , and have the potential to open up new markets worldwide . additional sectors such as manufacturing , financial services , transport or energy will also be impacted by these new and emerging technologies .


### horizon europe ' s open innovation pillar , in cooperation with other eu policies and in particular the investeu programme , is designed to deliver such tangible results . it builds on lessons learned and on experience gained under the previous framework programmes , in particular from activities targeting future technologies and innovation and fast track to innovation ) , smes , but also private and corporate finance , all part of the ' eic pilot ' activities launched for the period 2018 - 2020 . ### horizon europe ' s open innovation pillar , in cooperation with other eu policies and in particular the investeu programme , is designed to deliver such tangible results . it builds on lessons learned and on experience gained under the previous framework programmes , in particular from activities targeting future technologies and innovation and fast track to innovation ) and the sme instrument , but also private and corporate finance , all part of the ' eic pilot ' activities launched for the period 2018 - 2020 .


### the pathfinder overall objective will be to nurture potential market creating innovation out of breakthrough technological ideas , and bring them to demonstration stage or development of business cases or strategies for further take - up by the accelerator or any other market deployment solution . to that end , the pathfinder will initially support the earliest stages of scientific and technological research and development , including proof of concept and prototypes for technology validation . ### the pathfinder overall objective will be to nurture potential market creating innovation out of breakthrough ideas , and bring them to demonstration stage or development of business cases or strategies for further take - up by the accelerator or any other market deployment solution . to that end , the pathfinder will initially support the earliest stages of research and development , including proof of concept and prototypes for validation .


### consequently the accelerator will provide financial support to not yet ' bankable ' or investors - attractive innovators and companies that have the ambition to develop and deploy in eu and international markets their breakthrough innovations and to scale up rapidly . for that purpose it will build on the experience from the phases 2 and 3 of horizon 2020 sme instrument and from horizon 2020 innovfin , in particular through the addition of non - grant components and the ability to support larger and longer investments . ### consequently the accelerator will provide financial support to not yet ' bankable ' or investors - attractive innovators and companies that have the ambition to develop and deploy in eu and international markets their breakthrough innovations and to scale up rapidly . for that purpose it will build on the experience from the phases 2 and 3 of horizon 2020 sme instrument and from horizon 2020 innovfin , in particular through the addition of non - grant components and the ability to support larger and longer investments , which should never include hazardous - finance operations .


### the accelerator will mainly operate through a continuously open and bottom - up call , targeting individual entrepreneurs , with a particular attention paid to young and to women innovators . this open and bottom - up call will be complemented by targeted support for on emerging breakthrough or disruptive technologies of potential strategic significance . proposals may also be submitted by investors , including public innovation agencies , but the support will be awarded to the company . ### the accelerator will mainly operate through a continuously open and bottom - up call , targeting individual entrepreneurs , with a particular attention paid to young and to women innovators . this open and bottom - up call will be complemented by targeted support for on emerging breakthrough or disruptive innovations of potential strategic significance . proposals may also be submitted by investors , including public innovation agencies , but the support will be awarded to the company .


### the eu must also aim to develop ecosystems that support social innovation and public sector innovation , in addition to innovation in private enterprises . indeed , the government sector must innovate and renew itself in order to be able to support the changes in regulation and governance required to support the large - scale deployment of new technologies and a growing public demand for the more efficient and effective delivery of services . social innovations are crucial to enhance the welfare of our societies . ### the eu must also aim to develop ecosystems that support social innovation and public sector innovation , in addition to innovation in private enterprises . indeed , the government sector must innovate and renew itself in order to be able to support the changes in regulation and governance required to support the large - scale deployment of innovations , including new technologies and a growing public demand for the more efficient and effective delivery of services . social innovations are crucial to enhance the welfare of our societies .


### –enhance coordination between national innovation programmes and the eic , so as to stimulate operational synergies and avoid overlap , by sharing data on programmes and their implementation , resources and expertise , analysis and monitoring of technological and innovation trends , and by interconnecting respective innovators ' communities ; ### –enhance coordination between national innovation programmes and the eic , so as to stimulate operational synergies and avoid overlap , by sharing data on programmes and their implementation , resources and expertise , analysis and monitoring of innovation trends , and by interconnecting respective innovators ' communities ;


### as the report of the high level group on maximising the impact of eu research and innovation clearly states , the way forward is ' to educate for the future and invest in people who will make the change ' . in particular , european universities are called to stimulate entrepreneurship , tear down disciplinary borders and institutionalise strong non - disciplinary academia - industry collaborations . according to recent surveys , access to talented people is by far the most important factor influencing the location choices of european founders of start - ups . entrepreneurship education and training opportunities play a key role in cultivating future innovators and in developing the abilities of existing ones to grow their business to greater levels of success . access to entrepreneurial talent , together with access to professional services , capital and markets on the eu level , and bringing key innovation actors together around a common goal are key ingredients for nurturing an innovation ecosystem . there is a need to coordinate efforts across the eu . in order to create a critical mass of interconnected eu - wide entrepreneurial clusters and ecosystems , ### as the report of the high level group on maximising the impact of eu research and innovation clearly states , the way forward is ' to educate for the future and invest in people who will make the change ' . in particular , european universities are called to stimulate entrepreneurship , tear down disciplinary borders and institutionalise strong non - disciplinary academia - industry collaborations . according to recent surveys , access to talented people is by far the most important factor influencing the location choices of european founders of start - ups . education to problem solving and training opportunities play a key role in cultivating future innovators and in developing the abilities of existing ones to grow their ideas to greater levels of success . access to entrepreneurial talent , together with access to professional services , capital and markets on the eu level , and clustering key innovation actors together around a common goal are key ingredients for nurturing an innovation ecosystem . there is a need to coordinate efforts across the eu . in order to create a critical mass of interconnected eu - wide entrepreneurial clusters and ecosystems ,


### the eit education activities will be reinforced to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through better education and training . a stronger focus on human capital development will be grounded on the expansion of existing eit kics education programmes in the view of continuing to offer students and professionals high quality curricula based on innovation and entrepreneurship in line in particular with the eu industrial and skills strategy . this may include researchers and innovators supported by other parts of horizon europe , in particular msca . the eit will also support the renewal of european universities and their integration in innovation ecosystems by stimulating and increasing their entrepreneurial potential and capabilities and encouraging them to better anticipate new skills requirements . ### the eit education activities will be reinforced to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through better education and training . a stronger focus on human resources development will be grounded on the expansion of existing eit kics education programmes in the view of continuing to offer students and professionals high quality curricula based on innovation and entrepreneurship in line in particular with the eu industrial and skills strategy . this may include researchers and innovators supported by other parts of horizon europe , in particular msca . the eit will also support the renewal of european universities and their integration in innovation ecosystems by stimulating and increasing their potential and capabilities and encouraging them to better anticipate new skills requirements .


### –development of innovative curricula , taking into account the future needs of industry , and cross - cutting programmes to be offered to students , entrepreneurs and professionals across europe and beyond where specialist and sector specific knowledge is combined with entrepreneurial and innovation oriented skills , such as digital and key enabling technologies high - tech skills ; ### –development of innovative curricula , taking into account the future needs of the society , and cross - cutting programmes to be offered to students , entrepreneurs and professionals across europe and beyond where specialist and sector specific knowledge is combined with innovation - oriented skills , such as digital , entrepreneurial and key enabling technologies skills ;