# Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 -            the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (Text with EEA relevance)         

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# Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

# of 11 December 2013

# establishing Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC

# (Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 173(3) and 182(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(1),                        

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions(2),                        

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(3),                        

Whereas:

(1)It is the Union's objective to strengthen its scientific and technological bases by achieving a European Research Area ("ERA")                              in which researchers, scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely, and by encouraging the Union to advance towards                              a knowledge society and to become a more competitive and sustainable economy in respect of its industry. To pursue that objective                              the Union should carry out activities to implement research, technological development, demonstration and innovation, promote                              international cooperation, disseminate and optimise results and stimulate training and mobility.

(2)It is also the Union's objective to ensure that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of Union industry exist.                              For this purpose, action should be aimed at fostering better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation,                              research and technological development.

(3)The Union is committed to achieving the Europe 2020 strategy which set the objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive                              growth, highlighting the role of research and innovation as key drivers of social and economic prosperity and of environmental                              sustainability and setting itself the goal of increasing spending on research and development in order to attract private                              investment of up to two thirds of total investments, thereby reaching an accumulative total of 3 % of gross domestic product                              (GDP) by 2020 while developing an innovation intensity indicator. The general budget of the Union should mirror this ambitious                              goal by making a shift towards funding future-oriented investments, such as research, development and innovation. In this                              context, the flagship initiative 'Innovation Union' of the Europe 2020 strategy sets out a strategic and integrated approach                              to research and innovation, setting the framework and objectives to which future Union research and innovation funding should                              contribute. Research and innovation are also key factors for other flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy, notably                              'Resource-efficient Europe', 'An industrial policy for the globalisation era', and 'Digital Agenda for Europe', and other                              policy objectives, such as climate and energy policy. Moreover, for achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy relating                              to research and innovation, cohesion policy has a key role to play through capacity-building and providing a stairway to excellence.

(4)The Commission Communication of 19 October 2010 entitled "The EU Budget Review" put forward key principles which should underpin                              the future general budget of the Union, namely focusing on instruments with proven Union added value, becoming more results-driven                              and leveraging other public and private sources of funding. It also proposed to bring the full range of Union instruments                              for research and innovation together in a common strategic framework.

(5)The European Parliament called for the radical simplification of Union research and innovation funding in its resolution of                              11 November 2010(4), highlighted the importance of the Innovation Union to transform Europe for the post-crisis world in its resolution of12                              May 2011(5), drew attention to important lessons to be learned following the interim evaluation of the Seventh Framework Programme in                              its resolution of 8 June 2011(6) and supported the concept of a common strategic framework for research and innovation funding in its resolution of 27 September                              2011(7).

(6)On 26 November 2010, the Council called for future Union funding programmes to focus more on Europe 2020 priorities, address                              societal challenges and key technologies, facilitate collaborative and industry-driven research, streamline the instruments,                              radically simplify access, reduce time to market and further strengthen excellence.

(7)At its meeting of 4 February 2011, the European Council supported the concept of the common strategic framework for Union                              research and innovation funding to improve the efficiency of such funding at national and Union level and called on the Union                              to rapidly address remaining obstacles to attracting talent and investment in order to complete the ERA by 2014 and to achieve                              a genuine single market for knowledge, research and innovation.

(8)The Commission Green Paper of 9 February 2011 entitled 'From Challenges to Opportunities: Towards a Common Strategic Framework                              for EU Research and Innovation funding' identified key questions on how to achieve the ambitious objectives set in the Commission                              Communication of 19 October 2010 and launched a broad consultation, in the course of which stakeholders and Union institutions                              largely agreed with the ideas presented therein.

(9)The importance of a coherent strategic approach was also underlined in opinions delivered by the European Research Area and                              Innovation Committee (ERAC) on 3 June 2011, the Committee of the Regions on 30 June 2011(8), and the European Economic and Social Committee on 13 July 2011(9).

(10)In its Communication of 29 June 2011 entitled 'A Budget for Europe 2020', the Commission proposed to address with a single                              common strategic framework for research and innovation the areas covered by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European                              Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) ('the Seventh Framework Programme')                              adopted by Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(10), and the innovation part of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013) established by Decision                              No 1639/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(11), as well as the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (the 'EIT') established by Regulation (EC) No 294/2008 of                              the European Parliament and of the Council(12), in order to contribute to attaining the Europe 2020 strategy target of raising spending on research and development to 3 %                              of GDP by 2020. In that Communication, the Commission also committed to mainstream climate change into Union spending programmes                              and to direct at least 20 % of the general budget of the Union to climate-related objectives.Climate action and resource efficiency are mutually reinforcing objectives for achieving sustainable development. The specific                              objectives relating to both should be complemented through the other specific objectives of Horizon 2020 – the Framework Programme                              for Research and Innovation 2014-2020 ('Horizon 2020'), established by this Regulation. As a result it is expected that at                              least 60 % of the overall Horizon 2020 budget should be related to sustainable development. It is also expected that climate-related                              expenditure should exceed 35 % of the overall Horizon 2020 budget, including mutually compatible measures improving resource                              efficiency. The Commission should provide information on the scale and results of support to climate change objectives. Climate-related                              expenditure under Horizon 2020 should be tracked in accordance with the methodology stated in that Communication.

(11)Horizon 2020 focuses on three priorities, namely generating excellent science in order to strengthen the Union's world-class                              excellence in science, fostering industrial leadership to support business, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises                              (SMEs) and innovation, and tackling societal challenges, in order to respond directly to the challenges identified in the                              Europe 2020 strategy by supporting activities covering the entire spectrum from research to market. Horizon 2020 should support                              all stages in the research and innovation chain, including non-technological and social innovation and activities that are                              closer to the market, with innovation and research actions having a different funding rate based on the principle that the                              closer to the market the supported activity is, the larger the additional funding from other sources should be. Activities                              closer to the market include innovative financial instruments, and they aim to satisfy the needs of a broad spectrum of Union                              policies by placing emphasis on the widest possible use of knowledge generated by the supported activities up to the commercial                              exploitation of that knowledge. The priorities of Horizon 2020 should also be supported through a programme on nuclear research                              and training established by Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1314/2013(13).

