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


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


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


### –elimination of substances of concern in the production and end - of - life phases ; safe substitutes , and safe and cost - efficient production technologies ; ### –safe handling or elimination of substances of concern in the production and end - of - life phases ; safe substitutes , and safe and energy and resource - efficient production technologies ;


### a strong engagement of industry is essential in setting priorities and developing research and innovation agendas , increasing the leverage of public funding , and ensuring the uptake of results . societal understanding and acceptance are key ingredients for success , as well as a new agenda for industry - relevant skills and standardisation . ### the involvement of industry as part of the multi - stakeholder process is essential in setting priorities and developing research and innovation agendas , increasing the leverage of additional public and private funding , and ensuring the uptake of results . societal understanding and acceptance , including consideration of universal design in the design of products , goods and services , are key ingredients for success , as well as a new agenda for industry - relevant skills and standardisation . reusing there sources from obsolete or recycled it devices can ensure a source of raw materials to be used in the next generation devices , therefore technologies that increase the efficiency of recovery need to be supported .


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


### for each mission , a mission board may be established . it shall be composed of around 15 high level individuals including relevant end - users ' representatives . the mission board shall advise upon the following : ### for each mission , a mission board shall be established . it shall be composed of around 15 independent , high level individuals from various sectors and disciplines , including relevant end - users ' representatives and academic experts from different disciplines . any mission board will be established following an open call for nominations or for an expression of interest . the mission board shall advise upon the following :


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


### improving skills for innovation ; ### improving skills for innovation in order to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of smes and effect a real change in the lives of individuals and society as a whole ;


### –nano - electronics design and processing concepts responding to the specific requirements of digital transformation and global challenges , in terms of functionality , energy consumption and integration ; ### –nano - electronics design and processing concepts responding to the specific requirements of digital transformation and societal challenges , in terms of functionality , energy consumption and integration ;


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


### the eic board shall have a president who shall be appointed by the commission following a transparent recruitment process . the president shall be a high profile public figure linked to the innovation world . ### the eic board shall have a president who shall be appointed by the commission following a transparent recruitment process . the president shall be a high profile public figure linked to the research and innovation world .


### the eic board shall have a president who shall be appointed by the commission following a transparent recruitment process . the president shall be a high profile public figure linked to the innovation world . ### the eic board shall have a president who shall be appointed by the commission following a transparent recruitment process .


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


### –technologies and systems for trusted and energy - efficient smart network and service infrastructures , enabling real - time capabilities , virtualisation and decentralised management ; ### –technologies and systems for trusted and energy - efficient smart network and service infrastructures , enabling real - time capabilities , virtualisation and decentralised management to ensure scalable , efficient and reliable network performance suited for massive service deployment ;


### –eic business acceleration services in support of pathfinder and accelerator activities and actions . the aim will be to connect the eic community of funded innovators , including funded seal of excellence , to investors , partners and public buyers . it will provide a range of coaching and mentoring services to eic actions . it will provide innovators with access to international networks of potential partners , including industrial ones , to complement a value chain or develop market opportunities , and find investors and other sources of private or corporate finance . activities will include live events but also , the development of matching platforms or use of existing ones , in close relation with financial intermediaries supported by the investeu and with the eib group . these activities will also encourage peer exchanges as a source of learning in innovation ecosystem , making particular good use of members of the high level advisory board of the eic and eic fellows ; ### –eic business acceleration services in support of pathfinder and accelerator activities and actions . the aim will be to connect the eic community of funded innovators , including funded seal of excellence , to investors , partners and public and private buyers and customers . it will provide a range of coaching and mentoring services to eic actions . it will provide innovators with access to international networks of potential partners , including industrial ones , to complement a value chain or develop market opportunities , and find investors and other sources of private or corporate finance . activities will include live events but also , the development of matching platforms or use of existing ones , in close relation with financial intermediaries supported by the investeu and with the eib group . these activities will also encourage peer exchanges as a source of learning in innovation ecosystem , making particular good use of members of the high level advisory board of the eic and eic fellows ;


