### food security , sustainable agriculture , marine and maritime research , and the bio - economy ; ### food security , quality and safety , sustainable agriculture , marine and maritime research , and the bio - economy ;


### the aim is to supply sufficient food , feed , biomass and other raw - materials , while safeguarding natural resources and enhancing ecosystems services , including coping with and mitigating climate change . the activities shall focus on more sustainable and productive agriculture and forestry systems which are both resource - efficient and resilient , while at the same time developing of services , concepts and policies for thriving rural livelihoods . ### the aim is to supply sufficient food , feed , biomass and other raw - materials , while safeguarding natural resources including biodiversity , in a european and world - wide perspective and enhancing ecosystems services , including with and mitigating climate change . the activities shall focus on more sustainable , resilient and productive agriculture and forestry systems which are both resource - efficient , protect and add to natural resources , are diverse and can adapt to a changing environment and are resilient , while at the same time developing of services , concepts and policies for divers food systems and thriving rural livelihoods


### by 2020 , the erc therefore shall aim to demonstrate : that the best researchers are participating in the erc ' s competitions , that erc funding has led directly to scientific publications of the highest quality and to the commercialisation and application of innovative technologies and ideas and that the erc has contributed significantly to making europe a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists . in particular , the erc shall target a measurable improvement in the union ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications . in addition it shall aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe whom it funds and specific improvements in institutional practices and national policies to support top researchers . ### by 2020 , the erc therefore shall aim to demonstrate : that the best researchers are participating in the erc ' s competitions , that erc funding has led directly to scientific publications of the highest quality and to the commercialisation and application of innovative technologies and ideas and that the erc has contributed significantly to making europe a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists . in particular , the erc shall target a measurable improvement in the union ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications . in addition it shall aim at an increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe whom it funds , including a sharp increase of excellent female researchers , and specific improvements in institutional practices and national policies to support top researchers .


### the aim is to foster the development of innovative societies and policies in europe through the engagement of citizens , enterprises and users in research and innovation and the promotion of coordinated research and innovation policies in the context of globalisation . particular support will be provided for the development of the era and the development of framework conditions for innovation . ### the aim is to foster the development of innovative societies and policies in europe through the engagement of citizens , civil society organisations , enterprises and users in research and innovation and the promotion of coordinated research and innovation policies in the context of globalisation . particular support will be provided for the development of the era and the development of framework conditions for innovation .


### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , validation and standardisation of space data . innovations in data handling and dissemination can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through global earth observation system of systems , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change issues . ### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , validation and standardisation of space data . innovations in data handling , dissemination and interoperability , in particular promotion of free access to and exchange of earth science data and metadata can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through global earth observation system of systems , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change and ocean monitoring issues .


### with the aim to achieve the greatest possible impact of union funding , horizon 2020 is to develop closer synergies , which may also take the form of public - public partnerships , with national and regional programmes that support research and innovation . ### with the aim to achieve the greatest possible impact of union funding , horizon 2020 is to develop closer synergies , which may also take the form of public - public partnerships , with international , national and regional programmes that support research and innovation .


### the aim shall be to support partnerships between relevant policymakers and funding bodies , mapping and monitoring tools for decision - making and also international cooperation activities . ### the aim shall be to support partnerships between relevant policymakers and funding bodies , mapping and monitoring tools for decision - making and also international cooperation activities . european research infrastructures shall be supported in their international relations activities and consulted in the process of shaping the european strategy for international cooperation in research .


### horizon 2020 shall contribute to building an economy based on knowledge and innovation across the whole union by leveraging sufficient additional research , development and innovation funding . thereby , it shall support the implementation of the europe 2020 strategy and other union policies , as well as the achievement and functioning of the european research area . the relevant performance indicators are set out in the introduction of annex i . ### horizon 2020 shall contribute to economic growth by building a resource efficient and low carbon economy based on knowledge , sustainability and innovation across the whole union by leveraging sufficient additional research , development and innovation funding . thereby , it shall support the implementation of the europe 2020 strategy and its innovation union and resource - efficient europe flagship initiatives and other union policies , as well as the achievement and functioning of the european research area . the relevant performance indicators are set out in the introduction of annex i .


### horizon 2020 will take an integrated approach to the participation of smes , which could lead to around 15 % of the total combined budgets for all specific objectives on societal challenges and the specific objective ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ being devoted to smes . ### horizon 2020 will take an integrated approach to the participation of smes , which should lead to at least 20% of the total combined budgets for all horizon 2020 being devoted to smes , of which at least 10% to the dedicated sme instrument .


### the approach shall include both agenda - driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough solutions . emphasis shall be on r&d , large - scale pilots and demonstration activities , test beds and living labs , prototyping and product validation in pilot lines . activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness by stimulating industry , and in particular smes , to make more research and innovation investment . ### the approach shall include both agenda - driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough solutions . emphasis shall be on r&d and innovation activities in the pre - commercial and pre - competitive stages . funding shall aim at tackling common technological barriers rather than picking winners or the financing of particular production lines . activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness by stimulating industry to improving in particular its resource and energy efficiency , to increase its research and innovation investments . activities shall in particular support smes to have more access to research and innovation activities .


### ensuring the sustainable supply of non - energy and non - agricultural raw materials ### ensuring the sustainable use , management and supply of non - energy and non - agricultural raw materials


### the aim is to improve the knowledge base on raw materials and develop innovative solutions for the cost - effective and environmentally friendly exploration , extraction , processing , recycling and recovery of raw materials and for their substitution by economically attractive alternatives with a lower environmental impact . activities shall focus on : improving the knowledge base on the availability of raw materials ; promoting the sustainable supply and use of raw materials ; finding alternatives for critical raw materials ; and improving societal awareness and skills on raw materials . ### the aim is to improve the knowledge base on raw materials and develop innovative solutions for the cost - effective , resource efficient and environmentally friendly use , re - use and recycling and recovery of raw materials and for their substitution by economically attractive alternatives with a lower environmental impact . activities shall focus on : improving the knowledge base on the availability of raw materials ; promoting the sustainable supply and use of raw materials ; promoting eco - design , promoting the sustainable supply , efficient use and re - use of raw materials ; finding alternatives for critical raw , materials , developing closed - loop processes and systems , support recycling and reuse strategies and technology ; demand - side measure empowering citizens and consumers for the reduction of raw materials consumption and wastage ; and improving societal awareness and skills on raw materials .


### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts set up by the commission ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations ; and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is supported . ### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts , from a wide variety of sectors and background set up by the commission ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations ; and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is implemented .


### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on healthy and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . ### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for good quality , safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution as well as food consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive while preserving european biodiversity . . the activities shall focus on good quality , a broad diversity of healthy , authentic , high quality and safe foods for all , better food information to consumers , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and additives and produce less by products , waste and green - house gases .


