### –blue innovation including in the blue and digital economies , across coastline areas , coastal cities and ports in order to strengthen resilience of coastal areas and increase citizens ' benefits . ### –blue innovation including in the blue and digital economies , across coastline areas , coastal cities and ports and coastal and maritime tourism in order to strengthen resilience of coastal areas and increase citizens ' and visitor benefits .


### 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 .


### the commission shall establish a european innovation council for implementing actions under pillar iii ' open innovation ' which relate to the eic . the eic shall operate according to the following principles : focus on breakthrough and disruptive innovation , autonomy , ability to take risk , efficiency , effectiveness , transparency and accountability . ### the commission shall establish a european innovation council for implementing actions under pillar iii ' open innovation ' which relate to the eic . the eic shall operate according to the following principles : focus on breakthrough and disruptive innovation , as well as incremental and social innovation , autonomy , ability to take risk , efficiency , effectiveness , transparency and accountability .


### improved understanding of health drivers and risk factors determined by the social , economic and physical environment in people’s everyday life and at the workplace , including the health impact of digitalisation , pollution , climate change and other environmental issues , will contribute to identify and mitigate health risks and threats ; to reducing death and illness from exposure to chemicals and environmental pollution ; to supporting environmental - friendly , healthy , resilient and sustainable living and working environments ; to promoting healthy lifestyles and consumption behaviour ; and to developing an equitable , inclusive and trusted society . ### improved understanding of health drivers , determinants of health and risk factors determined by the social , economic and physical environment in people’s everyday life and at the workplace , including the health impact of digitalisation , pollution , rapid urbanisation , climate change and other national and transnational environmental issues , will contribute to improve disease prevention , identify and mitigate health risks and threats ; to reducing death and illness from exposure to chemicals and environmental pollution ; to supporting environmental - friendly , healthy , resilient and sustainable living and working environments ; to promoting healthy lifestyles including through tobacco control measures , consumption behaviour ; and to developing an equitable , inclusive and trusted society .


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


### manufacturing is a key driver of employment and prosperity in the eu , producing over three quarters of the eu ' s global exports and providing over a 100 million direct and indirect jobs . the key challenge for eu manufacturing is to remain competitive at a global level with smarter and more customised products of high added value , produced at much lower energy costs . creative and cultural inputs will be vital to help generate added value . ### manufacturing is a key driver of employment and prosperity in the eu , producing over three quarters of the eu ' s global exports and providing over a 100 million direct and indirect jobs . the key challenge for eu manufacturing is to become more sustainable and remain competitive at a global level with smarter and more customised products of high added value , produced at much lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint and using more energy - and resource - efficient processes . creative and cultural inputs will be vital to help generate added value .


### digitisation is a major driver . as it continues at a rapid pace across all sectors , investment in priority areas ranging from artificial intelligence to next generation internet , high performance computing , photonics and nano - electronics , becomes essential for the strength of our economy and the sustainability of our society . investing , producing and using ict provides a major boost to eu economic growth , amounting to an increase of 30% between 2001 and 2011 alone . ### digitisation is a major driver . as it continues at a rapid pace across all sectors , investment in priority areas ranging from artificial intelligence to next generation internet , high performance computing , photonics , quantum technologies and nano - electronics , becomes essential for the strength of our economy and the sustainability of our society . investing , producing and using ict provides a major boost to eu economic growth , amounting to an increase of 30% between 2001 and 2011 alone .


### the expected growth of variable electricity production and shift towards more electric heating , cooling and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . next to decarbonisation , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in innovative network infrastructure technologies and innovative system management . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures . ### the expected growth of variable electricity production and shift towards more electric heating , cooling , production of hydrogen and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . next to decarbonisation , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in innovative network infrastructure technologies , increased flexibility of dispatchable power generation and innovative system management . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures .


### –energy performance of buildings monitoring and optimisation ; ### –energy performance of buildings including the tourism accommodation monitoring and optimisation ;


### while the european institute of innovation and technology ' s focus on innovation ecosystems makes it naturally fit within the open innovation pillar of horizon europe , the planning of the eit knowledge and innovation communities will be aligned through the strategic planning process with the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar . ### while the european institute of innovation and technology ' s focus on innovation ecosystems makes it naturally fit within the open innovation pillar of horizon europe , the planning of the eit knowledge and innovation communities will be aligned through the strategic planning process with the societal challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar .


