### –sustainable new fuels and new smart vehicles / vessels / aircraft for existing and future mobility patterns and supporting infrastructure ; technologies and user - based solutions for interoperability and seamless services provision ; ### –sustainable new fuels , like green hydrogen and new smart vehicles / vessels / aircraft for existing and future mobility patterns and supporting infrastructure ; technologies and user - based solutions for interoperability and seamless services provision ;


### smart mobility will help ensure the efficiency , safety and resilience of door - to - door mobility and all its components , in particular by using digital technologies , advanced satellite navigation , and artificial intelligence . new technologies will help to optimise the use and efficiency of transport infrastructure and networks , improving multi - modality and connectivity , optimising traffic management and enable innovative transport solutions and services , thus reducing congestion and negative environmental impacts , providing better mobility and logistics services for citizens and businesses . connected and automated mobility together with the enabling infrastructure will improve efficiency and safety in all transport modes . . ### smart mobility will help ensure the efficiency , safety and resilience of door - to - door mobility and all its components , in particular by using digital technologies , advanced satellite navigation , and artificial intelligence . new technologies will help to optimise the use and efficiency of transport infrastructure and networks , improving multi - modality and connectivity , optimising traffic management and enable innovative transport solutions , standards and services , thus reducing congestion and negative environmental impacts , providing better mobility and logistics services for citizens and businesses . connected and automated mobility together with the enabling infrastructure will improve efficiency and safety in all transport modes . .


### –digital network - and traffic management : advanced decision support systems ; next generation traffic management ; contributing to seamless , multimodal and interconnected mobility for passengers and freight ; use and limitations of big data ; use of innovative satellite positioning / navigation ; ### –digital network - and traffic management : advanced decision support systems ; next generation traffic management ; contributing to seamless , multimodal and interconnected mobility for passengers and freight ; use and limitations of big data ; use of innovative satellite positioning / navigation understanding new behaviour related to changing mobility ;


### massive , concentrated and decentralised storage solutions for the energy system will increase efficiency , flexibility , technology independence and accessibility as well as the security of supply . low - emission , decarbonised transport will require a growing share of electrical and / or other alternatively fuelled vehicles , with better - performing and cheaper , recyclable and reusable batteries , as well as local provision of synthetic / renewable fuels such as hydrogen and innovative solutions for on - site storage . ### massive , concentrated and decentralised storage solutions for the energy system will increase efficiency , flexibility , technology independence and accessibility as well as the security of supply . low - emission , decarbonised transport will require a growing share of electrical , hydrogen and / or other alternatively fuelled vehicles , with better - performing and cheaper , recyclable and reusable batteries , as well as local provision of low carbon fuels such as hydrogen and innovative solutions for on - site storage . the suite of solutions needs to address the full time - scale of intermittency , from milliseconds to months .


### –low zero - carbon hydrogen including fuel cells , and the eu value chain from design to end use across various applications . ### –low or zero - carbon hydrogen , electrolyzes , fuel cells , and the eu value chain from design to end use across various applications . hydrogen plays a crucial role for the decarbonisation of industries such assteel and chemicals ;


### 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 , nutritious and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , promoting sustainable use of soil , ensuring access to clean water , fertile soil and clean 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 within the planet ' s boundaries and restoring planetary health requires identifying and gathering more and better quality data on the environmental impact of different policies investing in technologies , new business models , raw materials and socio - economic and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , maintaining rural viability and generating jobs and growth .


### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas . ### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : ensuring that biodiversity is maintained in the face of growing demand on natural resources , sustainably manage and efficiently use natural resources from land and water - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems to increase sustainable growth of biomass and thus carbon sequestration , storage and substitution ; ensure safe food and nutrition safety and security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; support food and farming systems in implementation of agro - ecological approaches to benefit sustainable agriculture ; support income diversification in rural areas ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular bio economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas .


### research and innovation activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the implementation of the goals of : the environmental action programme , the common agricultural policy , the common fisheries policy , the food law legislation , the maritime policy , the circular economy action plan , the eu bioeconomy strategy , and the 2030 climate and energy framework as well as eu legal provisions to reduce air pollution . ### research and innovation activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the implementation of the goals of : the environmental action programme , the common agricultural policy , the common fisheries policy , the food law legislation , the maritime policy , the circular economy action plan , the eu bioeconomy strategy , and the 2030 climate and energy framework as well as eu legal provisions to reduce air pollution . actions will be strongly linked to existing union partnerships , in particular prima .


### 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 following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sd 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 3 – good health and wellbeing ; 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 , climate mitigation and adaptation , carbon sequestration and storage in soils , food security and safety , sustainable agriculture and forestry , soil quality , land use and land use change , urban and peri - urban development , natural resources management , ocean exploitation and conservation , maritime security , and other relevant domains ;


### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to contributing to food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , demography and consumption patterns . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . ### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to ensuring food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account objectives of the cap and the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , competitiveness , demography and consumption patterns as well as new emerging pests and diseases . this presupposes acquiring a better scientific understanding of the impact of different farming systems on the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . farmers also need continued access to innovation , to new technology and to research in order to produce food in a sustainable way so that we can both feed the world and protect the environment for future generations . in addition , it is important to address the dynamism of the rural - urban interface in the context of the expanding cities versus farming / forestry landscapes , residence versus work place dynamism and liveable countryside .


### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , antibiotics and other substances ; ### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare , including the development of integrated farming strategies ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , herbicides , fungicides , antibiotics and other potentially harmful substances ; emphasis on nature - based solutions and health promoting living conditions ; research in low - risk pesticides as a way to support integrated pest management ;


### –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 urban areas ; sustainability in animal feed in order to develop alternatives to oil palm products to be developed for union agriculture ;


### 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 , oceans ' and fresh water ' 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 , oceans and fresh waters 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 , oceans and fresh waters 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 aquatic biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction .