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


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


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


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


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


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


### –blue value - chains , the multiple - use of marine space and growth of the renewable energy sector from seas and oceans , including sustainable micro - and macro - algae ; ### –blue value - chains , the multiple - use of marine space and growth of the renewable energy sector from seas and oceans , including sustainable micro - and macro - algae , investing in maritime technologies and services such as ocean energy and marine biotechnology ;


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


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


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


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


### past framework programmes have made a significant contribution towards the more efficient and effective use of national infrastructures as well as developed with the european strategy forum on research infrastructures a coherent and strategy - led approach to policy making on pan - european research infrastructures . this strategic approach has generated clear advantages , including reducing duplication of effort with more efficient overall use of resources , as well as standardising processes and procedures . ### past framework programmes have made a significant contribution towards the more efficient and effective use of national infrastructures as well as developed with the european strategy forum on research infrastructures a coherent and strategy - led approach to policy making on pan - european research infrastructures . this strategic approach has generated clear advantages , including reducing duplication of effort with more efficient overall use of resources , as well as standardising processes and procedures . research mobility plays an import role in strengthening the use of research infrastructures .


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


### it will include extensive consultations and exchanges with member states , the european parliament as appropriate , and with various stakeholders about priorities , including missions , under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , and the suitable types of action to use , in particular european partnerships . ### it will include extensive consultations and exchanges with member states , the european parliament , and with various stakeholders about priorities , including missions , under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , and the suitable types of action to use , in particular european partnerships . such consultations should promote exchanges with the private sector in order to better leverage its participation and investments , helping to deliver innovations with exploitation potential .


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


### buildings are an important factor for quality of life of citizens . integrating different technologies , appliances and systems and linking various energy uses , buildings as well as their inhabitants and users represent a very high potential for energy generation , storage and efficiency improvements . ### buildings are an important factor for quality of life of citizens . integrating different technologies , appliances and systems and linking various energy uses , buildings as well as their inhabitants and users represent a very high potential for climate change mitigation , energy generation , storage and efficiency improvements .


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


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


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


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


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


### reinforcing the link between research and innovation and other policies , including sustainable development goals ; ### reinforcing the link between research , innovation and education , and other policies , including sustainable development goals ;


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


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


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


### –connected , cooperative and automated mobility systems and services , including technological solutions and non - technological issues . ### –connected , cooperative , interoperable and automated mobility systems and services , including technological solutions and non - technological issues such as changes in user behaviour and mobility patterns .


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


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


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


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


### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sd 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 – climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land . ### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sdg 3 - good health and well - being , sdg 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 – climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land .


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


### –nano - electronics design and processing concepts responding to the specific requirements of digital transformation and global challenges , in terms of functionality , energy consumption and integration ; ### –nano - electronics design and processing concepts responding to the specific requirements of digital transformation and global challenges , in terms of performance , functionality , energy consumption and integration ;


### –environmental , occupational , social and behavioural factors impacting physical and mental health and well - being of people and their interaction , with special attention to vulnerable and disadvantaged people ; ### –environmental , including built environment , occupational , economic , political , social and behavioural factors impacting physical and mental health well - being , productivity and recovery of people and their interaction , with special attention to vulnerable and disadvantaged people ;


### involving citizens and end - users in co - design and co - creation processes ; ### involving societal actors , including citizens and end - users in co - design and co - creation processes


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


### –ecotoxicology of compounds and new pollutants , their interactions and environmental behaviour , and altered biochemical loops under changing climate ; ### –ecotoxicology of compounds and new pollutants , chemical substances and their interactions and environmental behaviour , and altered biochemical loops under changing climate ;