### horizon 2020 shall play a central role in the delivery of the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth by providing a common strategic framework for the union ' s research and innovation funding , thus acting as a vehicle for leveraging private investment , creating new job opportunities and ensuring europe ' s long - term sustainable growth and competitiveness . ### horizon 2020 shall play a central role in the delivery of the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth by providing a common strategic framework for the union ' s research and innovation funding , thus acting as a vehicle for leveraging private investment , creating new job opportunities and ensuring europe ' s long - term sustainability , economic development and resilience , social inclusion and industrial competitiveness .


### ** around eur 1131 million of this amount may go towards the implementation of strategic energy technology plan projects . around one third of this may go to smes . ### ** around eur 1131 million of this amount may go towards the implementation of strategic energy technology plan projects . at least one third of this shall go to smes .


### this entails safeguarding and developing a competitive and entrepreneurial space industry in combination with a world - class space research community to maintain european leadership and non - dependence in space technology , to foster innovation in the space sector , and to enable space - based terrestrial innovation , for example by using remote sensing and navigation data . ### this entails safeguarding and developing a world - class space research community to maintain european leadership and non - dependence in space technology , to support competitive , clean and entrepreneurial space industry , to foster innovation in the space sector , and to enable space - based terrestrial innovation , for example by using remote sensing and navigation data .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society horizon 2020 should : promote active participation and informed engagement of citizens , civil society and societal actors in the research and innovation process ; ensure the uptake of the gender dimension ; promote excellent science education ; guarantee the respect of ethical legislation and promoting the emergence of and adherence to the highest ethical standards worldwide ; increase the accessibility and re - use of the results of publicly funded research , in particular scientific publications and data ; develop responsible research and innovation and governance framework agendas that meets citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by reinforcing their participation in the setting of research priorities of horizon 2020 activities .


### ** around eur 1131 million of this amount may go towards the implementation of strategic energy technology plan projects . around one third of this may go to smes . ### ** at least one third of the amount shall go towards renewable energy and end - use energy efficiency projects . at least one third of the amount shall go to smes .


### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams . ### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable , effective and accessible products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams .


### meeting union and international targets for greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations and coping with climate change impacts requires the development and deployment of cost - effective technologies , and mitigation and adaptation measures . union and global policy frameworks must ensure that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected , valued and appropriately restored in order to preserve their ability to provide resources and services in the future . research and innovation can help secure reliable and sustainable access to raw materials and ensure a significant reduction in resource use and wastage . ### meeting union and international targets for greenhouse gas emissions and coping with climate change impacts requires the development and deployment of sustainable and effective non - technological and technological solutions , and mitigation and adaptation measures . union and global policy frameworks must ensure that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected , valued and appropriately restored in order to preserve their ability to provide resources and services in the future . research and innovation can help secure reliable and sustainable access to raw materials and ensure a significant reduction in resource use and wastage .


### public - private partnerships shall be identified in an open and transparent way based on all of the following criteria : ### public - private partnerships shall be identified , established and operate in an open and transparent way . any new establishment shall be based on at least all of the following criteria :


### horizon 2020 shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content ; ### horizon 2020 shall ensure gender equality and the effective promotion of the gender dimension in research and innovation content and in all phases of a project life - time : concept , proposal , evaluation , project management , monitoring , as well as gender balance in all programmes , evaluation committees , expert and advisory groups and decision - making bodies existing or created for its implementation , by facilitating women ' s access to scientific education and professions , thereby creating better career prospects for them in all areas of research and innovation . to this end , targets will be set and efficient plans to reach those targets will be developed and implemented .


### evaluation ### mid - term review


### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on healthy and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . ### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution as well as food consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on a broad diversity of healthy , authentic , high quality and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and additives and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . consumers have to make conscious choices and be not only informed about safe foods , but also made aware of the environmental , socio - economic , and nutritional consequences entailed in their choices and in the fact of wasting food . these innovations should also aim to reduce food waste in production , the distribution chain and by consumers .


### within a few decades the expected growth rates of transport would drive european traffic into a gridlock and make its economic costs and societal impact unbearable . passenger - kilometres are predicted to double over the next 40 years and grow twice as fast for air travel . co2 emissions would grow 35 % by 2050 . congestion costs would increase by about 50 % , to nearly eur 200 billion annually . the external costs of accidents would increase by about eur 60 billion compared to 2005 . ### within a few decades the expected growth rates of transport and mobility would drive european traffic into a gridlock and make its economic costs , environmental and societal impact unbearable . if tendencies of the past continue in the future , passenger - and tonne - kilometres are predicted to double over the next 40 years and grow twice as fast for air travel . co2 emissions would grow 35 % by 2050 . congestion costs would increase by about 50 % , to nearly eur 200 billion annually . the external costs of accidents would increase by about eur 60 billion compared to 2005 .


### the specific objective of nanotechnologies research and innovation is to secure union leadership in this high growth global market , by stimulating investment in nanotechnologies and their uptake in high added - value , competitive products and services across a range of applications and sectors . ### the specific objective of nanotechnologies research and innovation is to secure union leadership in this high growth global market , by stimulating investment in safe and responsible nanotechnologies and their uptake in high added - value , competitive products and services across a range of applications and sectors .


### the approach shall include both agenda - driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough solutions . emphasis shall be on r&d , large - scale pilots and demonstration activities , test beds and living labs , prototyping and product validation in pilot lines . activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness by stimulating industry , and in particular smes , to make more research and innovation investment . ### the approach shall include both agenda - driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough solutions . emphasis shall be on r&d and innovation activities in the pre - commercial and pre - competitive stages . funding shall aim at tackling common technological barriers rather than picking winners or the financing of particular production lines . activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness by stimulating industry to improving in particular its resource and energy efficiency , to increase its research and innovation investments . activities shall in particular support smes to have more access to research and innovation activities .


### although the necessary investments in research , innovation and deployment will be significant , failing to improve the sustainability of transport will result in unacceptably high societal , ecological , and economic costs in the long term . ### although the necessary investments in research , innovation and deployment will be significant , failing to improve the sustainability of transport and mobility will result in unacceptably high societal , ecological , and economic costs in the long term .


### explore new forms of innovation , including social innovation and creativity ; ### explore new forms of innovation , including social innovation and creativity in order to bridge the gab between natural and social science ;


### a greater impact should also be achieved by combining horizon 2020 and private sector funds within public - private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to europe ' s wider competitiveness goals and help tackle societal challenges . the public - private partnerships in the form of joint technology initiatives launched under decision no 1982 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the seventh framework programme of the european community for research , technological development and demonstration activities may be continued using more fit - for - purpose structures . ### a greater impact should also be achieved by combining horizon 2020 and private sector funds within public - private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to europe ' s wider competitiveness goals and help tackle societal challenges . the existing public - private partnerships in the form of joint technology initiatives launched under decision no 1982 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the seventh framework programme of the european community for research , technological development and demonstration activities may be continued using more fit - for - purpose structures . in particular , their governance and functioning should be revised to ensure open , transparent , effective and efficient functioning and give the opportunity to a wide range of stakeholder active in their specific areas to participate . in addition , the commission should evaluate the opportunity for including in the joint technology initiatives and other established public - private partnerships the aspect of education , as an essential element of the knowledge - triangle .