(12)Horizon 2020 should be open to new participants with a view to ensuring extensive and excellent cooperation with partners                              throughout the Union and with a view to ensuring an integrated ERA.

(13)The Joint Research Centre (JRC) should provide customer-driven scientific and technical support to Union policies while flexibly                              responding to new policy demands.

(14)In the context of the knowledge triangle of research, innovation and education, the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs)                              under the EIT should strongly contribute to addressing the objectives of Horizon 2020, including the societal challenges,                              notably by integrating research, innovation and education. The EIT should foster entrepreneurship in its higher education,                              research and innovation activities. In particular, it should promote excellent entrepreneurial education and support the creation                              of start-ups and spin-offs.

(15)In accordance with Article 182(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Horizon 2020 fixes the maximum                              overall amount and lays down the detailed rules for Union financial participation therein and the respective shares in each                              of the activities provided for.

(16)This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the entire duration of Horizon 2020 which is to constitute the prime reference                              amount, within the meaning of point 17 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament,                              the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management(14), for the European Parliament and the Council during the annual budgetary procedure.

(17)An appropriate proportion of the budget for research infrastructures should be devoted to e-infrastructures.

(18)Activities within the specific objective 'Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)' should be complementary to the activities                              within the other parts of Horizon 2020 and, where possible, synergies should be sought.

(19)It is appropriate to ensure a correct closure of Horizon 2020 and its predecessor programmes, in particular regarding the                              continuation of multi-annual arrangements for their management, such as the financing of technical and administrative assistance.

(20)Simplification is a central aim of Horizon 2020 which should be fully reflected in its design, rules, financial management                              and implementation. Horizon 2020 should aim to attract the strong participation of universities, research centres, industry                              and specifically SMEs and be open to new participants, as it brings together the full range of research and innovation support                              in one common strategic framework, including a streamlined set of forms of support, and uses rules for participation with                              principles applicable to all actions under Horizon 2020. Simpler funding rules should reduce the administrative costs for                              participation and contribute to the prevention and reduction of financial errors.

(21)Horizon 2020 should contribute to the aims of the European Innovation Partnerships in line with the flagship initiative 'Innovation                              Union', bringing together all relevant actors across the whole research and innovation chain with a view to streamlining,                              simplifying and better coordinating instruments and initiatives.

(22)With the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science, Horizon                              2020 should foster the informed engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation matters by promoting science                              education, by making scientific knowledge more accessible, by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that                              meet citizens' and civil society's concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in Horizon 2020 activities.                              The engagement of citizens and civil society should be coupled with public outreach activities to generate and sustain public                              support for Horizon 2020.

(23)There should be an appropriate balance between small and large projects within the priority 'Societal challenges' and the                              specific objective 'Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies'.

(24)The implementation of Horizon 2020 should respond to the evolving opportunities and needs of science and technology, industry,                              policies and society. As such, the agendas should be set in close liaison with stakeholders from all sectors concerned, and                              sufficient flexibility should be allowed for new developments. External advice should be sought on a continuous basis for                              the duration of Horizon 2020, also making use of relevant structures such as European Technology Platforms, Joint Programming                              Initiatives, the European Innovation Partnerships as well as advice from scientific panels, such as the Scientific Panel for                              Health.

(25)The activities developed under Horizon 2020 should promote equality between women and men in research and innovation, by addressing                              in particular the underlying causes of gender imbalance, by exploiting the full potential of both female and male researchers,                              and by integrating the gender dimension into the research and innovation content as well as by paying particular attention                              to ensuring gender balance, subject to the situation in the field of research and innovation concerned, in evaluation panels                              and in other relevant advisory and expert bodies in order to improve the quality of research and to stimulate innovation.                              Activities should also aim at implementation of principles relating to equality between women and men as laid down in Articles                              2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union and in Article 8 TFEU.

(26)Horizon 2020 should contribute to the attractiveness of the research profession in the Union. Adequate attention should be                              paid to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, as set out in the                              Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005(15), together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the ERA, while respecting their voluntary nature.

(27)In order to be able to compete globally, to effectively address major societal challenges, and to achieve the objectives of                              the Europe 2020 strategy, the Union should make full use of its human resources. In that context, Horizon 2020 should contribute                              to achieving the ERA, encouraging the development of framework conditions to help European researchers to remain in or to                              return to Europe, attract researchers from around the world and make Europe a more attractive destination for the best researchers.

(28)To increase the circulation and exploitation of knowledge, open access to scientific publications should be ensured. Furthermore,                              open access to research data resulting from publicly funded research under Horizon 2020 should be promoted, taking into account                              constraints pertaining to privacy, national security and intellectual property rights.

(29)Research and innovation activities supported by Horizon 2020 should respect fundamental ethical principles. The opinions of                              the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies should be taken into account. Article 13 TFEU should also be                              taken into account in research activities, and the use of animals in research and testing should be reduced, with a view ultimately                              to replacing their use. All activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection in accordance                              with Article 168 TFEU.

(30)Horizon 2020 should have due consideration for equal treatment and non-discrimination in research and innovation content throughout                              all stages of the research cycle.

(31)The Commission does not explicitly solicit the use of human embryonic stem cells. The use, if any, of human stem cells, be                              they adult or embryonic, depends on the judgment of the scientists in view of the objectives they want to achieve and is subject                              to stringent ethics review. No project involving the use of human embryonic stem cells should be funded that does not obtain                              the necessary approvals from the Member States. No activity should be funded that is forbidden in all Member States. No activity                              should be funded in a Member State where such activity is forbidden.