### –ocean governance at global and regional levels to ensure conservation and sustainable use of the seas and oceans resources ; ### –ocean governance at global and regional levels to ensure conservation and sustainable use of the seas and oceans resources ; the preservation of the arctic ecosystem and international cooperation ;


### –blue value - chains , the multiple - use of marine space and growth of the renewable energy sector from seas and oceans , including sustainable micro - and macro - algae ; ### –blue value - chains , the multiple - use of aquatic space and growth of the renewable energy sector from seas , oceans and fresh waters , including sustainable micro - and macro - algae ; modern aquatic production systems on land offering tools to environmentally neutral biomass production ;


### –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 aquatic and coastal ecosystem dynamics , biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services , which will enable systemic approaches to sustainably use the resources of seas , oceans and fresh waters contribute to environmental protection , coastal 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 aquatic environments , reducing food waste , enhancing food production from the aquatic environments 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 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 . broad lines ________________ 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 especially the food security and sustainable production of protein is a global challenge for which answers must be found . current food production and consumption patterns are to some extent unsustainable while we are confronted with the double burden of malnutrition , characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity . future food systems need to be resilient and aim at carbon neutrality and deliver sufficient safe , diverse , affordable , healthy and quality food for all , underpinned by resource efficiency , economic and environmental sustainability , linking land and aquatic environments , reducing and recycling 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 to all actors of the food chain and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the food value chain . agricultural technologies can provide sustainable solutions across all farming systems . furthermore , there is a need to foster behavioural changes in food consumption and production patterns towards nutritious and healthy diets as well as to engage primary producers , industry , retailers , food service sectors , consumers , and public services . broad lines ________________ 20 swd 319 final : european research and innovation for food and nutrition security


### –sustainable and healthy diets for people ' s well - being across their lifespan ; ### –sustainable and healthy diets for people ' s well - being across their lifespan ensuring that food production and processing systems are designed from the ground up with nutritional needs in mind ;


### –modern food safety and authenticity systems , enhancing consumer confidence in the food system ; ### –modern food safety and authenticity systems , development of scientific methods for verification of regional origin , enhancing consumer confidence in the food system ;


### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ; ### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ; management of co - and by - products of food production , food trade , food storage , shelf - life , digital technologies , and food contact materials relation between marketing standards and food waste


### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing and conversion of biomass from land and sea into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial biotechnology for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy . ### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing and conversion of biomass from land and sea into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial biotechnology as well as ongoing standardisation work for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy .


### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing and conversion of biomass from land and sea into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial biotechnology for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy . ### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing linked with research on primary production and conversion of biomass from land and aquatic environments into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial and agricultural biotechnology for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy thus making the transition to a low - carbon resource efficient society .


### –bio - based value chains , materials , including bio - inspired materials , products and processes with novel qualities , functionalities and improved sustainability , fostering the development of advanced biorefineries using a wider range of biomass ; ### –bio - based value chains , materials , including bio - inspired materials , products and processes with novel qualities , functionalities and improved sustainability , cascading use of biomass , fostering the development of advanced biorefineries using a wider range of biomass , further development of existing and new biogenic fuels ;


### –biotechnology , including cross sectoral cutting - edge biotechnology , for application in competitive , sustainable and novel industrial processes , environmental services and consumer products21 ; _________________ 21 health biotechnology applications will be addressed by the health cluster under this pillar . ### –biotechnology , including cross sectoral cutting - edge biotechnology , for application in competitive , sustainable and novel industrial and agricultural processes , environmental services and consumer products21 ; _________________ 21 health biotechnology applications will be addressed by the health cluster under this pillar .


### –circularity of the bio - based economy through technological , systemic , social and business model innovation to radically increase the value generated per unit of biological resources , keeping the value of such resources in the economy for longer and supporting the principle of the cascading use of sustainable biomass through research and innovation ; ### –circularity of the bio - based economy through technological , systemic , social and business model innovation to increase the value generated per unit of biological resources , keeping the value of such resources in the economy for longer and supporting the principle of the cascading use of sustainable biomass through research and innovation ;


### 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 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 , revision or development of new standards , 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 .


### the jrc will contribute to the specific eu policies and commitments addressed by the five global challenges clusters , notably the eu ' s commitment to the sustainable development goals . ### the jrc will contribute to the specific eu policies and commitments addressed by the six societal challenges clusters , notably the eu ' s commitment to the sustainable development goals .


### inclusive and secure society ### inclusive and creative society


### inclusive and secure society ### inclusive society - democracy - cultural heritage - social and economic transformations - gender


### digital and industry ### digital - key digital technologies - artificial intelligence and robotics - next generation internet - advanced computing and big data


### iii ### iiiinnovative europe


### based on these experiences , this pillar provides for the launch of the european innovation council , which will promote breakthrough innovation with rapid scale - up potential at global level and with dedicated types of actions and activities : ### based on these experiences , this pillar provides for the launch of the european innovation council , which will promote breakthrough research and innovation with rapid scale - up potential at global level and with dedicated types of actions and activities :


### –supporting the development of future and emerging breakthrough innovations ; ### –supporting the development of future and emerging breakthrough innovations , including through targeted collaborative research ;


### –support to the european institute of innovation and technology and knowledge and innovation communities . ### –enhanced support to the european institute of innovation and technology and knowledge and innovation communities - the now well - established one - stop shop for innovation in europe .


### 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 enabling , breakthrough and disruptive 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 not only emerge from companies or research organisations , but also 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 . ### 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 raising needs for new standards that have the potential to open up new markets worldwide . additional sectors such as manufacturing , financial services , transport or energy will also be impacted .