### new technologies and solutions must compete on cost and reliability against highly optimised energy systems with well - established incumbents and technologies . research and innovation are critical to make these new , cleaner , low - carbon , more efficient energy sources commercially attractive on the scale needed . neither industry alone , nor member states individually , are able to bear the costs and risks , for which the main drivers are outside the market . ### new technologies and solutions must compete in energy systems designed for historic incumbents and technologies which have absorbed the vast majority of the world and europe ' s research and subsidies until today . research and innovation are critical to make new , cleaner , renewable and more efficient energy sources commercially attractive on the scale needed . neither industry alone , nor member states individually , are able to bear the costs and risks , for which the main drivers are outside the market .


### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration - of innovative renewables and carbon capture and storage technologies offering larger scale , lower cost , environmentally safe technologies with higher conversion efficiency and higher availability for different market and operating environments . ### activities shall focus on research , development and demonstration of innovative renewables offering lower cost , environmentally safe technologies with higher conversion efficiency and higher availability for different market and operating environments .


### specific activities shall include : understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding disease and improving diagnosis ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving surveillance and preparedness ; developing better preventive vaccines ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions ; better use of health data ; active ageing , independent and assisted living ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing inequalities by evidence based decision making and dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches . ### specific activities shall include : «« understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding disease and improving diagnosis in different socio - economic contexts ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving the surveillance of infectious diseases in the union as well as in neighbouring and developing countries and preparedness for combating epidemics and emerging diseases ; developing better preventive vaccines ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions ; better use of health data ; active ageing , independent and assisted living ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing inequalities by evidence based decision making and dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches .


### financial contributions from the union to joint undertakings established on the basis of article 187 tfeu under the seventh framework programme , subject to the amendment of their basic acts ; to new public - private partnerships set up on the basis of article 187 tfeu ; and to other funding bodies referred to in article [ 55 or ] of regulation no xx / 2012 [ new financial regulation ] . this form of partnerships shall only be implemented where the scope of the objectives pursued and the scale of the resources required justify it ; ### financial contributions from the union to joint undertakings established on the basis of article 187 tfeu under the seventh framework programme , subject to the amendment of their basic acts and to other funding bodies referred to in article [ 55 or ] of regulation no xx / 2012 [ new financial regulation ] , following a cost - benefit analysis and a thorough assessment of the their governance and functioning with regards to criteria of openness , transparency , effectiveness and efficiency , and provided they fulfil the criteria set out in paragraph 3 ;


### the specific objective is to achieve a resource efficient and climate change resilient economy and a sustainable supply of raw materials , in order to meet the needs of a growing global population within the sustainable limits of the planet ' s natural resources . activities will contribute to increasing european competitiveness and improving well being , whilst assuring environmental integrity and sustainability , keeping average global warming below 2 °c and enabling ecosystems and society to adapt to climate change . ### the specific objective is to achieve a resource efficient and climate change resilient economy , the protection and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems , a sustainable use and supply of raw materials , in order to meet the needs of a growing global population within the sustainable limits of the planet ' s natural resources . activities will contribute to increasing european well being , whilst assuring environmental integrity and sustainability , keeping average global warming below 2 °c and enabling ecosystems and society to adapt to climate change .


### the union is committed to achieving the europe 2020 strategy , which has set the objectives of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , highlighting the role of research and innovation as key drivers of social and economic prosperity and of environmental sustainability and setting itself the goal to increase spending on research and development to reach 3 % of gross domestic product by 2020 while developing an innovation intensity indicator . in this context , the innovation union flagship initiative sets out a strategic and integrated approach to research and innovation , setting the framework and objectives to which future union research and innovation funding should contribute . research and innovation are also key factors for other europe 2020 flagship initiatives , notably on resource efficient europe , an industrial policy for the globalisation era , and a digital agenda for europe . moreover , for achieving the europe 2020 objectives relating to research and innovation , cohesion policy has a key role to play through building capacity and providing a stairway to excellence . ### the union is committed to achieving the europe 2020 strategy , which has set the objectives of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , highlighting the role of research and innovation as key drivers of social and economic prosperity and of environmental sustainability and setting itself the goal to increase spending on research and development to reach 3 % of gross domestic product by 2020 while developing an innovation intensity indicator . in this context , the innovation union flagship initiative sets out a strategic and integrated approach to research and innovation , setting the framework and objectives to which future union research and innovation funding should contribute . research and innovation are also key factors for other europe 2020 flagship initiatives , notably on resource efficient europe , an industrial policy for the globalisation era , and a digital agenda for europe . moreover , for achieving the europe 2020 objectives relating to research and innovation , cohesion policy has a key role to play through building capacity and developing new tools to provide a stairway to excellence .


### the aim is the promotion of low carbon , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting standardisation , regulatory and demonstration / field trial activities and others , while taking into account the implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes . ### the aim is the promotion of renewable - based and energy efficient , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , producing and utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting where necessary standardisation , but also through regulatory and demonstration activities and others , while taking into account the environmental and socio - economic implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes as well as civil society views and concerns .


### a fully functional european bio - economy – encompassing the sustainable production of renewable resources from land and aquatic environments and their conversion into food , bio - based products and bioenergy as well as the related public goods - will generate high european added value . managed in a sustainable manner , it can reduce the environmental footprint of primary production and the supply chain as a whole . it can increase their competitiveness and provide jobs and business opportunities for rural and coastal development . the food security , sustainable agriculture , and overall bio - economy – related challenges are of a european and global nature . actions at union level are essential to bring together clusters to achieve the necessary breadth and critical mass to complement efforts made by a single or groups of member states . a multi - actor approach will ensure the necessary cross - fertilising interactions between researcher , businesses , farmers / producers , advisors and end - users . the union level is also necessary to ensure coherence in addressing this challenge across sectors and with strong links to relevant union policies . coordination of research and innovation at union level will stimulate and help to accelerate the required changes across the union . ### a fully functional european bio - economy – encompassing the sustainable production of renewable resources from land and aquatic environments and their conversion into food , feed , bio - based products and bioenergy as well as the related public goods - will generate high european added value . managed in a sustainable manner , it can reduce the environmental footprint of primary production and the supply chain as a whole . it can increase their competitiveness and provide jobs and business opportunities for rural and coastal development . in parallel to the market oriented functions , the bio - economy sustains also a wide range of public goods function that should be preserved : agricultural and forested landscape , farmland and forest biodiversity , water quality and availability , soil functionality , climate stability , air quality , resilience to flooding and fire . the food security , sustainable agriculture , and overall bio - economy – related challenges are of a european and global nature . actions at union level are essential to bring together clusters to achieve the necessary breadth and critical mass to complement efforts made by a single or groups of member states . a transparent multi - actor approach will ensure the necessary cross - fertilising interactions between researcher , businesses , farmers / producers , advisors , consumers and end - users . the union level is also necessary to ensure coherence in addressing this challenge across sectors and with strong links to relevant union policies . coordination of research and innovation at union level will stimulate and help to accelerate the required changes across the union .