### all clusters under the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , msca , research infrastructures , support to innovation ecosystems , sharing excellence and reforming and enhancing the european r&i system , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 ; ### all clusters under the pillar ' societal challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , msca , research infrastructures , support to innovation ecosystems , sharing excellence and reforming and enhancing the european r&i system , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 ;


### –vaccines , diagnostics , treatments and cures for infectious diseases , including co - morbidities and co - infections ; ### –diagnostics , treatments and cures for infectious diseases , including co - morbidities and co - infections ;


### stimulating the creation and scale - up of innovative companies , in particular smes ; ### stimulating the creation and scale - up of innovative companies , in particular start - ups and smes ;


### cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives , meaningful to communities , groups and societies , giving a sense of belonging . it is the bridge between the past and the future of our societies . it is a driving force of local economies and a powerful source of inspiration for creative and cultural industries . accessing , conserving , safeguarding and restoring , interpreting and harnessing the full potential of our cultural heritage are crucial challenges now and for future generations . cultural heritage is the major input and inspiration for the arts , traditional craftsmanship , the cultural , entrepreneurial and creative sectors that are drivers of sustainable economic growth , new job creation and external trade . ### cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives , meaningful to communities , groups and societies , giving a sense of belonging . it is the bridge between the past and the future of our societies . it is a driving force of local economies and a powerful source of inspiration for creative and cultural industries as well as the tourism sector . accessing , conserving , safeguarding and restoring , interpreting and harnessing the full potential of our cultural heritage are crucial challenges now and for future generations . cultural heritage is the major input and inspiration for the arts , traditional craftsmanship , the cultural , entrepreneurial , creative and tourism sectors that are drivers of sustainable economic growth , new job creation and external trade .


### fostering open science and ensuring visibility to the public and open access to results ; ### fostering open science and ensuring visibility to the public and open access to results and research data , with specific and strict rules for necessary derogations , for example to protect personal data ;


### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must reinforce its efforts to entice more young women and men to a career in research , to attract researchers from third countries , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . in addition , in order to more widely spread excellence , the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund . ### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must reinforce its efforts to entice more young women and men to a career in research , to attract researchers from third countries , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . to achieve that goal , attention should be paid to schemes facilitating the balance between family and work life , including adding more flexibility for researchers of both sexes to facilitate the reconciliation of work and family life . guaranteeing full gender equality in all sectors including science , technology and innovation is an essential condition for global economic development . in addition , in order to ensure synergies and more widely spread excellence , the seal of excellence label will continue to be applied to calls under msca and the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund .


### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goal in particular : sdg 3 – good health and well - being for people ; sdg13 – climate action . ### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goal in particular : sdg 2 - zero hunger ; sdg 3 – good health and well - being for people ; sdg13 – climate action .


### reinforcing and spreading excellence ; ### supporting science , research and innovations , reinforcing and spreading excellence ;


### 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 and cooperation between eit and 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 .


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


### –better understanding of the role of oceans for climate change mitigation and adaptation . ### –better understanding of the role of oceans and other aquatic environments for climate change mitigation and adaptation .


### the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives in an integrated manner will be ensured by multiannual strategic planning . such planning will provide the focus on impact for the programme overall and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . ### the implementation of horizon europe shall be steered by an inclusive and transparent strategic planning process of the research and innovation activities funded by the programme . the strategic planning process shall implement the horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives by defining the funding priorities . it will provide focus on impact for the programme and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . the strategic planning process and the adoption of the strategic r&i plan by means of a delegated act will increase ownership and understanding for the purpose of the programme by a wider public and will allow the co - legislators , stakeholders and member states to be fully informed on the envisaged initiatives . the strategic planning will help to develop and implement policy for the relevant areas covered , at union level as well as complementing policies in the member states . it will allow the simplification of the funding landscape , avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities and promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results . in order to respond to those objectives , the commission will launch an open consultation phase with member states , the european parliament , stakeholders , including civil society organisations , about the strategic priorities including missions , under the global challenges and european industrial competitiveness pillar , and the suitable types of instruments , in particular the european partnerships . all partnerships and missions or any other strategic new initiative shall be identified in this strategic r&i plan before being implemented in work programmes . as regards european partnerships , the strategic r&i plan will outline and give the rationale for the creation , merge and phasing out of the european partnerships . all well - established partnerships , such as the joint technology initiatives , will be considered for continuation beyond 2020 due to their added - value in bringing and leveraging private investment and contribution to synergies of funds . as in horizon 2020 , proposals for joint undertakings will be presented as council regulations . on - going and new kics will be identified in the legislative proposal for a decision of the european parliament and the council on the eit strategic innovation agenda . ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon 2020 will continue to be supported under the programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , maybe be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies . the missions should strengthen the collaborative aspects of the programme and reinforce existing european partnerships , which could work as supporting implementation pillars of the missions . the missions will have technological and societal elements and will be defined in close cooperation with all relevant dgs . the strategic planning will identify existing links between horizon europe and other union programmes , including the euratom programme , which offer possibilities for synergies between union funds . horizon europe will become a point of reference for research and innovation in all related programmes across the union budget and non - funding instruments . this will also promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results and avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities . it will provide the frame for linking the direct research actions of the joint research centre and other actions supported under the programme , including the use of results for support to policy .