### –supporting the development of future and emerging breakthrough innovations ; ### –supporting the development of future and emerging innovations ;


### whilst the eic will directly support breakthrough innovations , the overall environment from which european innovations nurture and emerge must be further developed and enhanced : it must be a common european endeavour to support innovation all across europe , and in all dimensions and forms , including through complementary eu and national policies and resources whenever possible . hence , this pillar provides also for : ### whilst the eic will directly support breakthrough innovations , the overall environment from which european innovations nurture and emerge must be further developed and enhanced : it must be a common european endeavour to support innovation all across europe , and in all dimensions and forms , including through complementary eu and national policies , standardisation and resources whenever possible . hence , this pillar provides also for :


### whilst the eic will directly support breakthrough innovations , the overall environment from which european innovations nurture and emerge must be further developed and enhanced : it must be a common european endeavour to support innovation all across europe , and in all dimensions and forms , including through complementary eu and national policies and resources whenever possible . hence , this pillar provides also for : ### whilst the eic will directly support innovations , the overall environment from which european innovations nurture and emerge must be further developed and enhanced : it must be a common european endeavour to support innovation all across europe , and in all dimensions and forms , including through complementary eu and national policies and resources whenever possible . hence , this pillar provides also for :


### –support to the european institute of innovation and technology and knowledge and innovation communities . ### –support to the european institute of innovation and technology and knowledge and innovation communities . the eit is europe’s largest integrated innovation ecosystem , with over 1 , 000 excellent partners from business , research and education and beyond . the eit’s innovation model , carried out by the kics , works and remains particularly relevant in removing barriers to innovation at member state and regional level . they shall also benefit from additional funding allowing efficient realisation of this goal .


### the objective of the eic is to identify , develop and deploy breakthrough and disruptive innovations , and support the rapid scale - up of innovative firms at eu and international levels along the pathway from ideas to market . ### the objective of the eic is to identify , develop and deploy from breakthrough and disruptive innovations to incremental and social innovations , and support the rapid scale - up of innovative firms at eu and international levels along the pathway from ideas to market .


### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to offer a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , the accelerator will also award blended finance , combining grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans provided under the investeu programme . ### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . the accelerator will provide business innovation grants for innovation development and demonstration purposes , of at least 70% of the total cost of the project . with the idea to offer a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , once the grant is being executed , the accelerator will offer the possibility of blended finance , combining the grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans and guarantees provided under the investeu programme .


### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to offer a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , the accelerator will also award blended finance , combining grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans provided under the investeu programme . ### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages during which standardisation gaps to address market fragmentation of technologies should be identified , and company growth . with the idea to offer a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , the accelerator will also award blended finance , combining grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans provided under the investeu programme .


### –be mainly bottom - up , open to innovations from all fields of science , technology and applications in any sector , while also enabling targeted support for emerging breakthrough or disruptive technologies of potential strategic significance ; ### –be mainly bottom - up , open to targeted scientific research and innovations from all fields of science , technology and applications in any sector , from all types of organisations , while also enabling targeted support for emerging breakthrough or disruptive technologies of potential strategic significance ;


### particular attention will be paid to ensuring proper and efficient complementarity with individual or networked member states initiatives , including in the form of european partnership . ### in addition , particular attention will be paid to ensuring proper and efficient complementarity with individual or networked member states initiatives , including in the form of european partnership .


### 1 . 1 . the pathfinder for advanced research ### 1 . 1 . the eic pathfinder for advanced research


### 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 support research on radically new future technologies , nurture potential market creating innovation out of breakthrough scientific and 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 cutting - edge research proof of concept and prototypes for technology validation .


### in order to be fully open to broad - sweeping explorations , opportunities of serendipity and unexpected ideas , concepts and discoveries , the pathfinder will be mainly implemented through a continuous open call for bottom - up proposals . the pathfinder will also provide for competitive challenges to develop key strategic objectives24 calling for deep - tech and radical thinking . regrouping of selected projects into thematic or objective driven portfolios will allow establishing critical mass of efforts and structuring new multidisciplinary research communities . _________________ 24 these could include topics such as artificial intelligence , quantum technologies , biocontrol or second generation digital twins , or any other topics identified in the context of the horizon europe strategic programming . ### in order to be fully open to broad - sweeping explorations , opportunities of serendipity and unexpected ideas , concepts and discoveries , the pathfinder will be mainly implemented through a continuous open call for bottom - up proposals , with 4 cut - off per year for the proper management of the evaluation and competition . the pathfinder will also provide for competitive challenges to develop key strategic objectives24 calling for deep - tech and radical thinking . other types of innovation will be also covered by the pathfinder . regrouping of selected projects into thematic or objective driven portfolios will allow establishing critical mass of efforts and structuring new multidisciplinary research communities . _________________ 24 these could include topics such as artificial intelligence , quantum technologies , biocontrol or second generation digital twins , or any other topics identified in the context of the horizon europe strategic programming .


### the pathfinder will be open to all types of innovators , from individuals to universities , research organisations and companies , in particular startups and smes , and from single beneficiaries to multi - disciplinary consortia . in the case of single beneficiary projects , larger companies will not be permitted . the pathfinder will be implemented in close coordination with other parts of horizon europe , in particular with the european research council , the marie skłodowska - curie actions , and the knowledge and innovation communities of the european institute of innovation and technology activities . it will also be implemented in close coordination with member states programmes and activities . ### the pathfinder will be open to all types of high - potential innovators , from individuals to universities , research and technology organisations and companies , in particular startups and smes , and from single beneficiaries to multi - disciplinary consortia . in the case of single beneficiary projects , larger companies will not be permitted . in order to ensure synergies and avoid duplications , the pathfinder will be implemented in close coordination with other parts of horizon europe , in particular with the european research council , the marie skłodowska - curie actions , and the european institute of innovation and technology activities . special attention should be given to scaling up start - ups generated by horizon europe . it will also be implemented in close coordination with member states programmes and activities .