### research and innovation activities supported by horizon 2020 should respect fundamental ethical principles . the opinions of the european group on ethics in science and new technologies should be taken into account . research activities should also take into account article 13 tfeu and reduce the use of animals in research and testing , with a view ultimately to replacing animal use . all activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection in accordance with article 168 tfeu . ### research and innovation activities supported by horizon 2020 should respect fundamental ethical and fundamental human rights . the opinions of the european group on ethics in science and new technologies should be taken into account as well as the opinion of the european union agency for fundamental rights and the european institute for gender equality . research activities should also take into account article 13 tfeu and reduce the use of animals in research and testing , with a view ultimately to replacing animal use . all activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection in accordance with article 168 tfeu .


### activities assisting the implementation and complementing the sme specific measures across horizon 2020 shall be supported , notably to enhance the innovation capacity of smes . ### smes shall be supported throughout horizon 2020 . activities assisting the implementation and complementing the sme specific measures across horizon 2020 shall be supported , notably to enhance the innovation capacity of smes . this includes also promoting enhanced participation of smes in the governance of the programme in particular the participation in the setting of research agendas and implementation of the public - private partnerships .


### cooperation priorities shall take into account developments in union policy and opportunities for cooperation with third countries , as well as possible deficiencies in third country intellectual property systems . ### cooperation priorities shall take into account developments in union policy .


### *including eur 8975 million for information and communication technologies of which eur 1795 million for photonics and micro - and nanoelectronics , eur 4293 million for nanotechnologies , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing , eur 575 million for biotechnology and eur 1737 million for space . as a result , eur 6663 million will be available to support key enabling technologies . ### *including 58 , 5 % for information and communication technologies of which 20% for photonics and micro - and nanoelectronics , 27 , 2 % for nanotechnologies , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing , 3 , 3% for biotechnology and 11 , 1% for space .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society horizon 2020 should : promote informed engagement of citizens and civil society in the process of research and innovation and facilitate their active participation in horizon 2020 activities ; promote science education ; guarantee the respect of ethical legislation and promote the emergence of , and adherence to , the highest ethical standards worldwide ; increase the accessibility and re - use of the results of publicly funded research , in particular scientific publications and data ; develop responsible research and innovation agendas and a governance framework that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations by reinforcing their participation in the setting of research priorities of horizon 2020 .


### these six major activity lines are expected to cover the full range of needs . these would include industrial leadership in generic ict - based solutions , products and services needed to tackle major societal challenges as well as application - driven ict research and innovation agendas which will be supported together with the relevant societal challenge . ### these seven major activity lines are expected to cover the full range of needs . these would include industrial leadership in generic ict - based solutions , products and services needed to tackle major societal challenges as well as application - driven ict research and innovation agendas which will be supported together with the relevant societal challenge .


### full account shall also be taken of relevant aspects of the research and innovation agendas established by european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and european innovation partnerships . ### full account shall also be taken of relevant aspects of the research and innovation agendas established by european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and european innovation partnerships , provided these have been drafted in consultation with a wide range of experts and stakeholders .


### aiming at fundamentally new products enabling sustainable solutions in a wide range of sectors . ### aiming at fundamentally new products enabling sustainable solutions in a wide range of sectors , taking into account the precautionary principle .


### addressing the availability of raw materials calls for co - ordinated research and innovation efforts across many disciplines and sectors to help provide safe , economically feasible , environmentally sound and socially acceptable solutions along the entire value chain . innovation in these fields will provide opportunities for growth and jobs , as well as innovative options involving science , technology , the economy , policy and governance . for this reason , a european innovation partnership on raw materials is being prepared . ### addressing the sustainable use and availability of raw materials calls for co - ordinated research and innovation efforts across many disciplines and sectors to help provide safe , economically feasible , environmentally sound and socially acceptable solutions along the entire value chain . innovation in these fields will provide opportunities for growth and jobs , as well as innovative options involving science , technology , the economy , policy and governance . for this reason , a european innovation partnership on raw materials is being prepared .


### the implementation of horizon 2020 should respond to the evolving opportunities and needs from science and technology , industry , policies and society . as such , the agendas should be set in close liaison with stakeholders from all sectors concerned , and sufficient flexibility should be allowed for new developments . external advice should be sought on a continuous basis during horizon 2020 , also making use of relevant structures such as european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and the european innovation partnerships . ### the implementation of horizon 2020 should respond to the evolving opportunities and needs from citizens , society , policy , science and technology , industry . the agendas should be set in close liaison with all relevant stakeholders from all sectors concerned , including representatives of the scientific community , male and female researchers , the public sector , civil society organisations working in the field of gender equality and women ' s rights and smes . sufficient flexibility should be allowed for new developments . balanced external advice should be sought on a continuous basis during horizon 2020 , also making use of relevant structures such as european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and the european innovation partnerships , ensuring however , that conflicts of interests are avoided . the commitment to gender mainstreaming of all union policies should be duly observed in policy , planning and evaluation of projects .


### increasing the competitiveness of process industries , by drastically improving resource and energy efficiencies and reducing the environmental impact of such industrial activities through the whole value chain , promoting the adoption of low - carbon technologies . ### increasing the competitiveness of process industries , by drastically improving resource and energy efficiencies and reducing the environmental impact of such industrial activities through the whole value chain , promoting the adoption of resource and energy efficient technologies , processes , materials .


### new technologies and solutions must compete on cost and reliability against highly optimised energy systems with well - established incumbents and technologies . research and innovation are critical to make these new , cleaner , low - carbon , more efficient energy sources commercially attractive on the scale needed . neither industry alone , nor member states individually , are able to bear the costs and risks , for which the main drivers are outside the market . ### new technologies and solutions must compete in energy systems designed for historic incumbents and technologies which have absorbed the vast majority of the world and europe ' s research and subsidies until today . research and innovation are critical to make new , cleaner , renewable and more efficient energy sources commercially attractive on the scale needed . neither industry alone , nor member states individually , are able to bear the costs and risks , for which the main drivers are outside the market .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society horizon 2020 should : promote active participation and informed engagement of citizens , civil society and societal actors in the research and innovation process ; ensure the uptake of the gender dimension ; promote excellent science education ; guarantee the respect of ethical legislation and promoting the emergence of and adherence to the highest ethical standards worldwide ; increase the accessibility and re - use of the results of publicly funded research , in particular scientific publications and data ; develop responsible research and innovation and governance framework agendas that meets citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by reinforcing their participation in the setting of research priorities of horizon 2020 activities .