### improving skills for innovation ; ### improving skills for research and for technical and social innovation ;


### 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 eic pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the eic accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to complement the eit and cooperate with it in offering 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 .


### –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 .


### european citizens , state institutions and the economy need to be protected from the continued threats of organised crime , including firearms trafficking , drug trafficking and trafficking in human beings . strengthening protection and security through better border management is also key . cybercrime is on the increase and related risks are diversifying as the economy and society digitalise . europe needs to continue its effots to improve cybersecurity , digital privacy , personal data protection and combat the spread of false and harmful information in order to safeguard democratic and economic stability . lastly , further efforts are required to limit the effects on lives and livelihoods of extreme weather events which are intensifying due to climate change , such as floods , storms or droughts leading to forest fires , land degradation and other natural disasters , e . g . earthquakes . disasters , whether natural or man - made , can put at risk important societal functions , such as health , energy supply and government . ### european citizens , state institutions and the economy need to be protected from the continued threats of organised crime , including firearms trafficking , drug trafficking and trafficking in human beings . strengthening protection and security through better border management is also key . cybercrime is on the increase and related risks are diversifying as the economy and society digitalise . europe needs to continue its efforts to improve cybersecurity , digital privacy , personal data protection and actively combat the spread of false and harmful information in order to safeguard democratic and economic stability . lastly , further efforts are required to limit the effects on lives and livelihoods of extreme weather events which are intensifying due to climate change , such as floods , storms or droughts leading to forest fires , land degradation and other natural disasters , e . g . earthquakes . disasters , whether natural or man - made , can put at risk important societal functions , such as health , energy supply and government .


### –quality of life for the citizens , safe mobility , urban social innovation , cities ' circular and regenerative capacity , reduced environmental footprint and pollution ; ### –quality of life for the citizens , including prevention of energy poverty , safe mobility , urban social innovation , cities ' circular and regenerative capacity , reduced environmental footprint and pollution ;


### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , corporate leaders , investors and researchers . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand . ### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , corporate leaders , investors , researchers , academia and designers . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand .


### –blue innovation including in the blue and digital economies , across coastline areas , coastal cities and ports in order to strengthen resilience of coastal areas and increase citizens ' benefits . ### –blue innovation including in the blue and digital economies , across coastline areas , coastal cities , ports and coastal and maritime tourism in order to strengthen resilience of coastal areas and increase citizens ' and visitor benefits .


### 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 .


### 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 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 and virtual collaboration of researchers and innovators .


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


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


### 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 eic pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the eic accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to complement the eit in offering 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 .


### –sustainable sea and ocean farming , fisheries and mariculture for food , including alternative sources of protein with increased food security , food sovereignty and climate resilience ; ### –sustainable sea , ocean and fresh water farming , fisheries and aquatic culture for food , including aquatic environments as alternative sources of protein with increased food security , food sovereignty and climate resilience ;


### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed . as regards fossil fuels , decarbonising their usage will be essential to meet the climate objectives . ### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed and implemented . as regards fossil fuels , avoiding and decarbonising their usage will be essential to meet the climate objectives .


### state of the art research infrastructures provide key services to research and innovation communities , playing an essential role in extending the frontiers of knowledge . supporting research infrastructures at the eu level helps to mitigate what in many cases is the reality of scattered national research infrastructures and pockets of scientific excellence , as well as tackling the low circulation of knowledge across silos . ### state of the art research infrastructures provide key services to research and innovation communities , playing an essential role in extending the frontiers of knowledge . supporting research infrastructures at the eu level , including small and medium - sized ones and particularly those financed from erdf , helps to mitigate what in many cases is the reality of scattered national research infrastructures and pockets of scientific excellence , as well as increasing the circulation of knowledge across silos .


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' ### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' ' secure society ' .