(32)To achieve maximum impact, Horizon 2020 should develop close synergies with other Union programmes in areas such as education,                              space, environment, energy, agriculture and fisheries, competitiveness and SMEs, internal security, culture and media.

(33)Both Horizon 2020 and the cohesion policy seek a more comprehensive alignment with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.                              This approach calls for increased synergies between Horizon 2020 and the cohesion policy. Therefore Horizon 2020 should also                              develop close interactions with the European Structural and Investment Funds, which can specifically help to strengthen local,                              regional and national research and innovation capabilities, particularly in the context of smart specialisation strategies.

(34)SMEs constitute a significant source of innovation, growth and jobs in Europe. Therefore the strong participation of SMEs,                              as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC(16), is needed in Horizon 2020. This should support the aims of the Small Business Act, as set out in the Commission Communication                              of 25 June 2008 entitled ""Think Small First" - A "Small Business Act" for Europe". Horizon 2020 should provide a range of                              means to support the research and innovation activities and capacities of SMEs throughout the different stages of the innovation                              cycle.

(35)The Commission should carry out evaluations and record the rate of participation by SMEs in Horizon 2020. If the target of                              20 % of the total combined budget for the specific objective "Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies" and the                              priority "Societal challenges" going to SMEs is not achieved, the Commission should examine the reasons for this situation                              and should propose, without delay, adequate new measures for allowing SMEs to increase their participation.

(36)The implementation of Horizon 2020 may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member                              States only, the participation of the Union in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint                              undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 184, 185 and 187 TFEU. Such supplementary programmes should                              be identified and implemented in an open, transparent and efficient way.

(37)In order to reduce the time from idea to market, using a bottom-up approach, and to increase the participation of industry,                              SMEs and first-time applicants in Horizon 2020, the Fast Track to Innovation (FTI) pilot should be implemented within the                              specific objective "Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies" and within the priority "Societal challenges". It                              should stimulate private sector investment in research and innovation, promote research and innovation with a focus on value                              creation and accelerate the development of technologies into innovative products, processes and services.

(38)The implementation of Horizon 2020 should recognise the unique role that universities play within the scientific and technological                              base of the Union as institutions of excellence in higher education, research and innovation, with an essential role in linking                              the European Higher Education Area and the ERA.

(39)With the aim of achieving the greatest possible impact of Union funding, Horizon 2020 should develop closer synergies, which                              may also take the form of public-public partnerships, with international, national and regional programmes that support research                              and innovation. In this context, Horizon 2020 should encourage the optimal use of resources and avoid unnecessary duplication.

(40)A greater impact should also be achieved by combining Horizon 2020 and private sector funds within public-private partnerships                              in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to Europe's wider competitiveness goals, leverage private investment                              and help tackle societal challenges. Those partnerships should be based on a long-term commitment, including a balanced contribution                              from all partners, be accountable for the achievement of their targets and be aligned with the Union's strategic goals relating                              to research, development and innovation. The governance and functioning of those partnerships should be open, transparent,                              effective and efficient and give the opportunity to a wide range of stakeholders active in their specific areas to participate.                              The public-private partnerships in the form of Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) launched under the Seventh Framework Programme                              may be continued using structures better suited to their purpose.

(41)Horizon 2020 should promote cooperation with third countries based on common interest and mutual benefit. International cooperation                              in science, technology and innovation should be targeted to contribute to achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy                              to strengthen competitiveness, contribute to tackling societal challenges and support Union external and development policies,                              including by developing synergies with external programmes and contributing to the Union's international commitments, such                              as the achievement of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals. International cooperation activities should be maintained                              at least at the level of the Seventh Framework Programme.

(42)In order to maintain a level playing field for all undertakings active in the internal market, funding from Horizon 2020 should                              be designed in accordance with State aid rules so as to ensure the effectiveness of public spending and to prevent market                              distortions, such as crowding-out of private funding, creating ineffective market structures or preserving inefficient businesses.

(43)The European Council of 4 February 2011 recognised the need for a new approach to control and risk management in Union research                              funding, calling for a new balance between trust and control and between risk-taking and risk avoidance. The European Parliament,                              in its resolution of 11 November 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes, called for a                              pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and stated that the management of European research funding                              should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant towards participants. The interim evaluation report of the Seventh Framework                              Programme concludes that a more radical approach is needed to attain a quantum leap in simplification and that the risk-trust                              balance needs to be redressed.

(44)The financial interests of the Union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle,                              including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly                              used and, where appropriate, the imposition of penalties. A revised control strategy, shifting focus from minimisation of                              error rates towards risk-based control and fraud detection, should reduce the control burden for participants.

(45)It is important to ensure sound financial management of Horizon 2020 and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly                              manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of Horizon 2020 to all participants. It is necessary                              to ensure compliance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council(17) and with the requirements of simplification and better regulation.

(46)Effective performance management, including evaluation and monitoring, requires development of specific performance indicators                              which can be measured over time, which are realistic and reflect the logic of the intervention, and which are relevant to                              the appropriate hierarchy of objectives and activities. Appropriate coordination mechanisms should be put in place between                              the implementation and monitoring of Horizon 2020 and the monitoring of progress, achievements and functioning of the ERA.

(47)By the end of 2017, as part of the Horizon 2020 interim evaluation, both existing and new public-private partnerships, including                              the JTIs, should be subject to an in-depth assessment, which should include, inter alia, an analysis of their openness, transparency                              and effectiveness. That assessment should take into consideration the evaluation of the EIT as outlined in Regulation (EC)                              No 294/2008 so as to allow for an assessment based on common principles.

(48)Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely strengthening the overall research and innovation framework and coordinating                              efforts across the Union, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of avoiding duplication,                              retaining critical mass in key areas and ensuring that public financing is used in an optimal way, be better achieved at the                              level of the Union, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5                              of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation                              does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.