### challenge - driven actions focusing on social and economic benefits and the modernisation of the bio - economy associated sectors and markets shall be supported through multi - disciplinary research , driving innovation and leading to the development of new practices , products and processes . it shall also pursue a broad approach to innovation ranging from technological , non - technological , organisational , economic and social innovation to for instance novel business models , branding and services . ### challenge - driven actions focusing on social , environmental and economic benefits and the modernisation of the bio - economy associated sectors , participating actors and markets shall be supported through multi - disciplinary research , driving innovation and leading to the development of new practices , sustainable products and processes . it shall also pursue a broad approach to innovation ranging from technological , non - technological , organisational , economic and social innovation to for instance novel business models , branding and services . the potential of farmers and smes to contribute to innovation in the field must be fully recognised . the approach to the bio - based economy shall take account of the importance of local knowledge enhancing local capabilities , while also accommodating diversity and complexity .


### all the activities shall take a challenge - based approach , focusing on policy priorities without predetermining the precise choice of technologies or solutions that should be developed . the emphasis shall be on bringing together a critical mass of resources and knowledge across different fields , technologies and scientific disciplines in order to address the challenges . the activities shall cover the full cycle from research to market , with a new focus on innovation - related activities , such as piloting , demonstration , test - beds , support for public procurement , design , end - user driven innovation , social innovation and market take - up of innovations . ### all the activities shall take a challenge - based approach , in which basic science , applied research , knowledge transfer and innovation are important and interlinked components , focusing on policy priorities without predetermining the precise choice of technologies or solutions that should be developed . the emphasis shall be on bringing together a critical mass of resources and knowledge across different fields , enabling access to world - class research infrastructures , technologies and scientific disciplines in order to address the challenges . the activities shall cover the full cycle from research to market , with a fresh focus on basic and applied science and a new focus on knowledge transfer and innovation - related activities .


### the aim is the promotion of low carbon , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting standardisation , regulatory and demonstration / field trial activities and others , while taking into account the implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes . ### the aim is the promotion of renewable - based and energy efficient , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , producing and utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting where necessary standardisation , but also through regulatory and demonstration activities and others , while taking into account the environmental and socio - economic implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes as well as civil society views and concerns .


### the scale of impact on industrial competitiveness , sustainable growth and socio - economic issues ; ### the potential scale of impact on addressing societal concerns , sustainability or industrial competitiveness ;


### financial contributions from the union to joint undertakings established on the basis of article 187 tfeu under the seventh framework programme , subject to the amendment of their basic acts ; to new public - private partnerships set up on the basis of article 187 tfeu ; and to other funding bodies referred to in article [ 55 or ] of regulation no xx / 2012 [ new financial regulation ] . this form of partnerships shall only be implemented where the scope of the objectives pursued and the scale of the resources required justify it ; ### financial contributions from the union to joint undertakings established on the basis of article 187 tfeu under the seventh framework programme , subject to the amendment of their basic acts and to other funding bodies referred to in article [ 55 or ] of regulation no xx / 2012 [ new financial regulation ] , following a cost - benefit analysis and a thorough assessment of the their governance and functioning with regards to criteria of openness , transparency , effectiveness and efficiency , and provided they fulfil the criteria set out in paragraph 3 ;


### specific activities shall include : understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding disease and improving diagnosis ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving surveillance and preparedness ; developing better preventive vaccines ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions ; better use of health data ; active ageing , independent and assisted living ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing inequalities by evidence based decision making and dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches . ### specific activities shall include : «« understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding disease and improving diagnosis in different socio - economic contexts ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving the surveillance of infectious diseases in the union as well as in neighbouring and developing countries and preparedness for combating epidemics and emerging diseases ; developing better preventive vaccines ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions ; better use of health data ; active ageing , independent and assisted living ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing inequalities by evidence based decision making and dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches .


### the global business environment is changing rapidly and the europe 2020 goals for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth present challenges and opportunities to european industry . europe needs to accelerate innovation , transforming the knowledge generated to underpin and enhance existing products , services and markets ; and to create new ones . innovation should be exploited in the widest sense , going beyond technology to include business , organisational and social aspects . ### the global business environment is changing rapidly and the europe 2020 goals for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth present challenges and opportunities to european industry . europe needs to accelerate innovation , transforming the knowledge generated to underpin and enhance quality and sustainability of existing products , services and markets ; and to create new ones . innovation should be exploited in the widest sense , going beyond technology to include business , organisational and social aspects .


### *including eur 8975 million for information and communication technologies of which eur 1795 million for photonics and micro - and nanoelectronics , eur 4293 million for nanotechnologies , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing , eur 575 million for biotechnology and eur 1737 million for space . as a result , eur 6663 million will be available to support key enabling technologies . ### *including 57 , 6% for information and communication technologies of which 20%for photonics and micro - and nanoelectronics , 27 , 6% for nanotechnologies , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing , 3 , 7% for biotechnology and 11 , 1% for space . as a result , 42 , 8% million will be available to support key enabling technologies .


### the focus of activities shall be to reduce congestion , improve accessibility and match user needs by promoting integrated door - to - door transport and logistics ; to enhance inter - modality and the deployment of smart planning and management solutions ; and to drastically reduce the occurrence of accidents and the impact of security threats . ### the focus of activities shall be to reduce congestion , improve life quality and accessibility as well as match user needs by promoting integrated door - to - door transport logistics and mobility management ; to enhance modal shift and inter - modality and the deployment of smart planning and management solutions ; and to drastically reduce the occurrence of accidents and the impact of security threats .


### this regulation establishes horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation and determines the framework governing union support to research and innovation activities and fostering better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development . ### this regulation establishes horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation and determines the framework governing union support to research and innovation activities and fostering better exploitation of the societal , economic and industrial potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development .


### the commission shall annually monitor the implementation of horizon 2020 , its specific programme and the activities of the european institute of innovation and technology . this shall include information on cross - cutting topics such as sustainability and climate change , including information on the amount of climate related expenditure . ### the commission shall annually monitor the implementation of horizon 2020 , its specific programme and the activities of the european institute of innovation and technology . this shall include information and indicators on cross - cutting topics such as gender , sustainability and climate change , including information on the amount of climate related expenditure .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society horizon 2020 should : promote informed engagement of citizens and civil society in the process of research and innovation and facilitate their active participation in horizon 2020 activities ; promote science education ; guarantee the respect of ethical legislation and promote the emergence of , and adherence to , the highest ethical standards worldwide ; increase the accessibility and re - use of the results of publicly funded research , in particular scientific publications and data ; develop responsible research and innovation agendas and a governance framework that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations by reinforcing their participation in the setting of research priorities of horizon 2020 .