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


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


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


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


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


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


### additionally , as a continued effort to enhance risk - finance capacities for research and innovation in europe and where necessary , this pillar will link with the investeu programme . building on the successes and the experiences gained under horizon 2020 innovfin , as well as under efsi , the investeu programme will enhance access to risk finance for bankable research organisations , innovators and entrepreneurs , in particular for smes and small midcaps , as well as for investors . ### additionally , as a continued effort to enhance risk - finance capacities for research and innovation in europe and where necessary , this pillar will link with the investeu programme . building on the successes and the experiences gained under horizon 2020 innovfin , as well as under efsi , the investeu programme will enhance access to risk finance for bankable research organisations , innovators and entrepreneurs , in particular for smes , as well as for investors .


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


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


### under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences and the humanities will be fully integrated across all clusters , including specific and dedicated activities . likewise , activities involving marine and maritime research and innovation will be implemented in a strategic and integrated manner in line with the eu integrated maritime policy , the common fisheries policy policies and international commitments . ### under the ' social challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences , the humanities and its design will be fully integrated across all clusters , including specific and dedicated activities . likewise , activities involving marine and maritime research and innovation will be implemented in a strategic and integrated manner in line with the eu integrated maritime policy , the common fisheries policy policies and international commitments .


### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance , including the eu outermost regions , to attain a competitive position in the global value chains . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures in the targeted countries through mobility of researchers and innovators . ### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance , including the eu outermost regions and less developed regions , to attain a competitive position in the global value chains . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures in the targeted countries through mobility of researchers and innovators .


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


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


### pillar i ' open science ' with the following components : ### pillar i ' open and excellent science ' with the following components :


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


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


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


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


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


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


### –access to and sharing of cultural heritage , with innovative patterns and uses and participatory management models ; ### –access to and sharing of cultural heritage and its information , with innovative patterns and uses , including digital ones , and participatory management models ;


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


### –treatments or cures , including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments ; ### –treatments or cures


### –industrial co2 valorisation ; ### –industrial co2 capture , utilization or storage ; when co2 is recycled into new products , priority should be given to products with a long lifespan , such as the mineralisation into construction materials , in order to lock down the carbon as long as possible into the technosphere and keep it out of the atmosphere ;


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


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


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


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


### –nano - electronics design and processing concepts responding to the specific requirements of digital transformation and global challenges , in terms of functionality , energy consumption and integration ; ### –nano - electronics design and processing concepts responding to the specific requirements of digital transformation and global challenges , in terms of functionality , energy consumption and efficiency and integration ;


### –adaptation pathways and policies for vulnerable ecosystems , critical economic sectors and infrastructure in the eu , including improved risk assessment tools . ### –adaptation pathways and policies for vulnerable ecosystems , critical economic sectors and infrastructure and the built environment in the eu , including improved risk assessment tools .


### –environmental , occupational , social and behavioural factors impacting physical and mental health and well - being of people and their interaction , with special attention to vulnerable and disadvantaged people ; ### –environmental , including built environment , occupational , economic , political , social and behavioural factors impacting physical and mental health well - being , productivity and recovery of people and their interaction , with special attention to vulnerable and disadvantaged people ;


### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . ### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , fisheries and aquaculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy and common fisheries policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 16 billion for the cluster ‘ food , natural resources , seas and oceans’ for the period 2021 - 2027 .


### breakthrough technologies to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases and pollutants , often combined with the technologies for circular industry above , will lead to strong industrial value chains , revolutionise manufacturing capacities and improve the global competitiveness of industry ; and at the same time make key contributions to our targets for climate action and environmental quality . ### breakthrough technologies to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases and pollutants , often combined with the technologies for circular industry above , and digital technologies , will lead to strong industrial value chains , revolutionise manufacturing capacities and improve the global competitiveness of industry ; and at the same time make key contributions to our targets for climate action and environmental quality . research and development focused on developing less hazardous substances should be encouraged and stimulated . this could include green chemistry .