(49)For reasons of legal certainty and clarity, Decision No 1982/2006/EC should be repealed,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

## TITLE IU.K.**GENERAL PROVISIONS**

### Article 1U.K.Subject matter

This Regulation establishes Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) ("Horizon 2020")                     and determines the framework governing Union support to research and innovation activities, thereby strengthening the European                     scientific and technological base and fostering benefits for society as well as better exploitation of the economic and industrial                     potential of policies of innovation, research and technological development.                  

### Article 2U.K.Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation the following definitions apply:

'research and innovation activities' mean the whole spectrum of activities of research, technological development, demonstration                              and innovation, including the promotion of cooperation with third countries and international organisations, the dissemination                              and optimisation of results and the stimulation of high quality training and mobility of researchers in the Union;                           

'direct actions' mean research and innovation activities undertaken by the Commission through its Joint Research Centre (JRC);

'indirect actions' mean research and innovation activities to which the Union provides financial support and which are undertaken                              by participants;                           

'public-private partnership' means a partnership where private sector partners, the Union and, where appropriate, other partners,                              such as public sector bodies, commit to jointly support the development and implementation of a research and innovation programme                              or activities;                           

'public-public partnership' means a partnership where public sector bodies or bodies with a public service mission at local,                              regional, national or international level commit with the Union to jointly support the development and implementation of a                              research and innovation programme or activities;                           

'research infrastructures' mean facilities, resources and services that are used by the research communities to conduct research                              and foster innovation in their fields. Where relevant, they may be used beyond research, for example for education or public                              services. They include major scientific equipment or sets of instruments; knowledge-based resources such as collections, archives                              or scientific data; e-infrastructures such as data and computing systems and communication networks; and any other infrastructure                              of a unique nature essential to achieving excellence in research and innovation. Such infrastructures may be 'single-sited',                              'virtual' or 'distributed';                           

'smart specialisation strategy' has the same meaning as smart specialisation strategy as defined in point (3) of Article 2                              of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council(18).                           

### Article 3U.K.Establishment of Horizon 2020

Horizon 2020 is hereby established for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020.

### Article 4U.K.Union added value

Horizon 2020 shall maximise Union added value and impact, focusing on objectives and activities that cannot be efficiently                     realised by Member States acting alone. Horizon 2020 shall play a central role in the delivery of the Europe 2020 strategy                     for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth ("Europe 2020 strategy") by providing a common strategic framework for the Union's                     funding of excellent research and innovation, thus acting as a vehicle for leveraging private and public investment, creating                     new job opportunities and ensuring Europe's long-term sustainability, growth, economic development, social inclusion and industrial                     competitiveness, as well as addressing societal challenges across the Union.                  

### Article 5U.K.General objective, priorities and specific objectives

1.The general objective of Horizon 2020 is to contribute to building a society and an economy based on knowledge and innovation                        across the Union by leveraging additional research, development and innovation funding and by contributing to attaining research                        and development targets, including the target of 3 % of GDP for research and development across the Union by 2020. It shall                        thereby support the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and other Union policies, as well as the achievement and functioning                        of the European Research Area (ERA). The first set of relevant performance indicators for assessing progress against the general                        objective is set out in the introduction of Annex I.                  

2.The general objective set out in paragraph 1 shall be pursued through three mutually reinforcing priorities dedicated to:                  

(a)Excellent science;                  

(b)Industrial leadership;                  

(c)Societal challenges.                  

The specific objectives corresponding to each of those three priorities are set out in Parts I to III of Annex I, together                     with the broad lines of activities.                  

3.The general objective set out in paragraph 1 shall also be pursued through the specific objectives 'Spreading excellence and                        widening participation' and 'Science with and for society' set out in Parts IV and V of Annex I respectively, together with                        the broad lines of activities.                  

4.The JRC shall contribute to the general objective and the priorities set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 respectively by providing                        scientific and technical support to Union policies in collaboration with relevant national and regional research stakeholders,                        where appropriate, for example on the development of smart specialisation strategies. The specific objective and the broad                        lines of activities are set out in Part VI of Annex I.                  

5.The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) shall contribute to the general objective and the priorities set                        out in paragraphs 1 and 2 respectively, with the specific objective of integrating the knowledge triangle of higher education,                        research and innovation. The relevant performance indicators for the EIT are set out in the introduction of Annex I and the                        specific objective together with the broad lines of activities are set out in Part VII of Annex I.                  

6.Within the priorities, specific objectives and broad lines of activities referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3, account may be                        taken of new and unforeseen needs that arise during the period of implementation of Horizon 2020. This may, if duly justified,                        include responses to emerging opportunities, crises and threats, as well as responses to needs relating to the development                        of new Union policies.                  

### Article 6U.K.Budget

1.The financial envelope for the implementation of Horizon 2020 is set at EUR 77 028,3 million in current prices, of which a                        maximum of EUR 74 316,9 million shall be allocated to activities under Title XIX TFEU.                  

The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European Parliament and by the Council within the limits of the multiannual                     financial framework.                  

2.The amount for activities under Title XIX TFEU shall be distributed among the priorities set out in Article 5(2) of this Regulation                        as follows:                  

(a)Excellent science, EUR 24 441,1 million in current prices;                  

(b)Industrial leadership, EUR 17 015,5 million in current prices;                  

(c)Societal challenges, EUR 29 679 million in current prices.                  

The maximum overall amount for the Union financial contribution from Horizon 2020 to the specific objectives set out in Article                     5(3) and to the non-nuclear direct actions of the JRC shall be as follows:                  

Spreading excellence and widening participation, EUR 816,5 million in current prices;

Science with and for society, EUR 462,2 million in current prices;

Non-nuclear direct actions of the JRC, EUR 1 902,6 million in current prices.

The indicative breakdown for the priorities and specific objectives set out in Article 5(2) and (3) is set out in Annex II.

3.The EIT shall be financed through a maximum contribution from Horizon 2020 of EUR 2 711,4 million in current prices as set                        out in Annex II.                  