### the pathfinder will be open to all types of innovators , from individuals to universities , research organisations and companies , in particular startups and smes , and from single beneficiaries to multi - disciplinary consortia . in the case of single beneficiary projects , larger companies will not be permitted . the pathfinder will be implemented in close coordination with other parts of horizon europe , in particular with the european research council , the marie skłodowska - curie actions , and the knowledge and innovation communities of the european institute of innovation and technology activities . it will also be implemented in close coordination with member states programmes and activities . ### the pathfinder will be open to all types of high - potential innovators , from individuals to universities , research and technology organisations and companies , in particular startups and smes , and from single beneficiaries to multi - disciplinary consortia . in order to ensure synergies and avoid duplications , the pathfinder will be implemented in close coordination with other parts of horizon europe , in particular with the european research council , the marie skłodowska - curie actions , and the knowledge and innovation communities of the european institute of innovation and technology activities . the pathfinder should also encourage the generation and growth of start - ups based on innovation supported by horizon europe . it will also be implemented in close coordination with member states programmes and activities .


### 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 , in full complement with the eit ' s support for start - ups and scale - ups , and in cooperation with eit and the kics , 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 . the eit’s start - ups and scale - ups , assessed positively by the relevant kic , shall have a fast - track access to the tools and instruments of the accelerator


### 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 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 .


### –support for investment in equity27 or other repayable forms , so as to bridge innovation activities with effective market deployment , including scale - up , in a manner that does not crowd out private investments or distorts competition in the internal market . when relevant it will channel the innovator to access to debt financing provided by the investeu programme . _________________ 27 usually no more than 25% of the voting rights . in exceptional cases , the eu may secure the acquisition of a blocking minority to protect european interests in essential areas , e . g . cyber security . ### –support for investment in equity5 or other repayable forms , so as to bridge innovation activities with effective market deployment , including scale - up , in a manner that does not crowd out private investments or distorts competition in the internal market . when relevant it will channel the innovator to access to debt financing provided by the investeu programme .


### support will be awarded through a single process and with a single decision , providing the supported innovator with a single global commitment to financial resources covering the various stages of innovation down to market deployment including pre - mass commercialisation . the full implementation of the awarded support will be subject to milestones and review . the combination and volume of financing will be adapted to the needs of the firm , its size and stage , the nature of the technology / innovation and the length of the innovation cycle . it will cover financing needs until replacement by alternative sources of investment . ### this additional support will be awarded through a single process and with a single decision , providing the supported innovator with a single global commitment to financial resources covering the various stages of innovation down to market deployment . the full implementation of the awarded support will be subject to milestones and review . the combination and volume of financing will be adapted to the needs of the firm , its size and stage , the nature of the technology / innovation and the length of the innovation cycle . the financial instruments awarded , together with the previous grant , will not exceed the amount of five million euros .


### 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 , with cut - off dates , 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 .


### the accelerator will allow for fast - track take - up of innovations stemming from pathfinder - supported projects from the pathfinder , from similar member states ' advanced research programmes ' and from other pillars of the eu framework programmes28 , in order to support them to reach the market . this identification of projects supported in other pillars of horizon europe and also previous framework programmes will be based on pertinent methodologies , such as the innovation radar . _________________ 28 such as erc proof of concept , from projects supported under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , startups emerging from the kics of the european institute of innovation and technology , … including from horizon 2020 activities , particularly project selected under horizon 2020 sme phase 2 and related seal of excellence financed by member states , european partnerships . ### the accelerator will encourage applications of innovations stemming from pathfinder - supported projects from the pathfinder , from phase 1 and 2 of sme instrument for incremental innovation , from similar member states ' advanced research programmes ' and from other pillars of the eu framework programmes , in order to support them to reach the market . this identification of projects supported in other pillars of horizon europe and also previous framework programmes will be based on pertinent methodologies , such as the innovation radar .


### –eic challenges , i . e . inducement prizes , to help develop novel solutions to global challenges , bring in new actors and develop new communities . eic recognition prizes will include icapital , the social innovation inducement prize , and the women innovators ' prize . 29 the design of its prizes will be linked to eic to other parts of the framework programme , including missions and other funding bodies . opportunities for cooperation with organisations will be explored . __________________ 29 the eic prizes will take over the management of prizes launched under horizon 2020 and provide for the design and implementation of new inducement prizes and recognition awards . ### –eic challenges , i . e . inducement prizes , to help develop new breakthrough innovations , bring in new actors and develop new communities . eic recognition prizes will include icapital , the social innovation inducement prize , and the women innovators ' prize . 29 the design and implementation of these prizes will linked with other parts of the programme , including missions and the eit to ensure complementarity and avoid duplications . opportunities for cooperation with organisations will be explored . __________________ 29 the eic prizes will take over the management of prizes awarded by the commission launched under horizon 2020 and provide for the design and implementation of new inducement prizes and recognition awards .


### –eic challenges , i . e . inducement prizes , to help develop novel solutions to global challenges , bring in new actors and develop new communities . eic recognition prizes will include icapital , the social innovation inducement prize , and the women innovators ' prize . 29 the design of its prizes will be linked to eic to other parts of the framework programme , including missions and other funding bodies . opportunities for cooperation with organisations will be explored . _________________ 29 the eic prizes will take over the management of prizes launched under horizon 2020 and provide for the design and implementation of new inducement prizes and recognition awards . ### –eic challenges , i . e . inducement prizes , to help develop new breakthrough innovations , bring in new actors and develop new r&i communities and networks . eic recognition prizes will include icapital , the social innovation inducement prize , and the women innovators ' prize . 29the design and implementation of these prizes will linked with other parts of the programme , including missions and the eit to ensure complementarity and avoid duplications . opportunities for cooperation with organisations will be explored . the budget dedicated for the prizes founded from different parts of horizon europe cannot exceed 1% of the programme’s financial envelope . _________________ 29 the eic prizes will take over the management of prizes launched under horizon 2020 and provide for the design and implementation of new inducement prizes and recognition awards .