### –analysis of energy use of buildings , smart and sustainable cities , and industries ; ### –analysis of energy use and climate change mitigation of buildings , smart and sustainable cities , and industries ;


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


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


### –products for enhanced life - cycle performance , durability , upgradeability and ease of repair , dismantling and recycling ; ### –products for enhanced life - cycle performance , durability , upgradeability and ease of repair , dismantling and recycling , and their design ;


### –buildings life - cycle design , construction , operation and dismantling , taking into account circularity and environmental performance , for energy and resource efficiency , climate resilience , and recycling ; ### –low carbon buildings design , material use , construction , operation and dismantling , taking into account circularity and environmental performance , for energy and resource efficiency , climate resilience and carbon footprint , and recycling ;


### research and innovation activities in this global challenge will be overall aligned with the commission ' s priorities on democratic change ; jobs , growth and investment ; justice and fundamental rights ; migration ; a deeper and fairer european monetary union ; digital single market . it will respond to the commitment of the rome agenda to work towards : ' a social europe ' and ' a union which preserves our cultural heritage and promotes cultural diversity ' . it will also support the european pillar of social rights , and the global compact for safe , orderly and regular migration . security research responds to the commitment of the rome agenda to work towards ' a safe and secure europe ' , contributing to a genuine and effective security union . synergies with the justice programme and with the rights and values programme , which support activities in the area of access to justice , victims ' rights , gender equality , non - discrimination , data protection and promotion of the european citizenship will be exploited . ### research and innovation activities in this societal challenge will be overall aligned with the commission ' s priorities on democratic change ; jobs , growth and investment ; justice and fundamental rights ; migration ; a deeper and fairer european monetary union ; digital single market . it will respond to the commitment of the rome agenda to work towards : ' a social europe ' and ' a union which preserves our cultural heritage and promotes cultural diversity ' . it will also support the european pillar of social rights , and the global compact for safe , orderly and regular migration .


### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance , including the eu outermost regions , to attain a competitive position in the global value chains . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures in the targeted countries through mobility of researchers and innovators . ### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by balancing participation of countries , sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu can only be attained by introducing horizontal measures across the framework programme translated into a political target . those activities will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance to attain a competitive position in the global value chains . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures , especially those financed from esif , in the targeted countries through mobility of researchers and innovators .


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


### –innovation and food systems for place - based innovation and empowerment of communities , fostering fair trade and pricing , inclusiveness and sustainability through partnerships between industry , local authorities , researchers and society . ### –innovation and food systems for place - based innovation and empowerment of communities , fostering fair trade and pricing , inclusiveness and sustainability through partnerships between industries that can strongly contribute to a significant change on the ways of producing and consuming , as is the case of tourism , local authorities , researchers and society .


### –developing and networking the research competences of ai competence centres across europe ; ### –developing and networking the research competences of ai competence centres across europe , where ai experimentation , studies and validation can be performed on real world data under strict confidentiality ;


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


### under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences and the humanities will be fully integrated across all clusters , including specific and dedicated activities . likewise , activities involving marine and maritime research and innovation will be implemented in a strategic and integrated manner in line with the eu integrated maritime policy , the common fisheries policy policies and international commitments . ### under the ' social challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences , the humanities and its design will be fully integrated across all clusters , including specific and dedicated activities . likewise , activities involving marine and maritime research and innovation will be implemented in a strategic and integrated manner in line with the eu integrated maritime policy , the common fisheries policy policies and international commitments .


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


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


### –high performance computing : next generation of key exascale and post - exascale technologies and systems ; algorithms , codes and applications , and analytic tools and test - beds ; industrial pilot test - beds and services ; supporting research and innovation for a world - class hpc infrastructure , including the first hybrid hpc / quantum computing infrastructure in the eu ; ### –high performance computing : development of the next generation of key exascale and post - exascale technologies and systems ; algorithms , codes and applications , and analytic tools and test - beds ; industrial pilot test - beds and services ; supporting research and innovation for a world - class hpc infrastructure , business models for shared hpc infrastructures and services ;


### improving access to risk finance , in particular where the market does not provide viable financing . ### improving access to risk finance , in particular through synergies with investeu with a focus on phases where the market does not provide viable financing .