### within a few decades the expected growth rates of transport would drive european traffic into a gridlock and make its economic costs and societal impact unbearable . passenger - kilometres are predicted to double over the next 40 years and grow twice as fast for air travel . co2 emissions would grow 35 % by 2050 . congestion costs would increase by about 50 % , to nearly eur 200 billion annually . the external costs of accidents would increase by about eur 60 billion compared to 2005 . ### within a few decades the expected growth rates of transport and mobility would drive european traffic into a gridlock and make its economic costs , environmental and societal impact unbearable . if tendencies of the past continue in the future , passenger - and tonne - kilometres are predicted to double over the next 40 years and grow twice as fast for air travel . co2 emissions would grow 35 % by 2050 . congestion costs would increase by about 50 % , to nearly eur 200 billion annually . the external costs of accidents would increase by about eur 60 billion compared to 2005 .


### focusing on new operations , smart integration of new and existing processes , as well as up - scaling to achieve mass production of products and multi - purpose plants that ensures the efficient transfer of knowledge into industrial innovation . ### focusing on new operations , smart integration of new and existing processes .


### the eit kics are highly integrated ventures , bringing together partners from industry , higher education , research and technology institutes , renowned for their excellence . kics allow world - class partners to unite in new , cross - border configurations , optimise existing resources and open up access to new business opportunities via new value chains , addressing higher - risk , larger - scale challenges . ### the eit kics are highly integrated ventures , bringing together partners from industry , higher education , research and technology institutes , renowned for their excellence . kics allow world - class partners to unite in new , cross - border configurations , optimise existing resources and open up access to new business opportunities via new value chains , addressing higher - risk , larger - scale challenges . it is essential that kics provide the opportunity for smes to fully participate in all their activities : widening participation to new entrants bringing new ideas and in particular increasing participation of smes should be part of the kics strategy for growth .


### specific actions shall be undertaken within the specific objective ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ set out in point 1 of part ii of annex i and each of the specific objectives under the priority ‘ societal challenges’ set out in points 1 to 6 of part iii of annex i . these specific actions shall take the form of a dedicated sme instrument that is targeted at all types of smes with an innovation potential and shall be implemented in a consistent manner and tailored to the needs of smes as set out under the specific objective ‘ innovation in smes’ in point 3 . 3 . of part ii of annex i . ### specific actions shall be undertaken through the establishment of a diversified toolbox of funding and financing instruments at the disposal of smes . specific actions shall be set out under the specific objective ‘ innovation in smes’ in point 3 . 3 of part ii of annex . under those actions , a strong emphasis shall be given to the funding and implementation of a dedicated sme instrument , targeted at all types of smes with an innovation potential , and shall be implemented in a consistent manner by a single dedicated administrative structure , and tailored to the needs of smes . the dedicated sme instrument shall be implemented in the areas identified within the specific objective ' leadership in enabling and industrial technologies ' set out in point 1 of part ii of annex i and within each of the specific objectives under the priority ' societal challenges ' set out in points 1 to 6 of part iii of annex i .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society horizon 2020 should : promote active participation and informed engagement of citizens , civil society and societal actors in the research and innovation process ; ensure the uptake of the gender dimension ; promote excellent science education ; guarantee the respect of ethical legislation and promoting the emergence of and adherence to the highest ethical standards worldwide ; increase the accessibility and re - use of the results of publicly funded research , in particular scientific publications and data ; develop responsible research and innovation and governance framework agendas that meets citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by reinforcing their participation in the setting of research priorities of horizon 2020 activities .


### challenge - driven actions focusing on social and economic benefits and the modernisation of the bio - economy associated sectors and markets shall be supported through multi - disciplinary research , driving innovation and leading to the development of new practices , products and processes . it shall also pursue a broad approach to innovation ranging from technological , non - technological , organisational , economic and social innovation to for instance novel business models , branding and services . ### challenge - driven actions focusing on social , environmental and economic benefits and the modernisation of the bio - economy associated sectors , participating actors and markets shall be supported through multi - disciplinary research , driving innovation and leading to the development of new practices , sustainable products and processes . it shall also pursue a broad approach to innovation ranging from technological , non - technological , organisational , economic and social innovation to for instance novel business models , branding and services . the potential of farmers and smes to contribute to innovation in the field must be fully recognised . the approach to the bio - based economy shall take account of the importance of local knowledge enhancing local capabilities , while also accommodating diversity and complexity .


### new technologies and solutions must compete on cost and reliability against highly optimised energy systems with well - established incumbents and technologies . research and innovation are critical to make these new , cleaner , low - carbon , more efficient energy sources commercially attractive on the scale needed . neither industry alone , nor member states individually , are able to bear the costs and risks , for which the main drivers are outside the market . ### new technologies and solutions must compete in energy systems designed for historic incumbents and technologies which have absorbed the vast majority of the world and europe ' s research and subsidies until today . research and innovation are critical to make new , cleaner , renewable and more efficient energy sources commercially attractive on the scale needed . neither industry alone , nor member states individually , are able to bear the costs and risks , for which the main drivers are outside the market .


### activities shall focus on multi - disciplinary research for energy technologies and joint implementation of pan - european research programmes and world - class facilities . ### activities shall focus on multi - disciplinary research for energy technologies and joint implementation of pan - european research programmes and world - class facilities . technological innovation will be accompanied by policies and initiatives that support non - technological innovation .


### innovation in smes shall stimulate all forms of innovation in smes , targeting those with the potential to grow and internationalise across the single market and beyond . ### ' innovation in smes ' shall provide sme - tailored support to all forms of innovation in smes , through a toolbox of specialised and customised programmes and instrument including : access to seed funding , grants , access to equity and debt finance , mentoring and coaching services , access to r&d networks and clusters . in particular a dedicated sme instrument shall be implemented in the priority areas under ' leadership in enabling and industrial technology ' and ' societal challenges ' .


### the integrated approach set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 is expected to lead to around 15% of the total combined budget for the specific objective on ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ and the priority ‘ societal challenges’ going to smes . ### the integrated approach set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall lead to at least 20% of the total horizon 2020 budget going to smes . at least 10% of the horizon 2020 budget shall go to the implementation of the sme instrument .


### smes shall be supported across horizon 2020 . for this purpose a dedicated sme instrument shall provide staged and seamless support covering the whole innovation cycle . the sme instrument shall be targeted at all types of innovative smes showing a strong ambition to develop , grow and internationalise . it shall be provided for all types of innovation , including service , non - technological and social innovations . the aim is to develop and capitalise on the innovation potential of smes by filling the gap in funding for early stage high risk research and innovation , stimulating innovations and increasing private - sector commercialisation of research results . ### a dedicated sme instrument , providing staged support and associated services , financed by at least 10% of the horizon 2020 budget , shall be established and operated under a single management structure , with light administrative regime and a single entry point . the sme instrument shall be targeted at all types of innovative smes showing a potential and ambition to develop , grow and / or internationalise . it shall be provided for all types of innovation , including service , non - technological and social innovations . the aim is to develop and capitalise on the innovation potential of smes by filling the gap in funding for early stage high risk research and innovation , stimulating innovations and increasing private - sector commercialisation of research results . dedicated innovation support services for the smes participating in the sme instrument will be implemented , building on existing structures such as the enterprise europe network and other innovation service providers and mentoring / coaching schemes .