### health ### health - health throughout the life course - environmental and social health determinants - non - communicable and rare diseases - infectious diseases - tools , technologies and digital solutions for health and care - health care systems - cancer - cardiovascular diseases - precision medicine


### –vaccines , diagnostics , treatments and cures for infectious diseases , including co - morbidities and co - infections ; ### –vaccines , diagnostics , treatments and cures including pharmaceuticals for infectious diseases , including co - morbidities and co - infections ;


### there will be appropriate support for mechanisms to communicate the programme to potential applicants . ### there will be appropriate support for mechanisms to communicate the programme to potential applicants and citizens through awareness raising campaigns and other promotion initiatives .


### –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 ;


### –methods , technologies and tools for sustainable and resilient production in farming and forestry ; ### –methods , technologies and innovative tools for sustainable and resilient production in farming and forestry and for the most efficient use of water resources ;


### strengthening international cooperation ; ### strengthening international cooperation to the benefit of europe ;


### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . ### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported in a dedicated cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 .


### greater impact will be obtained through aligning actions with other nations and regions of the world within an international cooperation effort of unprecedented scale . based on mutual benefit , partners from across the world will be invited to join eu efforts as an integral part of initiatives in support of eu action for sustainability , reinforced research and innovation excellence , and competitiveness . ### greater impact will be obtained through aligning actions with other nations and regions of the world within an international cooperation effort of unprecedented scale , to develop a shared future based on sustainable development bringing together knowledge capacity and infrastructure to support actions on both sides . based on mutual benefit , partners from across the world , including research and education partners , industry , government and ngos , will be invited to join eu efforts as an integral part of initiatives in support of eu action for sustainability , reinforced research and innovation excellence , and competitiveness . the transfer of knowledge , capacity and infrastructure between the partners internationally will drive shared approaches and regulation that will bring synergistic trading to both .


### as a first step the commission will organise an eic forum of member states and associated countries’ public authorities and bodies in charge of national innovation policies and programmes , with the aim of promoting coordination and dialogue on the development of the eu ' s innovation ecosystem . within this eic forum , the commission will : ### as a first step the commission will organise an innovation forum of member states and associated countries’ public authorities and bodies in charge of national innovation policies and programmes , with the aim of promoting coordination and dialogue on the development of the eu ' s innovation ecosystem . within this innovation forum , the involved stakeholders and union bodies , including the eit , the eic board and the commission will :


### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , corporate leaders , investors and researchers . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand . ### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s research and innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , corporate leaders , investors and researchers . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand .


### –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 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 ; quieter and more environmentally friendly aircraft ;


### the european innovation council and european innovation ecosystems ### the european innovation council


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


### bringing together activities on digital , key enabling and space technologies , as well as a sustainable supply of raw materials , will allow for a more systemic approach , and a faster and more profound digital and industrial transformation . it will ensure that research and innovation in these areas feed into , and contribute to the implementation of , the eu’s policies for industry , digitisation , environment , energy and climate , circular economy , raw and advanced materials and space . ### bringing together activities on digital , key enabling and space technologies , as well as a sustainable supply of raw materials , will allow for a more systemic approach , and a faster and more profound digital and industrial transformation . it will ensure that research and innovation in these areas feed into , and contribute to the implementation of , the eu’s policies for industry , digitisation , environment , energy and climate , mobility , circular economy , raw and advanced materials and space .


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


### 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 scientific council shall act exclusively in the interest of achieving the erc , according to the principles set out in article 6 . it shall act with integrity and probity and carry out its work efficiently and with the greatest possible transparency . ### the scientific council shall act exclusively in the interest of achieving the erc , according to the principles set out in article 6 . it shall act with complete independence , integrity and probity and carry out its work efficiently and with the greatest possible transparency .


### –buildings life - cycle design , construction , operation and dismantling , taking into account circularity and environmental performance , for energy and resource efficiency , climate resilience , and recycling ; ### –new modalities , including smart tools and appliance , for life - cycle design , construction , operation and dismantling of buildings , taking into account circularity and environmental performance , for energy and resource efficiency , climate resilience , and recycling ;


### the programme shall be implemented by work programmes referred to in article 110 of financial regulation . they shall be prepared following a strategic planning process as described in annex i to this decision . ### following the strategic r&i plan , the programme shall be implemented by work programmes referred to in article 110 of financial regulation .