### –eic challenges , i . e . inducement prizes , to help develop novel solutions to global challenges , bring in new actors and develop new communities . eic recognition prizes will include icapital , the social innovation inducement prize , and the women innovators ' prize . 29 the design of its prizes will be linked to eic to other parts of the framework programme , including missions and other funding bodies . opportunities for cooperation with organisations will be explored . _________________ 29 the eic prizes will take over the management of prizes launched under horizon 2020 and provide for the design and implementation of new inducement prizes and recognition awards . ### –eic challenges , i . e . inducement prizes , to help develop novel solutions to global challenges , bring in new actors and develop new communities . eic recognition prizes will include icapital , the eu challenge prize , the social innovation inducement prize , and the women innovators ' prize . 29 the design of its prizes will be linked to eic to other parts of the framework programme , including missions and other funding bodies . opportunities for cooperation with organisations will be explored . _________________ 29 the eic prizes will take over the management of prizes launched under horizon 2020 and provide for the design and implementation of new inducement prizes and recognition awards .


### the high level advisory board of the eic will assist the commission in implementing the eic . as well as advising on the eic work programmes , the eic board will take an active role in advising the management and following up actions . it will have a communication function , with members playing an ambassadorial role helping to stimulate innovation in the eu . communication channels will include attendance at key innovation events , social media , constitution of an eic community of innovators , engaging with key media with a focus on innovation , common events with incubators and acceleration hubs . ### the high level advisory board of the eic will assist the commission in implementing the eic . it will be composed of academic experts on innovation policy , research and technology organisations , entrepreneurs , venture capitalists , among others . for the implementation of the eic , the commission will , with the support of the eic board , provide : · clear differentiation between the addressed targeted groups and their distinct needs ; · details on how it will implement the mixed support ; · solid mechanism for systematic and real - time evaluation of the programme to ensure quick policy learning process and develop iterative innovation patterns , including the selection and implementation of indicators ; · structural cooperation between eic and the eit to ensure complementarity . the eic will focus on large - scale / high - risk support to promising innovator , complementing the eit’s support for start - ups and scale - ups ; · definition of the role and responsibilities of the programme managers ; · definition of the tools to attract risk capital investors in case of highly risky projects ; · definition of the innovation objectives in terms of product , process , marketing and services ; the board will also advise on the eic work programmes , management and follow up actions . it will have a communication function , with members playing an ambassadorial role helping to stimulate innovation in the eu . communication channels will include attendance at key innovation events , social media , constitution of an eic community of innovators , engaging with key media with a focus on innovation , common events with incubators and acceleration hubs . the eit’s governing board and eic board will cooperate closely to exploit synergies and increase added value to innovators and entrepreneurs in the union .


### the eic board will provide recommendations to the commission regarding innovation trends or initiatives needed to enhance and foster the eu innovation ecosystem , including potential regulatory barriers . the board ' s advice should also identify emerging areas of innovation to be taken into account in the activities under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and missions . in this way , the board is expected to contribute to the overall coherence of the horizon europe programme . ### the eic board will provide recommendations to the commission regarding innovation trends or initiatives needed to enhance and foster the eu innovation ecosystem , including potential regulatory barriers . the board ' s advice should also identify emerging areas of innovation to be taken into account in the activities under the societal challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and missions . in this way , the board is expected to contribute to the overall coherence of the horizon europe programme , including to ensure the integration of sex / gender analysis in order to avoid gender bias and allow all segments of population benefit from innovation processes .


### the eic board will provide recommendations to the commission regarding innovation trends or initiatives needed to enhance and foster the eu innovation ecosystem , including potential regulatory barriers . the board ' s advice should also identify emerging areas of innovation to be taken into account in the activities under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and missions . in this way , the board is expected to contribute to the overall coherence of the horizon europe programme . ### the eic board will provide recommendations to the commission regarding innovation trends or initiatives needed to enhance and foster the eu innovation ecosystem , including potential technical as well as regulatory barriers . the board ' s advice should also identify emerging areas of innovation to be taken into account in the activities under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and missions . in this way , the board is expected to contribute to the overall coherence of the horizon europe programme .


### in particular , programme managers will oversee the implementation of pathfinder calls , and propose evaluation rankings in view of consistent strategic portfolio of projects , expected to make essential contributions to the emergence of potential societal or economic market creating innovations . ### in particular , programme managers will assist the commission to oversee the implementation of pathfinder calls .


### to fully harness the potential of innovation involving researchers , entrepreneurs , industry and society at large , the eu must improve the environment within which innovation can flourish at all levels . this will mean contributing to the development of an effective innovation ecosystem at eu level , and encouraging cooperation , networking , and the exchange of ideas , funding and skills among national and local innovation ecosystems . ### to fully harness the potential of innovation involving researchers , entrepreneurs , industry and society at large , the eu must improve the environment within which innovation can flourish at all levels . this will mean contributing to the development of an effective innovation ecosystem at eu level , and encouraging cooperation , networking , addressing and removing technical barriers to innovation through standardisation , and the exchange of ideas , funding and skills among national and local innovation ecosystems .