### evaluations shall be carried out in a sufficiently timely manner to feed into the decision - making process . ### reviews and evaluations shall be carried out in a sufficiently timely manner to feed into the decision - making process .


### the union has the objective of strengthening its scientific and technological bases by achieving a european research area in which researchers , scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely , and encouraging the union to become more competitive , including in its industry . to pursue those objectives the union should carry out activities to implement research , technological development and demonstration , promote international cooperation , disseminate and optimise results and stimulate training and mobility . ### the union has the objective of strengthening its scientific and technological bases by achieving a european research area in which researchers , scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely , and encouraging the union to become more sustainable , competitive , and resilient , including in its industry . to pursue those objectives the union should carry out activities to implement research , technological development and demonstration , promote international cooperation , disseminate and optimise results and stimulate training and mobility .


### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration of new grid technologies , including storage , systems and market designs to plan , monitor , control and safely operate interoperable networks in an open , decarbonised , climate resilient and competitive market , under normal and emergency conditions . ### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration of new grid technologies , including storage , systems and market designs to plan , monitor , control and safely operate interoperable networks .


### key activities shall be to support short - term exchanges of research and innovation staff among a partnership of universities , research institutions , businesses , smes and other socio - economic groups , both within europe and worldwide . this will include fostering cooperation with third countries . ### key activities shall be to support short - term exchanges of research and innovation staff among a partnership of universities , research institutions , businesses , smes and other socio - economic groups , both within europe and worldwide . this will include fostering cooperation with third countries and , in particular , strengthening scientific partnerships between the two sides of the mediterranean and making euro - mediterranean research , innovation and technological development programmes more effective .


### the aim is to improve the knowledge base on raw materials and develop innovative solutions for the cost - effective and environmentally friendly exploration , extraction , processing , recycling and recovery of raw materials and for their substitution by economically attractive alternatives with a lower environmental impact . activities shall focus on : improving the knowledge base on the availability of raw materials ; promoting the sustainable supply and use of raw materials ; finding alternatives for critical raw materials ; and improving societal awareness and skills on raw materials . ### the aim is to improve the knowledge base on raw materials and develop innovative solutions for the cost - effective , resource efficient and environmentally friendly use , recycling and recovery of raw materials and for their substitution by economically attractive alternatives with a lower environmental impact . activities shall focus on : improving the knowledge base on the availability of raw materials ; promoting the sustainable supply and use of raw materials ; promoting eco - design , finding alternatives for critical raw materials ; developing closed - loop processes and systems , support recycling and reuse strategies and technology ; demand - side measure empowering citizens and consumers for the reduction of raw materials consumption and wastage , improving societal awareness and skills on raw materials .


### the union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 , with a further reduction to 80 - 95 % by 2050 . in addition , renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency target . achieving these objectives will require an overhaul of the energy system combining low carbon profile , energy security and affordability , while at the same time reinforcing europe ' s economic competitiveness . europe is currently far from this overall goal . 80 % of the european energy system still relies on fossil fuels , and the sector produces 80 % of all the union ' s greenhouse gas emissions . every year 2 . 5 % of the union ' s gross domestic product is spent on energy imports and this is likely to increase . this trend would lead to total dependence on oil and gas imports by 2050 . faced with volatile energy prices on the world market , coupled with concerns over security of supply , european industries and consumers are spending an increasing share of their income on energy . ### the union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 , with a further reduction to 80 - 95 % by 2050 . in addition , renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency target . by 2050 greenhouse gas emission reductions of 80 - 95% should be achieved . all scenarios in the energy roadmap 2050 show that renewable energy technologies will by the middle of this century account for the biggest share of energy supply technologies and that energy efficiency will play a crucial role for meeting the objectives . it is therefore appropriate for 85% of the budget under this challenge to go towards research and innovation in renewable energy and end - use energy efficiency . achieving these objectives will require an overhaul of the energy system combining renewable energy , energy security and affordability , while at the same time reinforcing europe ' s economic competitiveness . europe is currently far from this overall goal . 80 % of the european energy system still relies on fossil fuels , and the sector produces 80 % of all the union ' s greenhouse gas emissions . every year 2 . 5 % of the union ' s gross domestic product is spent on energy imports and this is likely to increase . this trend would lead to total dependence on oil and gas imports by 2050 . faced with volatile energy prices on the world market , coupled with concerns over security of supply , european industries and consumers are spending an increasing share of their income on energy .


### erc funding shall be awarded in accordance with the following well - established principles . scientific excellence shall be the sole criterion on which erc grants are awarded . the erc shall operate on a ‘ bottom - up’ basis without predetermined priorities . the erc grants shall be open to individual teams of researchers of any age and from any country in the world , working in europe . and the erc shall aim to foster healthy competition across europe . ### erc funding shall be awarded in accordance with the following well - established principles . scientific excellence shall be the sole criterion on which erc grants are awarded . the erc shall operate on a ‘ bottom - up’ basis without predetermined priorities . the erc grants shall be open to individual teams of researchers of any age and from any country in the world , working in europe . the erc shall aim to foster healthy competition across europe and will ensure unconscious gender bias is properly tackled in evaluation procedures .


### the implementation of horizon 2020 should respond to the evolving opportunities and needs from science and technology , industry , policies and society . as such , the agendas should be set in close liaison with stakeholders from all sectors concerned , and sufficient flexibility should be allowed for new developments . external advice should be sought on a continuous basis during horizon 2020 , also making use of relevant structures such as european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and the european innovation partnerships . ### the implementation of horizon 2020 should respond to the evolving opportunities and needs from citizens , society , policy , science and technology , industry . the agendas should be set in close liaison with all relevant stakeholders from all sectors concerned , including representatives of the scientific community , male and female researchers , the public sector , civil society organisations working in the field of gender equality and women ' s rights and smes . sufficient flexibility should be allowed for new developments . balanced external advice should be sought on a continuous basis during horizon 2020 , also making use of relevant structures such as european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and the european innovation partnerships , ensuring however , that conflicts of interests are avoided . the commitment to gender mainstreaming of all union policies should be duly observed in policy , planning and evaluation of projects .


### the approach shall include both agenda - driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough solutions . emphasis shall be on r&d , large - scale pilots and demonstration activities , test beds and living labs , prototyping and product validation in pilot lines . activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness by stimulating industry , and in particular smes , to make more research and innovation investment . ### the approach shall integrate sex and gender analysis into engineering innovation . proper consideration of gender and sex analysis may lead to new products , processes , infrastructure , or services . it will lead to design that promotes human well - being , including gender equality , and to the identification of new markets and business opportunities by developing technologies that meet the needs of a complex and diverse user groups . being blind to potential differences of sex and gender may result in missed business opportunities , with certain groups of people being left out or poorly accommodated ; treating women and men as homogeneous groups ignores differences between women and men ; over - emphasizing differences between women and men can cause engineers to overlook significant common features between women and men ; designing stereotypes may result in unpopular products .