### –eic business acceleration services in support of pathfinder and accelerator activities and actions . the aim will be to connect the eic community of funded innovators , including funded seal of excellence , to investors , partners and public buyers . it will provide a range of coaching and mentoring services to eic actions . it will provide innovators with access to international networks of potential partners , including industrial ones , to complement a value chain or develop market opportunities , and find investors and other sources of private or corporate finance . activities will include live events but also , the development of matching platforms or use of existing ones , in close relation with financial intermediaries supported by the investeu and with the eib group . these activities will also encourage peer exchanges as a source of learning in innovation ecosystem , making particular good use of members of the high level advisory board of the eic and eic fellows ; ### –eic business acceleration services in support of pathfinder and accelerator activities and actions . the aim will be to connect the eic community of funded innovators , including funded seal of excellence , to investors , partners and public buyers . it will provide a range of coaching and mentoring services to eic actions . it will provide innovators with access to international networks of potential partners , including industrial ones , to complement a value chain or develop market opportunities , and find investors and other sources of private or corporate finance . activities will include live events but also , the development of matching platforms or use of existing ones , in close relation with financial intermediaries supported by the investeu and with the eib group . these activities will also encourage peer exchanges as a source of learning in innovation ecosystem , making particular good use of members of the high level advisory board of the eic and eic fellows . those additional eic activities focused on breakthrough / high - risk innovations will complement the similar portfolio of the eit activities targeting entrepreneurs , innovators and start - ups . eic shall make use of the kics’ expertise and experience , when providing support to innovators .


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


### it will include extensive consultations and exchanges with member states , the european parliament as appropriate , and with various stakeholders about priorities , including missions , under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , and the suitable types of action to use , in particular european partnerships . ### in order to respond to these objectives , the commission will launch an open consultation phase with member states , the european parliament , stakeholders , including universities , research organisations , industry and civil society organisations , about the strategic priorities of missions , under the global challenges and european industrial competitiveness pillar , and the suitable types of instruments , in particular the european partnerships . all partnerships and missions or any other strategic new initiative shall be defined and identified in this strategic r&i plan before being implemented in work programmes . industry needs to be strongly involved in formulating the criteria and conditions for the selection , implementation , monitoring , evaluation and phasing - out of the european partnerships .


### sharing excellence33 _________________ 33 a criterion based on research and innovation excellence will be used to define those member states and associated countries where legal entities need to be established in order to be eligible to submit proposals as coordinators under ' sharing excellence ' . this criterion will address the dimensions of the overall economic performance , research performance and innovation performance in a combined manner normalised to the size of the related countries . the countries identified with this criterion are called ' eligible countries ' in the context of ' sharing excellence ' . on the basis of article 349 tfeu , legal entities from outermost regions will be also fully eligible as coordinators under ' sharing excellence ' . ### spreading excellence and widening participation


### pillar iii ' open innovation ' with the following components : ### pillar iii ' innovative europe ' with the following components :


### –technologies and tools for electricity networks to integrate renewables and new loads such as electro - mobility and heat pumps ; ### –technologies and tools for existing networks to integrate renewables and new loads such as electro - mobility , electrolysers , fuel cells and heat pumps and store and transport the increasing decentralized renewable energies by using gas as a key element for a cost efficient , secure , low - carbon and affordable energy system ;


### breakthrough technologies to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases and pollutants , often combined with the technologies for circular industry above , will lead to strong industrial value chains , revolutionise manufacturing capacities and improve the global competitiveness of industry ; and at the same time make key contributions to our targets for climate action and environmental quality . ### large - scale breakthrough technologies to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases and pollutants , which may be combined with technologies for circular industry above , will lead to strong industrial value chains , revolutionise manufacturing capacities and at the same time make key contributions to our targets for climate action and environmental quality , while a strong focus has to be placed on the global competitiveness of industry .


### the intersection of research and innovation on climate , energy and mobility will address in a highly integrated and effective way , one of the most important global challenges for the sustainability and future of our environment and way of life . ### the intersection of research and innovation on climate , energy and mobility will address in a highly integrated and effective way , one of the most important societal challenges for the sustainability and future of our environment and way of life .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this specific programme are expected to contribute 35% of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this specific programme are expected to contribute at least 35% of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### –focus on breakthrough and disruptive innovations , including social , that have the potential to create new markets , as opposed to those which make incremental improvements in existing products , services or business models ; ### –focus on research on radically new future technologies , and breakthrough and disruptive innovations , including social , that have the potential to create new markets or enable new solutions , as opposed to those which make incremental improvements in existing products , services or business models ;


### ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon 2020 will continue to be supported under this programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , will be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies . ### those ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon 2020 , which have proven their benefits for the union , provide clear eu added value , contribute significantly to the eu global competitiveness , strengthen the eu knowledge base and contribute to the improved well - being of the eu citizens , will continue to be supported under this programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , will be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies .


### work programmes ### strategic planning and work programmes


### –electrification and use of unconventional energy sources within industrial plants , and energy and resource exchanges between industrial plants ; ### –electrification and use of unconventional energy sources as well as of waste heat and gases within industrial plants , and energy and resource exchanges between industrial plants ;


### 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 .


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


### all clusters under the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , msca , research infrastructures , support to innovation ecosystems , sharing excellence and reforming and enhancing the european r&i system , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 ; ### all clusters under the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , msca , research infrastructures , support to innovation ecosystems , spreading excellence and reforming and enhancing the european r&i system , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 ;


### as a first step the commission will organise an eic forum of member states and associated countries’ public authorities and bodies in charge of national innovation policies and programmes , with the aim of promoting coordination and dialogue on the development of the eu ' s innovation ecosystem . within this eic forum , the commission will : ### as a first step the commission will organise an innovation forum of member states and associated countries’ public authorities and bodies in charge of national innovation policies and programmes , with the aim of promoting coordination and dialogue on the development of the eu ' s innovation ecosystem . within this innovation forum , the involved stakeholders and union bodies , including the eit , the eic board and the commission will :


### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , corporate leaders , investors and researchers . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand . ### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , industrial leaders , economists , investors , researchers and academic experts on innovation policy . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand .


### 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 waters ' 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 , nutrient leakage , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas , oceans and fresh waters from reaching a point of no return and in order to promote the value chains of the blue economy , 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 basins , fishing districts and macro - regional strategies , including those 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 .


### cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives , meaningful to communities , groups and societies , giving a sense of belonging . it is the bridge between the past and the future of our societies . it is a driving force of local economies and a powerful source of inspiration for creative and cultural industries . accessing , conserving , safeguarding and restoring , interpreting and harnessing the full potential of our cultural heritage are crucial challenges now and for future generations . cultural heritage is the major input and inspiration for the arts , traditional craftsmanship , the cultural , entrepreneurial and creative sectors that are drivers of sustainable economic growth , new job creation and external trade . ### cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives , meaningful to communities , groups and societies , giving a sense of belonging . it is the bridge between the past and the future of our societies . it is a driving force of local economies and a powerful source of inspiration for creative and cultural industries as well as the tourism sector . accessing , conserving , safeguarding and restoring , interpreting and harnessing the full potential of our cultural heritage are crucial challenges now and for future generations . cultural heritage is the major input and inspiration for the arts , traditional craftsmanship , the cultural , entrepreneurial , creative and tourism sectors that are drivers of sustainable economic growth , new job creation and external trade .


### the eu stands for a unique way of combining economic growth with social policies , with high levels of social inclusion , shared values embracing democracy , human rights , gender equality and the richness of diversity . this model is constantly evolving and needs to deal with the challenges from amongst other things , globalisation and technological change . europe also has to respond to the challenges arising from persistent security threats . terrorist attacks and radicalisation , as well as cyber - attacks and hybrid threats , raise major security concerns and put particular strain on societies . ### the eu stands for a unique way of combining economic growth with social policies , with high levels of social inclusion , shared values embracing democracy , human rights , gender equality and the richness of diversity . this model is constantly evolving and needs to deal with the challenges from amongst other things , globalisation and technological change .


### the specific programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . ### the specific programme ' s actions should be used to reinforce , widen and extend union ' s scientific and technological base , tackle major global societal challenges , increase the union ' s knowledge and industrial leadership , as well as address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , safeguarding clear european added value from r&i investments , fully using r&i potential of all member states , without duplicating or crowding outprivate financing .


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


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


### –renewable energy technologies and solutions for power generation , heating and cooling , sustainable transport fuels and intermediate carriers , at various scales and development stages , adapted to geographic conditions and markets , both within the eu and worldwide ; ### –renewable energy technologies and solutions for power generation , hydrogen production , industrial process heating and cooling , sustainable transport fuels as cng and lng and intermediate carriers , at various scales and development stages , adapted to geographic conditions and markets , both within the eu and worldwide ; focus on economic efficiency for decarbonisation technologies , such as power - to - gas , that is in an advanced development stage and can be brought to market maturity cost efficiently ;


### 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 will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance , including the eu outermost regions and less developed 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 .