### –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 eit as well as 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 ;


### activities will be implemented to ensure effective complementarity between eic’s types of action and their specific focus on breakthrough innovation , with activities implemented by member states and associated countries , but also by private initiatives , in order to support all types of innovation , reach out to all innovators across the eu , and provide them with enhanced and adequate support . ### activities will be implemented to ensure effective complementarity between eit and eic’s types of action and their specific focus on innovation , with activities implemented by member states and associated countries , but also by private initiatives , in order to support all types of innovation , reach out to all innovators across the eu , and provide them with enhanced and adequate support .


### to that end , the eu will : ### to that end , the involved eu bodies will :


### –promote and co - fund joint innovation programmes managed by authorities in charge of public national , regional or local innovation policies and programmes , to which private entities supporting innovation and innovators may be associated . such demand - driven joint programmes may target , among others , early stage and feasibility study support , academia - enterprise cooperation , support to high - tech smes ' collaborative research , technology and knowledge transfer , internationalisation of smes , market analysis and development , digitalisation of low - tech smes , financial instruments for close to market innovations activities or market deployment , social innovation . they may also include joint public procurement initiatives , enabling innovations to be commercialised in the public sector , in particular in support of the development of new policy . this could be particularly effective to stimulate innovation in public service areas and to provide market opportunities to european innovators . ### –promote and co - fund joint innovation programmes managed by authorities in charge of public national , regional or local innovation policies and programmes , to which private entities supporting innovation and innovators should be associated . such supply and demand - driven joint programmes may target , among others , early stage and feasibility study support , cooperation between academia , research organisations and enterprises , internationalisation of smes , market analysis and development , digitalisation of low - tech smes , financial instruments for close to market innovations activities or market deployment , social innovation . they may also include joint public procurement initiatives , enabling innovations to be commercialised in the public sector , in particular in support of the development of new policy . when managed at the local level , those programmes should allow transnational partnerships and should be coherent with the smart specialisation strategies of the involved regions . this could be particularly effective to stimulate innovation in public service areas and to provide market opportunities to european innovators .


### –promote and co - fund joint innovation programmes managed by authorities in charge of public national , regional or local innovation policies and programmes , to which private entities supporting innovation and innovators may be associated . such demand - driven joint programmes may target , among others , early stage and feasibility study support , academia - enterprise cooperation , support to high - tech smes ' collaborative research , technology and knowledge transfer , internationalisation of smes , market analysis and development , digitalisation of low - tech smes , financial instruments for close to market innovations activities or market deployment , social innovation . they may also include joint public procurement initiatives , enabling innovations to be commercialised in the public sector , in particular in support of the development of new policy . this could be particularly effective to stimulate innovation in public service areas and to provide market opportunities to european innovators . ### – - promote and co - fund joint innovation programmes managed by authorities in charge of public national , regional or local innovation policies and programmes , to which private entities supporting innovation and innovators may should be associated . such demand and supply driven joint programmes may target , among others , early stage and feasibility study support , academia - enterprise cooperation , support to high - tech smes ' collaborative research , technology and knowledge transfer , internationalisation of smes , market analysis and development , digitalisation of low tech smes , financial instruments for close to market innovations activities or market deployment , social innovation . they may also include joint public procurement initiatives , enabling innovations to be commercialised in the public sector , in particular in support of the development of new policy . when managed at the local level , these programmes should allow transnational partnerships and should be coherent with the smart specialization strategies of the involved regions . this could be particularly effective to stimulate innovation in public service areas , to provide market opportunities to european innovators and promote synergies between the programme and the erdf .


### the eit will play a reinforced role in strengthening sustainable innovation ecosystems across europe . in particular , the eit will continue to operate primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , the large - scale european partnerships that address specific societal challenges . it will continue to strengthen innovation ecosystems around them , by fostering the integration of research , innovation and education . furthermore , eit will contribute to bridge existing gaps in innovation performance across europe by expanding its regional innovation scheme . the eit will work with innovation ecosystems that exhibit high innovation potential based on strategy , thematic alignment and impact , in close synergy with smart specialisation strategies and platforms . ### the eit will play a reinforced role in strengthening sustainable innovation ecosystems across europe providing solutions to the most pressing global challenges our societies are facing . in particular , the eit will continue to operate primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , the large - scale european partnerships that address specific societal challenges . it will continue to strengthen innovation ecosystems around them , by fostering the integration of research , innovation and education . furthermore , eit will contribute to bridge existing gaps in innovation performance across europe by expanding its regional innovation scheme . the eit will work with innovation ecosystems that exhibit high innovation potential based on strategy , thematic alignment and impact , in close synergy with smart specialisation strategies and platforms .


### the eit will play a reinforced role in strengthening sustainable innovation ecosystems across europe . in particular , the eit will continue to operate primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , the large - scale european partnerships that address specific societal challenges . it will continue to strengthen innovation ecosystems around them , by fostering the integration of research , innovation and education . furthermore , eit will contribute to bridge existing gaps in innovation performance across europe by expanding its regional innovation scheme . the eit will work with innovation ecosystems that exhibit high innovation potential based on strategy , thematic alignment and impact , in close synergy with smart specialisation strategies and platforms . ### the eit will play a reinforced role in strengthening sustainable innovation ecosystems across europe , providing solutions to the most pressing global challenges our societies are facing . in particular , the eit will continue to operate primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , the large - scale european partnerships that address specific societal challenges . the creation of new kics as well as its timing must be carefully considered not to undermine the efficiency and sustainability of the existing ones and should therefore be accompanied by additional funding . it will continue to strengthen innovation ecosystems around them , by fostering the integration of research , innovation and education . furthermore , eit will contribute to bridge existing gaps in innovation performance across europe by expanding its regional innovation scheme . the eit will work with innovation ecosystems that exhibit high innovation potential based on strategy , thematic alignment and impact , in close synergy with smart specialisation strategies and platforms .