4.The financial envelope of Horizon 2020 may cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation                        activities which are required for the management of Horizon 2020 and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies                        and meetings of experts, in so far as they are related to the objectives of Horizon 2020, expenses linked to information technology                        networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance                        expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of Horizon 2020.                  

Where necessary and duly justified, appropriations may be entered in the Horizon 2020 budget beyond 2020 to cover technical                     and administrative assistance expenses, in order to enable the management of actions not yet completed by 31 December 2020.                     Horizon 2020 shall fund neither the construction nor the operation of the Galileo programme, the Copernicus programme or the                     European Joint Undertaking for ITER.                  

5.In order to respond to unforeseen situations or to new developments and needs the Commission may, following the interim evaluation                        of Horizon 2020 as referred to in Article 32(3) and the results of the review of the EIT referred to in Article 32(2), within                        the annual budgetary procedure review the amounts set out for the priorities and the specific objectives 'Spreading excellence                        and widening participation' and 'Science with and for society' in paragraph 2 of this Article and the indicative breakdown                        by specific objectives within these priorities set out in Annex II and the contribution to the EIT in paragraph 3 of this                        Article. The Commission may also, subject to the same conditions, transfer appropriations between the priorities and specific                        objectives as well as the EIT up to a maximum of 7,5 % of the total initial allocation of each priority and the specific objectives                        'Spreading excellence and widening participation' and 'Science with and for society', and up to a maximum of 7,5 % of the                        initial indicative breakdown of each specific objective and up to a maximum of 7,5 % of the contribution to the EIT. No such                        transfer shall be allowed in respect of the amount set out for the direct actions of the JRC in paragraph 2 of this Article.                  

### Article 7U.K.Association of third countries

1.Horizon 2020 shall be open to the association of:                  

(a)acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates, in accordance with the general principles and general terms                        and conditions for the participation of those countries in Union programmes established in the respective framework agreements                        and decisions of association councils or similar agreements;                  

(b)European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members, or countries or territories covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy that                        fulfil all of the following criteria:                  

a good capacity in science, technology and innovation;

a good track record of participation in Union research and innovation programmes;

fair and equitable dealing with intellectual property rights;

(c)countries or territories associated to the Seventh Framework Programme.                  

2.Specific terms and conditions regarding the participation of associated countries in Horizon 2020, including the financial                        contribution based on the GDP of the associated country, shall be determined by international agreements between the Union                        and the associated countries.                  

The terms and conditions regarding the association of the EFTA States that are party to the Agreement on the European Economic                     Area (EEA) shall be in accordance with the provisions of that Agreement.                  

## TITLE IIU.K.**IMPLEMENTATION**

### *CHAPTER I*U.K.***Implementation, management and forms of support***

#### Article 8U.K.Implementation by means of a specific programme and the contribution to the EIT

Horizon 2020 shall be implemented through the consolidated specific programme established by Council Decision 2013/743/EU(19), which shall specify the objectives and the detailed rules for implementation, and through a financial contribution to the                     EIT.                  

The specific programme shall set out one Part for each of the three priorities set out in Article 5(2), one Part for each                     of the specific objectives referred to in Article 5(3) and one Part for the non-nuclear direct actions of the JRC.                  

There shall be effective coordination between the three priorities of Horizon 2020.

#### Article 9U.K.Management

1.Horizon 2020 shall be implemented by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.                  

2.The Commission may also entrust part of the implementation of Horizon 2020 to the funding bodies referred to in point (c)                        of Article 58(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.                  

#### Article 10U.K.Forms of Union support

1.Horizon 2020 shall support indirect actions through one or several of the forms of funding provided for by Regulation (EU,                        Euratom) No 966/2012, in particular grants, prizes, procurement and financial instruments. Financial instruments shall be                        the main form of funding for activities close to market that are supported under Horizon 2020.                  

2.Horizon 2020 shall also support direct actions undertaken by the JRC.                  

3.Where the direct actions undertaken by the JRC contribute to initiatives established under Article 185 or Article 187 TFEU,                        this contribution shall not be considered as part of the financial contribution allocated to those initiatives.                  

#### Article 11U.K.Rules for participation and dissemination of results

The rules for participation and dissemination of results laid down in Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 of the European Parliament                     and of the Council(20) shall apply to indirect actions.                  

### *CHAPTER II*U.K.***Programming***

#### *Section I*U.K.***General principles***

##### Article 12U.K.External advice and societal engagement

1.For the implementation of Horizon 2020, account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by independent advisory groups                        of high level experts set up by the Commission from a broad constituency of stakeholders, including research, industry and                        civil society, to provide the necessary inter-disciplinary and cross-sectoral perspectives, taking account of relevant existing                        initiatives at Union, national and regional level. Other inputs will be provided from dialogue structures created under international                        science and technology agreements; forward-looking activities; targeted public consultations, including, where appropriate,                        consultations of national and regional authorities or stakeholders; and transparent and interactive processes that ensure                        that responsible research and innovation is supported.                  

Advice on the identification and design of strategic priorities by the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC),                     other ERA-related groups and the Enterprise Policy Group (EPG) shall, where appropriate, also be taken into consideration.                  

2.Full account shall also be taken of relevant aspects of the research and innovation agendas established by, inter alia, the                        EIT, European Technology Platforms and European Innovation Partnerships, as well as of advice from scientific panels such                        as the Scientific Panel for Health.                  

##### Article 13U.K.Synergies with national programmes and joint programming

1.For the implementation of Horizon 2020, account shall be taken of the need to build appropriate synergies and complementarities                        between national and European research and innovation programmes, for example in areas where coordination efforts are made                        through the Joint Programming Initiatives.                  

2.Union support to Joint Programming Initiatives may be considered with any support to be delivered through the instruments                        referred to in Article 26, subject to the conditions and criteria laid down for such instruments.                  