### effective implementation of the paris agreement has to be based on science , requiring continuously updating of our knowledge on the climate - earth system , as well as the mitigation and adaptations options available , allowing for a systemic and comprehensive picture of challenges and opportunities for the eu ' s economy . on this basis , science - based solutions for a cost - effective transition to a low - carbon , climate - resilient and resource - efficient society will be developed . ### maintaining and autonomously developing strong design and production capacities in essential digital technologies such as micro - and nano - electronics , photonics , software and systems , and their integration as well as advanced materials for these applications will be essential for a competitive eu .


### –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 societal challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar ;


### –focus on breakthrough and disruptive innovations , including social , that have the potential to create new markets , as opposed to those which make incremental improvements in existing products , services or business models ; ### –focus on research on radically new future technologies , and breakthrough and disruptive innovations , including social , that have the potential to create new markets or enable new solutions , as opposed to those which make incremental improvements in existing products , services or business models ;


### past framework programmes have made a significant contribution towards the more efficient and effective use of national infrastructures as well as developed with the european strategy forum on research infrastructures a coherent and strategy - led approach to policy making on pan - european research infrastructures . this strategic approach has generated clear advantages , including reducing duplication of effort with more efficient overall use of resources , as well as standardising processes and procedures . ### past framework programmes have made a significant contribution towards the more efficient and effective use of national infrastructures and towards the removal of barriers for use by all areas of european research through trans - national access , as well as developed with the european strategy forum on research infrastructures a coherent and strategy - led approach to policy making on pan - european research infrastructures . this strategic approach has generated clear advantages , including reducing duplication of effort with more efficient overall use of resources , as well as standardising and harmonising processes and procedures .


### –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 , fostering the development of advanced biorefineries using a wider range of biomass including bio - waste as well as industrial waste and side - streams ;


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


### the issues faced by the transport and energy sectors go however beyond the need for emission reduction . there are several challenges to be tackled , including the increasing penetration of digital and space - based technologies , changes in user behaviour and mobility patterns , new market entrants and disruptive business models , globalisation , increasing international competition and an older , more urban and increasingly diverse , population . ### the issues faced by the transport and energy sectors go however beyond the need for emission reduction . there are several challenges to be tackled , including the increasing penetration of digital , automated and space - based technologies , changes in user behaviour and mobility patterns , new market entrants and disruptive business models , globalisation , increasing international competition and an older , more urban and increasingly diverse , population .


### –electrification and use of unconventional energy sources within industrial plants , and energy and resource exchanges between industrial plants ; ### –electrification , use of unconventional energy sources , energy based on renewable sources as well as of waste heat and gases within industrial plants and energy and resource exchanges between industrial plants ;


### –they will be centred on innovators , simplifying procedures and administrative requirements , making use of interviews to help assess applications , and ensuring fast decision making ; ### –they will be centred on researchers and innovators , simplifying procedures and administrative requirements , making use of interviews to help assess applications , and ensuring fast decision making ;


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


### finding new ways to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies and solutions for the decarbonisation of the european economy requires also increased demand for innovation . this can be stimulated through the empowerment of citizens as well as socio - economic and public sector innovation and will lead to approaches broader than technology - driven innovation . socio - economic research covering inter alia user needs and patterns , foresight activities , environmental , economic , social and behavioural aspects , business cases and models and pre - normative research for standard setting , will also facilitate actions fostering regulatory , financing and social innovation , skills , as well as engagement and empowerment of market players and consumers . ### finding new ways to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies and solutions for the decarbonisation of the european economy requires also increased demand for innovation . this can be stimulated through the empowerment of citizens as well as socio - economic and public sector innovation and will lead to approaches broader than technology - driven innovation . socio - economic research covering inter alia user needs and patterns , foresight activities , environmental , economic , social and behavioural aspects , business cases and models and pre - normative research for standard setting , will also facilitate actions fostering regulatory , financing and social innovation , skills , as well as engagement and empowerment of market players and consumers . in the transport sector , the role of applied research and trials aiming at market deployment of innovations is crucial .


### –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 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 . they should be financed in part with the erdf . this could be particularly effective to stimulate innovation in public service areas and to provide market opportunities to european innovators and promote synergies between the programme and the erdf .