### –reinforcing the effectiveness of the existing kics and setting up new ones in a limited number of thematic areas ; ### –reinforcing the effectiveness of the existing kics and setting up new ones to tackle global challenges ;


### –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 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 as well as an understanding on how technological barriers can be addressed through european or international standards to enable successful innovation deployment ;


### 2 . 3 . new solutions to the market ### 2 . 3 . new solutions to address - global challenges .


### –support to the development of new products and services where knowledge triangle actors will collaborate to make solutions market - ready ; ### –support to turn research into the development of new products , services and markets where knowledge triangle actors will collaborate to bring solutions to global challenges ;


### –planning and implementation of eit activities in order to maximise synergies and complementarities with the actions under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar ; ### –planning and implementation of eit activities in order to maximise synergies and complementarities with the actions under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and when appropriate , contribution to these actions ;


### –engage with eu member states at both national and regional level , establishing a structured dialogue and coordinating efforts to enable synergies with existing national initiatives , in order to identify , share and disseminate good practices and learnings ; ### –engage with eu member states at both national and regional level , establishing a structured dialogue and coordinating efforts to enable synergies with existing and future national initiatives , in order to identify , share and disseminate good practices and learnings ;


### the eu now needs to raise the bar on the quality and impact of its research and innovation system , requiring a revitalised european research area 31 , better supported by the eu ' s research and innovation framework programme . specifically , a well - integrated yet tailored set of eu measures32 is needed , combined with reforms and performance enhancements at national level and , in turn , institutional changes within research funding and performing organisations , including universities . by combining efforts at eu level , synergies can be exploited and the necessary scale can be found to make support to national policy reforms more efficient and impactful . _________________ 31 council conclusions on the era roadmap , 19 may 2015 [ to be updated as necessary ] . 32 tfeu article 181 . 2 ### the eu now needs to raise the bar on the quality and impact of its research and innovation system , requiring a revitalised european research area 31 , better supported by the eu ' s research and innovation framework programme . specifically , a well - integrated yet tailored set of eu measures32 is needed , combined with reforms and performance enhancements at national level ( to which the smart specialisation strategies supported under the european regional development fund can contribute substantially , if consistent with strong national research strategies and funding and , in turn , institutional changes within research funding and performing organisations , including universities . by combining efforts at eu level , synergies can be exploited and the necessary scale can be found to make support to national policy reforms more efficient and impactful . _________________ 31 council conclusions on the era roadmap , 19 may 2015 [ to be updated as necessary ] . 32 tfeu article 181 . 2


### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance , including the eu outermost regions , to attain a competitive position in the global value chains . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures in the targeted countries through mobility of researchers and innovators . ### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu and by widening participation in the programme will help both countries lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance to attain a competitive position in the global value chains and the union to fully benefit from r&i potential of all member states . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures in the targeted countries through mobility and collaboration of researchers and innovators and setting new r&i networks and r&i initiatives on the base of those infrastructures .


### –teaming , to create new centres of excellence or upgrade existing ones in eligible countries , building on partnerships between leading scientific institutions and partner institutions ; ### –teaming , to create new centres of excellence or upgrade existing ones in eligible countries , building on partnerships in all stages of research between leading scientific institutions and partner institutions ; applicants need to clearly show that projects are linked with national and / or regional strategies to be able to apply for funding under this broad line .


### –twinning , to significantly strengthen a university or research organisation from an eligible country in a defined field , by linking it with internationally - leading research institutions from other member states or associated countries . ### –twinning , to significantly strengthen a university or research organisation from an eligible country in a defined field , in all stages of research , by linking it with internationally - leading research institutions from other member states or associated countries . applicants need to clearly show that projects are linked with national and / or regional strategies to be able to apply for funding under this broad line .


### –teaming , to create new centres of excellence or upgrade existing ones in eligible countries , building on partnerships between leading scientific institutions and partner institutions ; ### –teaming , to create new centres of excellence or upgrade existing ones , including through new excellent research and innovation activities , in eligible countries , building on cooperation in all stages of research between leading scientific institutions and partner institutions ;


### –twinning , to significantly strengthen a university or research organisation from an eligible country in a defined field , by linking it with internationally - leading research institutions from other member states or associated countries . ### –twinning , to significantly strengthen a university or research organisation from an eligible country in a defined field , in all stages of research , by linking it with internationally - leading research institutions or research initiatives from other member states or associated countries .


### this intervention area will support the horizon europe specific objectives : spread and connect excellence across the eu ; reinforce the creation of high quality knowledge ; increase cross - sectorial , cross - disciplinary cross - border cooperation . ### the ‘ spreading excellence and widening participation’ priority will support the horizon europe specific objectives : spread and connect excellence across the eu and widen participation in the programme , including underperforming member states ; reinforce the creation of high quality knowledge ; increase cross - sectorial , cross - disciplinary cross - border cooperation and boost creation of the new r&i activities and networks , involving widening eligible countries and excellent ‘ newcomers’ from eu member states ; support ‘ science and citizens’ activities


### food and natural resources ### food , natural resources , seas and oceans


### food and natural resources ### food - agriculture , forestry and rural areas - food systems - bio - based innovation systems


### food and natural resources ### food and natural resources from land and sea


### 2 . 2 . global challenges ### 2 . 2 . societal challenges


### the demand for accessible products and services is high and the number of citizens with disabilities and / or functional limitations will increase significantly with the ageing of the european union’s population . an environment where products and services are more accessible allows for a more inclusive society and facilitates independent living . ### the demand for accessible products and services is high and the number of citizens , including people with disabilities , will increase significantly with the ageing of the european union’s population . an environment where products and services are more accessible allows for a more inclusive society and facilitates independent living .