##### Article 14U.K.Cross-cutting issues

1.Linkages and interfaces shall be implemented across and within the priorities of Horizon 2020. Particular attention shall                        be paid in this respect to:                  

(a)the development and application of key enabling and industrial technologies as well as future and emerging technologies;                  

(b)areas relating to bridging from discovery to market application;                  

(c)interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research and innovation;                  

(d)social and economic sciences and humanities;                  

(e)climate change and sustainable development;                  

(f)fostering the functioning and achievement of the ERA and of the flagship initiative 'Innovation Union';                  

(g)framework conditions in support of the flagship initiative "Innovation Union";                  

(h)contributing to all relevant Europe 2020 flagship initiatives (including the Digital Agenda for Europe);                  

(i)widening participation across the Union in research and innovation and helping to close the research and innovation divide                        in Europe;                  

(j)international networks for excellent researchers and innovators such as European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST);                  

(k)cooperation with third countries;                  

(l)responsible research and innovation including gender;                  

(m)SME involvement in research and innovation and broader private sector participation;                  

(n)enhancing the attractiveness of the research profession; and                  

(o)facilitating cross-border and cross-sector mobility of researchers.                  

2.Where an indirect action is supported which is of high relevance to several of the priorities or specific objectives referred                        to in Article 5(2) and (3), the financial amount for that action may be combined from the amounts allocated to each priority                        or specific objective concerned.                  

##### Article 15U.K.Evolving nature of science, technology, innovation, economies and society

Horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported are relevant to changing                     needs and take account of the evolving nature of science, technology, innovation, economies and society in a globalised world,                     where innovation includes business, organisational, technological, societal and environmental aspects. Proposals for changes                     to the priorities and actions under Horizon 2020 shall take into account the external advice referred to in Article 12 as                     well as the recommendations from the interim evaluation referred to in Article 32(3).                  

##### Article 16U.K.Gender equality

Horizon 2020 shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content.                     Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring gender balance, subject to the situation in the field of research and innovation                     concerned, in evaluation panels and in bodies such as advisory groups and expert groups.                  

The gender dimension shall be adequately integrated in research and innovation content in strategies, programmes and projects                     and followed through at all stages of the research cycle.                  

##### Article 17U.K.Researchers' careers

Horizon 2020 shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013, which shall contribute to the reinforcement                     of a single market for researchers and attractiveness of researchers' careers across the Union in the context of the ERA,                     by taking into account the transnational character of the majority of the actions supported under it.                  

##### Article 18U.K.Open access

1.Open access to scientific publications resulting from publicly funded research under Horizon 2020 shall be ensured. It shall                        be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013.                  

2.Open access to research data resulting from publicly funded research under Horizon 2020 shall be promoted. It shall be implemented                        in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013.                  

##### Article 19U.K.Ethical principles

1.All the research and innovation activities carried out under Horizon 2020 shall comply with ethical principles and relevant                        national, Union and international legislation, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European                        Convention on Human Rights and its Supplementary Protocols.                  

Particular attention shall be paid to the principle of proportionality, the right to privacy, the right to the protection                     of personal data, the right to the physical and mental integrity of a person, the right to non-discrimination and the need                     to ensure high levels of human health protection.                  

2.Research and innovation activities carried out under Horizon 2020 shall have an exclusive focus on civil applications.                  

3.The following fields of research shall not be financed:                  

(a)research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes;                  

(b)research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable(21);                  

(c)research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement,                        including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.                  

4.Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending both on the contents of the scientific                        proposal and the legal framework of the Member States involved. No funding shall be granted for research activities that are                        prohibited in all the Member States. No activity shall be funded in a Member State where such activity is forbidden.                  

5.The fields of research set out in paragraph 3 of this Article may be reviewed within the context of the interim evaluation                        set out in Article 32(3) in the light of scientific advances.                  

##### Article 20U.K.Complementarity with other Union programmes

Horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a way which is complementary to other Union funding programmes and policies, including                     the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds), the Common Agricultural Policy, the Programme for the Competitiveness                     of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014–2020), the Erasmus+ programme and the Life Programme.                  

##### Article 21U.K.Synergies with the ESI Funds

In addition to Union, national and regional structural policies, Horizon 2020 shall also contribute to the closing of the                     research and innovation divide within the Union by promoting synergies with the ESI Funds. Where possible, cumulative funding                     may be used as set out in Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013.                  

#### *Section II*U.K.***Specific fields of action***

##### Article 22U.K.Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises

1.Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring the adequate participation of, and research and innovation impact on, micro,                        small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the implementation of Horizon 2020. Quantitative and qualitative assessments                        of SME participation shall be undertaken as part of the evaluation and monitoring arrangements.                  

2.In addition to the establishment of better conditions for SMEs to participate in all relevant opportunities in Horizon 2020,                        specific actions shall be undertaken. In particular, a dedicated SME instrument that is targeted at all types of SMEs with                        an innovation potential, in a broad sense, shall be created under a single centralised management system and implemented primarily                        in a bottom-up manner through a continuously open call tailored to the needs of SMEs as set out under the specific objective                        "Innovation in SMEs" in Point 3.3.(a) of Part II of Annex I. That instrument shall take account of the specific objective                        "Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies" set out in Point 1 of Part II of Annex I and each of the specific objectives                        under the priority "Societal challenges" set out in Points 1 to 7 of Part III of Annex I and shall be implemented in a consistent                        manner.                  

3.The integrated approach set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 and the simplification of procedures should lead to a minimum of 20 %                        of the total combined budget for the specific objective "Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies" and the priority                        "Societal challenges" going to SMEs.                  

4.Particular attention shall be paid to the adequate representation of SMEs in public-private partnerships referred to in Article                        25.                  

##### Article 23U.K.Collaborative projects and partnership programmes

Horizon 2020 should be implemented primarily through transnational collaborative projects, delivered through calls for proposals                     in the Horizon 2020 work programmes provided for in Decision 2013/743/EU. Those projects will be complemented by public-private                     and public-public partnerships. The partnerships will be designed with the involvement of Member States and shall develop                     principles for their internal management.                  