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


### design and production : the design and production of products in order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities and those with age related impairments , shall be achieved by making accessible the following : the information on the use of the product provided on the product itself , which : must be available by more than one sensory channel ; must be understandable ; must be perceivable ; shall have an adequate size of fonts in foreseeable conditions of use ; the packaging of the product including the information provided in it ; the product instructions for use , installation and maintenance , storage and disposal of the product which shall comply with the following : the content of instruction shall be available in text formats that can be used for generating alternative assistive formats to be presented in different ways and via more than one sensory channel , and the instructions shall provide alternatives to non - text content ; the user interface of the product in accordance with point 2 ; the functionality of the product by providing functions aimed to address the needs of persons with functional limitations , in accordance with point 2 ; the interfacing of the product with assistive devices . ### design and production : the design and production of products in order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities and those with age related impairments , shall be achieved by complying with the following accessibility requirements : the information on the use of the product provided on the product itself , which : must be available by more than one sensory channel ; shall be understandable ; shall be perceivable ; shall have an adequate size and type of fonts with sufficient contrast between the characters and their background in order to maximise its readability in foreseeable conditions of use ; shall be made available in accessible web format and electronic non - web documents by making them perceivable , operable , understandable and robust . the packaging of the product including the information provided in it which : shall meet the requirements laid down in point 1a ; shall in a simple and precise way inform the users that the product incorporates accessibility features and its compatibility with assistive technologies ; the product instructions for use , installation and maintenance , storage and disposal of the product , whether provided separately or integrated within the product , which shall comply with the following : shall be made available in accessible web format and electronic non - web document by making them perceivable , operable , understandable and robust ; shall list and explain how to use the accessibility features of the product and its compatibility with a variety of assistive technologies available at union and international level ; shall be provided on alternative non - electronic formats upon request . the alternative non - electronic formats may include large print , braille , or easy - to - read text . the user interface of the product in accordance with point 2 ; the functionality of the product by providing functions aimed to address the needs of persons with functional limitations , in accordance with point 2 ; the product shall provide compatibility with a variety of assistive devices and technologies available at union and international level , including hearing technologies , such as hearing aids , telecoils , cochlear implants , and assistive listening devices .


### this directive should follow the principle of ' think small first ' and should take account of the administrative burdens that smes are faced with . it should set light rules in terms of conformity assessment and should establish safeguard clauses for economic operators , rather than providing for general exceptions and derogations for those enterprises . consequently , when setting up the rules for the selection and implementation of the most appropriate conformity assessment procedures , the situation of smes should be taken into account and the obligations to assess conformity of accessibility requirements should be limited to the extent that they do not pose a disproportionate burden on smes . in addition , market surveillance authorities should operate in a proportionate manner in relation to the size of undertakings and to the small serial or non - serial nature of the production concerned , without creating unnecessary obstacles for smes and without compromising the protection of public interests . ### this directive should be wide - reaching , while also taking account of the administrative burdens that smes are faced with . it should set precise and effective rules in terms of conformity assessment and economic operators could invoke safeguard clauses under exceptional circumstances only , rather than providing for general exceptions and derogations for those enterprises . exceptions to the rules of conformity assessment should be interpreted restrictively . consequently , when setting up the rules for the selection and implementation of the most appropriate conformity assessment procedures , the situation of smes should be taken into account and the obligations to assess conformity of accessibility requirements should be limited to the extent that they do not pose a disproportionate burden on smes . in addition , market surveillance authorities should operate in a proportionate manner in relation to the size of undertakings and to the small serial or non - serial nature of the production concerned , without creating unnecessary obstacles for smes and without compromising the protection of public interests .