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


### as a first step the commission will organise an eic forum of member states and associated countries’ public authorities and bodies in charge of national innovation policies and programmes , with the aim of promoting coordination and dialogue on the development of the eu ' s innovation ecosystem . within this eic forum , the commission will : ### as a first step the commission will organise an innovation forum of member states and associated countries’ public authorities and bodies in charge of national innovation policies and programmes , with the aim of promoting coordination and dialogue on the development of the eu ' s innovation ecosystem . within this innovation forum , the involved stakeholders and union bodies , including the eit , the eic board and the commission will :


### under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences and the humanities will be fully integrated across all clusters , including specific and dedicated activities . likewise , activities involving marine and maritime research and innovation will be implemented in a strategic and integrated manner in line with the eu integrated maritime policy , the common fisheries policy policies and international commitments . ### under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences and the humanities will be fully integrated across all clusters , including specific and dedicated activities . the link between environment and innovation shall be emphasised , with particular attention to nature - based solutions which provide both economically and environmentally smart solutions to address challenges such as climate change , scarcity of raw materials , pollution and antimicrobial resistance . likewise , activities involving innovation , research and development on marine ecosystems , fishery resources and maritime sector with links between biodiversity preservation and benefits to human health and economic well - being shall be implemented in a strategic and integrated manner in line with the eu integrated maritime policy , the common fisheries policy policies and international commitments .


### 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 , as embodied by the sustainable development goals and the paris agreement . 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 .


### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement suitable , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include artificial intelligence and other digital technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees . ### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement suitable , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include key enabling technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees .


### the completion of the digital single market and the growing opportunities from the convergence of digital and physical technologies requires a stepping up of investments . horizon europe will contribute to these efforts with a substantial increase of spending in main digital research and innovation activities compared to the research and innovation framework programme horizon 20206 . this should ensure that europe remains at the forefront of global research and innovation in the digital field . _________________ 6 the communication from the commission ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that deliver efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' identifies eur 13 billion spent in main digital activities under the research and innovation framework programme horizon 2020 . ### the completion of the digital single market and the growing opportunities from the convergence of digital and physical technologies requires a stepping up of investments . horizon europe will contribute to these efforts with at least €16bn in spending in main digital research and innovation activities . this should ensure that europe remains at the forefront of global research and innovation in the digital field .


### –breakthrough manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing , industrial robotics , human integrated manufacturing systems , also promoted via an eu network of industrially - oriented infrastructures ; ### –breakthrough manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing , welding , modelling and simulation , and robotic technologies , human integrated manufacturing systems , also promoted via an eu network of industrially - oriented infrastructures ;


### the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives in an integrated manner will be ensured by multiannual strategic planning . such planning will provide the focus on impact for the programme overall and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . ### the implementation of horizon europe shall be steered by an inclusive and transparent strategic planning process of the research and innovation activities funded by the programme . the strategic planning process shall implement the horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives by defining the funding priorities . it will provide focus on impact for the programme and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . the strategic planning process and the adoption of the strategic r&i plan by means of a delegated act will increase ownership and understanding for the purpose of the programme by a wider public and will allow the co - legislators , stakeholders and member states to be fully informed on the envisaged initiatives . the strategic planning will help to develop and implement policy for the relevant areas covered , at union level as well as complementing policies in the member states . it will allow the simplification of the funding landscape , avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities and promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results . in order to respond to those objectives , the commission will launch an open consultation phase with member states , the european parliament , stakeholders , including civil society organisations , about the strategic priorities including missions , under the global challenges and european industrial competitiveness pillar , and the suitable types of instruments , in particular the european partnerships . all partnerships and missions or any other strategic new initiative shall be identified in this strategic r&i plan before being implemented in work programmes . as regards european partnerships , the strategic r&i plan will outline and give the rationale for the creation , merge and phasing out of the european partnerships . all well - established partnerships , such as the joint technology initiatives , will be considered for continuation beyond 2020 due to their added - value in bringing and leveraging private investment and contribution to synergies of funds . as in horizon 2020 , proposals for joint undertakings will be presented as council regulations . on - going and new kics will be identified in the legislative proposal for a decision of the european parliament and the council on the eit strategic innovation agenda . ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon 2020 will continue to be supported under the programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , maybe be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies . the missions should strengthen the collaborative aspects of the programme and reinforce existing european partnerships , which could work as supporting implementation pillars of the missions . the missions will have technological and societal elements and will be defined in close cooperation with all relevant dgs . the strategic planning will identify existing links between horizon europe and other union programmes , including the euratom programme , which offer possibilities for synergies between union funds . horizon europe will become a point of reference for research and innovation in all related programmes across the union budget and non - funding instruments . this will also promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results and avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities . it will provide the frame for linking the direct research actions of the joint research centre and other actions supported under the programme , including the use of results for support to policy .


### 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 .


### content of work programmes and their revision as needed for achieving the mission objectives , in co - design with stakeholders and the public where relevant ; ### content of work programmes and their revision as needed for achieving the mission objectives , in co - creation and co - design with all relevant stakeholders ;


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


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