##### Article 24U.K.Fast Track to Innovation

Fast Track to Innovation (FTI) shall be implemented in the form of a full-scale pilot in accordance with Article 54 of Regulation                     (EU) No 1290/2013, establishing an FTI call starting in 2015.                  

##### Article 25U.K.Public-private partnerships

1.Horizon 2020 may be implemented through public-private partnerships where all the partners concerned commit to supporting                        the development and implementation of pre-competitive research and of innovation activities of strategic importance to the                        Union's competitiveness and industrial leadership or to addressing specific societal challenges. Public-private partnerships                        shall be implemented in such a way that full participation of the best European players is not impeded.                  

2.The involvement of the Union in public-private partnerships shall make use of the pre-existing and lean governance structures                        and may take one of the following forms:                  

(a)financial contributions from the Union to joint undertakings established pursuant to Article 187 TFEU under the Seventh Framework                        Programme, subject to the amendment of their basic acts; to new public-private partnerships established pursuant to Article                        187 TFEU; and to other funding bodies referred to in points (iv) and (vii) of point (c) of Article 58(1) of Regulation (EU,                        Euratom) No 966/2012. This form of partnerships shall only be implemented where the scope of the objectives pursued and the                        scale of the resources required justify it taking full account of the relevant impact assessments, and where other forms of                        partnerships would not fulfil the objectives or would not generate the necessary leverage;                  

(b)contractual arrangements between the partners referred to in paragraph 1, which specify the objectives of the partnership,                        respective commitments of the partners, key performance indicators, and outputs to be delivered, including the identification                        of research and innovation activities that require support from Horizon 2020.                  

With a view to involving interested partners, including, as appropriate, end-users, universities, SMEs and research institutions,                     public-private partnerships shall make public funds accessible through transparent processes and mainly through competitive                     calls, governed by rules for participation in compliance with those of Horizon 2020. Exceptions to the use of competitive                     calls should be duly justified.                  

3.Public-private partnerships shall be identified and implemented in an open, transparent and efficient way. Their identification                        shall be based on all of the following criteria:                  

(a)the demonstration of the added value of the action at Union level and of the choice of the instrument to be used;                  

(b)the scale of impact on industrial competitiveness, job creation, sustainable growth and socio-economic issues, including societal                        challenges, assessed against clearly specified and measurable objectives;                  

(c)the long-term commitment, including a balanced contribution from all partners based on a shared vision and clearly defined                        objectives;                  

(d)the scale of the resources involved and the ability to leverage additional investments in research and innovation;                  

(e)a clear definition of roles for each of the partners and agreed key performance indicators over the period chosen;                  

(f)complementarity with other parts of Horizon 2020 and alignment with the Union research and innovation strategic priorities,                        in particular those of the Europe 2020 strategy.                  

Where appropriate, complementarity between priorities and activities and the involvement of Member States shall be ensured                     in public-private partnerships.                  

4.The research priorities covered by public-private partnerships may, where appropriate, be included in regular calls in Horizon                        2020 work programmes, in order to develop new synergies with research and innovation activities of strategic importance.                  

##### Article 26U.K.Public-public partnerships

1.Horizon 2020 shall contribute to the strengthening of public-public partnerships, as and when appropriate, where actions at                        regional, national or international level are jointly implemented within the Union.                  

Particular attention shall be paid to Joint Programming Initiatives between Member States. Joint Programming Initiatives receiving                     support from Horizon 2020 shall remain open to the participation of any Member State or associated country.                  

2.Public-public partnerships may be supported either within, or across, the priorities set out in Article 5(2), in particular                        through:                  

(a)an ERA-NET instrument using grants to support public-public partnerships in their preparation, establishment of networking                        structures, design, implementation and coordination of joint activities, as well as Union topping-up of no more than one joint                        call a year, and of actions of a transnational nature;                  

(b)Union participation in programmes undertaken by several Member States in accordance with Article 185 TFEU where the participation                        is justified by the scope of the objectives pursued and the scale of the resources required.                  

For the purposes of point (a) of the first subparagraph, top-up funding shall be conditional on the demonstration of the added                     value of the action at Union level and on prior indicative financial commitments in cash or in kind of the participating entities                     to the joint calls and actions. One of the objectives of the ERA-NET instrument may, where possible, be to harmonise rules                     and implementation modalities of the joint calls and actions. It may also be used in order to prepare for an initiative pursuant                     to Article 185 TFEU.                  

For the purposes of point (b) of the first subparagraph, such initiatives shall only be proposed in cases where there is a                     need for a dedicated implementation structure and where there is a high level of commitment of the participating countries                     to integration at scientific, management and financial levels. In addition, proposals for such initiatives shall be identified                     on the basis of all of the following criteria:                  

(a)a clear definition of the objective to be pursued and its relevance to the objectives of Horizon 2020 and broader Union policy                        objectives;                  

(b)indicative financial commitments of the participating countries, in cash or in kind, including prior commitments to align                        national and/or regional investments for transnational research and innovation and, where appropriate, to pool resources;                  

(c)the added value of the action at Union level;                  

(d)the critical mass, with regard to the size and the number of programmes involved, the similarity or complementarity of activities                        and the share of relevant research they cover;                  

(e)the appropriateness of Article 185 TFEU for achieving the objectives.                  

##### Article 27U.K.International cooperation with third countries and international organisations

1.Legal entities, as defined in point 13 of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013, established in third countries and                        international organisations shall be eligible to participate in indirect actions of Horizon 2020 under the conditions set                        out in that Regulation. International cooperation with third countries and international organisations shall be promoted and                        integrated into Horizon 2020 to achieve, in particular, the following objectives:                  

(a)strengthening the Union's excellence and attractiveness in research and innovation as well as its economic and industrial                        competitiveness;                  

(b)effectively tackling common societal challenges;                  

(c)supporting the Union's external and development policy objectives, complementing external and development programmes including                        international commitments and their related goals, such as the achievement of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.                        Synergies with other Union policies will be sought.                  