### due to the differences in national accessibility requirements , individual professionals , smes and micro - enterprises in particular are discouraged from entering into business ventures outside their own domestic markets . the national , or even regional or local , accessibility requirements that member states have put in place currently differ as regards both coverage and level of detail . those differences negatively affect competitiveness and growth , due to the additional costs incurred in the development and marketing of accessible products and services for each national market . ### the differences in national accessibility requirements may negatively affect competitiveness and growth , due to the additional costs incurred in the development and marketing of accessible products and services for each national market .


### the approximation of national measures at union level is therefore necessary for the proper functioning of the internal market in order to put an end to fragmentation in the market of accessible products and services , to create economies of scale , to facilitate cross - border trade and mobility , as well as to help economic operators to concentrate resources on innovation instead of using those resources for complying with fragmented legal requirements across the union . ### the approximation of national measures at union level therefore promotes better functioning of the internal market in order to reduce fragmentation in the market of accessible products and services , to create economies of scale , to facilitate cross - border trade and mobility , as well as to help economic operators to concentrate resources on innovation instead of using those resources for complying with fragmented legal requirements across the union .


### it is necessary to introduce the accessibility requirements in the least burdensome manner for the economic operators and the member states , notably by only including in the scope the products and services which have been thoroughly selected . ### it is necessary to introduce accessibility requirements which enable all people to fully use the products and services and infrastructure covered by this directive . accessibility requirements should be introduced in the least burdensome manner for the economic operators and the member states .


### the ce marking , indicating the conformity of a product with the accessibility requirements of this directive , is the visible consequence of a whole process comprising conformity assessment in a broad sense . this directive should follow the general principles governing the ce marking of regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council40 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products . __________________ 40 regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing regulation no 339 / 93 . ### the ce marking , indicating the conformity of a product with the accessibility requirements of this directive , is the visible consequence of a whole process comprising conformity assessment in a broad sense . this directive should follow the general principles governing the ce marking of regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council40 . member states should exchange good practices regarding the procedures for the evaluation of accessible products and services , and should keep each other informed about the availability of experts in the field of accessible goods and products in cooperation with umbrella organisations operating in the field of accessibility and representing persons with disabilities . __________________ 40 regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing regulation no 339 / 93 .


### the following self - service terminals : automatic teller machines , ticketing machines and check - in machines shall comply with the requirements set out in section ii of annex i . ### self - service terminals : automatic teller machines , ticketing machines , payment terminals and check - in machines shall comply with the requirements set out in section ii of annex i .


### air , bus , rail and waterborne passenger transport services , the websites , the mobile device - based services , smart ticketing and real - time information and self - service terminals , ticketing machines and check - in machines used for provision of passenger transport services shall comply with the corresponding requirements set out in section v of annex i . ### air , bus , rail and waterborne passenger transport infrastructure , services , the websites , the mobile device - based services , smart ticketing and real - time information and self - service terminals , ticketing machines and check - in machines used for provision of passenger transport services shall comply with the corresponding requirements set out in sections v and x of annex i .


### banking services , the websites , the mobile device - based banking services , self - service terminals , including automatic teller machines used for provision of banking services shall comply with the requirements set out in section vi of annex i . ### banking services , the websites , the mobile device - based banking services , self - service terminals , including automatic teller machines used for provision of banking services and payment terminals shall comply with the requirements set out in section vi of annex i .


### service providers shall prepare the necessary information in accordance with annex iii explaining how the services meet the accessibility requirements referred to in article 3 . the information shall be made available to the public in written and oral format , including in a manner which is accessible to persons with functional limitations and persons with disabilities . service providers shall keep the information as long as the service is in operation . ### service providers shall prepare the necessary information in accordance with annex iii explaining how the services meet the accessibility requirements referred to in article 3 . the information shall be made available to the public in written and oral format , including in a manner which is accessible to persons with disabilities . service providers shall keep the information as long as the service is in operation .


### the estimated costs and benefits for the economic operators in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with disabilities , taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service . ### the estimated additional costs and benefits for the economic operators in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with disabilities , taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service .


### where the economic operators have used the exception provided for in paragraphs 1 to 5 for a specific product or service they shall notify the relevant market surveillance authority of the member state in the market of which the product or service is placed or made available . notification shall include the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 . microenterprises are exempted from this notification requirement but must be able to supply the relevant documentation upon request from a relevant market surveillance authority . ### where the economic operators have used the exception provided for in paragraphs 1 to 5 for a specific product or service they shall , at the request of the competent authority of the member state in the market of which the product or service is placed or made available , make available their proportionality assessment referred to in paragraph 3 .


### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . ### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes and social stakeholders , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 and to encourage preparation of investment projects offering broad sectorial and geographical coverage .


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements , with a particular focus on the outermost regions , bearing in mind the provisions of article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , the added difficulty associated with investment that has been recorded in these regions and their potential in the fields of the green and blue economies . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 , in particular those which make a sustained contribution to job creation and sustainable growth or include projects with the ors , bearing in mind their potential in the fields of the green and blue economies . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi .


### the steering board shall comprise four members : three appointed by the commission and one by the eib . the steering board shall elect a chairperson from among its members for a fixed term of three years , renewable once . the steering board shall take its decisions by consensus . ### article 7 is replaced by the following : 3 . the steering board shall comprise four members : three appointed by the commission , one from ecfin and the other two , alternating , from relevant dgs , and one by the eib . the steering board shall elect a chairperson from among its members for a fixed term of three years , renewable once . the steering board shall take its decisions by consensus .


### point is replaced by the following : ' leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ' ; ### point is replaced by the following : ' leveraging local knowledge and supporting capacity building to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ' ;


### paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : ' 5 . in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at local level , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ' ; ### paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : ' 5 . in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at local level and among relevant stakeholders , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ' ;