### the specific objective is to achieve a resource efficient and climate change resilient economy and a sustainable supply of raw materials , in order to meet the needs of a growing global population within the sustainable limits of the planet ' s natural resources . activities will contribute to increasing european competitiveness and improving well being , whilst assuring environmental integrity and sustainability , keeping average global warming below 2 °c and enabling ecosystems and society to adapt to climate change . ### the specific objective is to achieve a resource efficient and climate change resilient economy , the protection and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems , a sustainable use and supply of raw materials and water , in order to meet the needs of a growing global population within the sustainable limits of the planet ' s terrestrial and marine natural resources . activities will contribute to increasing european competitiveness and improving well being , whilst assuring environmental integrity and sustainability , keeping average global warming below 2 °c , enabling ecosystems and society to adapt to climate change and protecting cultural heritage .


### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts set up by the commission ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations ; and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is supported . ### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts , from a wide variety of sectors and background set up by the commission ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations ; and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is implemented .


### space is a rapidly growing sector which delivers information vital to many areas of modern society , meeting its fundamental demands , addresses universal scientific questions , and serves to secure the union ' s position as a major player on the international stage . space research underpins all activities undertaken in space , but is currently fragmented in national programmes run by a subset of union member states . union level coordination and investment in space research are required to maintain the competitive edge , to safeguard union space infrastructure such as galileo and to sustain a future role for the union in space . in addition , innovative downstream services and applications using space derived information represent an important source of growth and job creation . ### space is a rapidly growing sector which delivers information vital to many areas of modern society , meeting its fundamental demands , addresses universal scientific questions , and serves to secure the union ' s position as a major player on the international stage . space research underpins all activities undertaken in space , but is currently fragmented in national programmes run by a subset of union member states . union level coordination and investment in space research are required to maintain the competitive edge and to sustain a future role for the union in space . in addition , innovative downstream services and applications using space derived information may represent an important source of growth and job creation .


### the european research council shall provide attractive and flexible funding to enable talented and creative individual researchers and their teams to pursue the most promising avenues at the frontier of science , on the basis of union - wide competition . ### the european research council shall provide attractive and flexible funding to enable talented and creative individual researchers and their teams , irrespective of their sex , to pursue the most promising avenues at the frontier of science , on the basis of union - wide competition .


### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on healthy and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . ### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for good quality , safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution as well as food consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive while preserving european biodiversity . . the activities shall focus on good quality , a broad diversity of healthy , authentic , high quality and safe foods for all , better food information to consumers , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and additives and produce less by products , waste and green - house gases .


### meeting union and international targets for greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations and coping with climate change impacts requires the development and deployment of cost - effective technologies , and mitigation and adaptation measures . union and global policy frameworks must ensure that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected , valued and appropriately restored in order to preserve their ability to provide resources and services in the future . research and innovation can help secure reliable and sustainable access to raw materials and ensure a significant reduction in resource use and wastage . ### meeting union and international targets for greenhouse gas emissions and coping with climate change impacts requires the development and deployment of sustainable and effective non - technological and technological solutions , and mitigation and adaptation measures . union and global policy frameworks must ensure that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected , valued and appropriately restored in order to preserve their ability to provide resources and services in the future . research and innovation can help secure reliable and sustainable access to raw materials and ensure a significant reduction in resource use and wastage .


### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration of technologies and value chains to make bio - energy more competitive and sustainable , to reduce time to market for hydrogen and fuel cells and to bring new options showing long - term potential to maturity . ### activities shall focus on research , development and demonstration of technologies and value chains to make bio - energy , hydrogen and fuel - cells more sustainable and to bring new options showing long - term potential to maturity .


### activities shall focus on research and full - scale testing of new concepts , non - technological solutions , more efficient , socially acceptable and affordable technology components and systems with in - built intelligence , to allow real - time energy management for near - zero - emission buildings , renewable heating and cooling , highly efficient industries and mass take - up of energy efficiency solutions by companies , individuals , communities and cities . ### activities shall focus on research and full - scale testing of new concepts , non - technological solutions , more efficient , socially acceptable and affordable technology components and systems with in - built intelligence , to allow real - time energy management for near - zero - energy buildings , renewable heating and cooling , highly efficient industries and mass take - up of energy efficiency solutions by companies , individuals , communities and cities .


### the aim is the promotion of low carbon , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting standardisation , regulatory and demonstration / field trial activities and others , while taking into account the implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes . ### the aim is the promotion of renewable - based and energy efficient , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , producing and utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting where necessary standardisation , but also through regulatory and demonstration activities and others , while taking into account the environmental and socio - economic implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes as well as civil society views and concerns .


### climate action , resource efficiency and raw materials ; ### climate action including gender aspects of climate change , environment , resource efficiency and conservation , sustainable use of raw materials ;


### the specific objective is to achieve a european transport system that is resource - efficient , environmentally - friendly , safe and seamless for the benefit of citizens , the economy and society . ### the specific objective is to achieve a european transport system that is resource - efficient , climate - and environmentally - friendly , safe and interoperable for the benefit of citizens , users , workers and employees and the economy , as well as society .


### the approach shall include both agenda - driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough solutions . emphasis shall be on r&d , large - scale pilots and demonstration activities , test beds and living labs , prototyping and product validation in pilot lines . activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness by stimulating industry , and in particular smes , to make more research and innovation investment . ### the approach shall include both agenda - driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough solutions . emphasis shall be on r&d and innovation activities in the pre - commercial and pre - competitive stages . funding shall aim at tackling common technological barriers rather than picking winners or the financing of particular production lines . activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness by stimulating industry to improving in particular its resource and energy efficiency , to increase its research and innovation investments . activities shall in particular support smes to have more access to research and innovation activities .


### the specific objective of advanced manufacturing and processing research and innovation is to transform today ' s industrial forms of production towards more knowledge intensive , sustainable , trans - sectoral manufacturing and processing technologies , resulting in more innovative products , processes and services . ### the specific objective of advanced manufacturing and processing research and innovation is to transform today ' s industrial forms of production towards more knowledge intensive , sustainable , resource and energy efficient trans - sectoral manufacturing and processing technologies , resulting in more innovative products , processes and services .


### for parent undertakings of undertakings to be consolidated that together exceed an average number of 500 employees during the financial year , and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , including the following : ### for parent undertakings of undertakings to be consolidated that together exceed an average number of 250 employees during the financial year , and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , gender equality , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , including the following :


### for parent undertakings of undertakings to be consolidated that together exceed an average number of 500 employees during the financial year , and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , including the following : ### for parent undertakings of undertakings to be consolidated that together exceed an average number of 250 employees during the financial year , and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 17 , 5 million or a net turnover of eur 35 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , social , employee and diversity matters , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , taking into account the company ' s complete supply chain including the following :