2.Targeted actions with the objective of promoting cooperation with specific third countries or groups of third countries, including                        strategic partners of the Union, shall be implemented on the basis of a strategic approach as well as common interest, priorities,                        and mutual benefit, taking into account their scientific and technological capabilities and specific needs, market opportunities,                        and the expected impact of such actions.                  

Reciprocal access to third country programmes should be encouraged and, where appropriate, monitored. In order to maximise                     the impact of international cooperation, coordination and synergies with initiatives of Member States and associated countries                     shall be promoted. The nature of the cooperation may vary according to the specific partner countries.                  

Cooperation priorities shall take into account developments in Union policies, opportunities for cooperation with third countries,                     and fair and equitable dealing with intellectual property rights.                  

3.In addition, horizontal and cross-cutting activities to promote the strategic development of international cooperation shall                        be implemented under Horizon 2020.                  

##### Article 28U.K.Information, communication, exploitation and dissemination

The Commission shall implement information and communication actions concerning Horizon 2020, including communication measures                     concerning supported projects and results. In particular, it shall provide timely and thorough information to Member States.                  

The part of the Horizon 2020 budget allocated to communication shall also cover the corporate communication of the Union's                     political priorities to the extent that they are related to the general objective of this Regulation.                  

Activities to disseminate information and carry out communication activities shall be an integral part of all actions supported                     by Horizon 2020. Information and communication concerning Horizon 2020, including on supported projects, shall be made available                     and accessible in digital form.                  

In addition, the following specific actions shall be supported:

initiatives aimed at widening awareness and facilitating access to funding under Horizon 2020, in particular for those regions                              or types of participants that have a relatively low participation;                           

targeted assistance to projects and consortia to provide them with adequate access to the necessary skills to optimise the                              communication, exploitation and dissemination of results;                           

actions which bring together and disseminate results from a range of projects, including those that may be funded from other                              sources, to provide user-friendly databases and reports that summarise key findings, and, where relevant, communication and                              dissemination to the scientific community, industry and the general public;                           

dissemination to policy makers, including standardisation bodies, to promote the use of policy-relevant results by the appropriate                              bodies at international, Union, national and regional level;                           

initiatives to foster dialogue and debate on scientific, technological and innovation related issues with the public through                              involvement of the research and innovation community and civil society organisations, and to take advantage of social media                              and other innovative technologies and methodologies, especially in order to help raise public awareness of the benefits of                              research and innovation in meeting societal challenges.                           

### *CHAPTER III*U.K.***Control***

#### Article 29U.K.Control and audit

1.The control system set up for the implementation of this Regulation shall be so designed as to provide reasonable assurance                        of achieving sufficient reduction and adequate management of the risks relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of the                        operations as well as the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions, taking into account the multi-annual character                        of programmes as well as the nature of the payments concerned.                  

2.The control system shall ensure an appropriate balance between trust and control, taking into account administrative and other                        costs of controls at all levels, especially for participants, so that the objectives of Horizon 2020 can be achieved and the                        most excellent researchers and the most innovative enterprises are attracted to it.                  

3.As part of the control system, the audit strategy for expenditure on indirect actions under Horizon 2020 shall be based on                        the financial audit of a representative sample of expenditure across Horizon 2020 as a whole. That representative sample shall                        be complemented by a selection based on an assessment of the risks related to expenditure.                  

Audits of expenditure on indirect actions under Horizon 2020 shall be carried out in a coherent manner in accordance with                     the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness in order to minimise the audit burden on the participants.                  

#### Article 30U.K.Protection of the financial interests of the Union

1.The Commission shall take appropriate measures to ensure that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented,                        the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and                        any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly                        paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and dissuasive administrative and financial penalties.                  

2.The Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and                        on the spot, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors and subcontractors who have received Union funds under Horizon 2020.                  

Without prejudice to paragraph 3, audits by the Commission may be carried out up to two years after the payment of the balance.

3.The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, in accordance                        with the provisions and procedures laid down in Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the                        Council(22) and Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96(23), with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial                        interests of the Union in connection with any Horizon 2020 grant agreement, grant decision or contract.                  

4.Without prejudice to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, cooperation agreements with third countries and with international organisations,                        grant agreements, grant decisions and contracts, resulting from the implementation of this Regulation, shall contain provisions                        expressly empowering the Commission, the Court of Auditors and OLAF to conduct such audits and investigations, in accordance                        with their respective competences.                  

### *CHAPTER IV*U.K.***Monitoring and evaluation***

#### Article 31U.K.Monitoring

1.The Commission shall monitor annually the implementation of Horizon 2020, its specific programme and the activities of the                        EIT. That monitoring, which shall be based on quantitative and, where appropriate, qualitative evidence, shall include information                        on cross-cutting topics such as social and economic sciences and humanities, sustainability and climate change, including                        information on the amount of climate related expenditure, SME participation, private sector participation, gender equality,                        widening participation and progress against performance indicators. The monitoring shall also include information on the extent                        of funding for public-private and public-public partnerships, including Joint Programming Initiatives. The monitoring of funding                        for public-private partnerships shall, where appropriate, be undertaken in close consultation with the participants.                  

2.The Commission shall report and make publicly available the results of that monitoring.                  

#### Article 32U.K.Evaluation

1.Evaluations shall be carried out in a sufficiently timely manner to feed into the decision-making process.                  

2.By 31 December 2017, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts selected on the basis of a                        transparent process, a review of the EIT, taking into account the evaluation provided for in Article 16 of Regulation (EC)                        No 294/2008. The KIC call in 2018 shall be launched subject to a positive outcome of that review. The review shall assess                        the progress of the EIT against all of the following:                  

(a)the level of consumption and the efficiency in the use of the funds allocated according to Article 6(3) of this Regulation,                        differentiating between the amount used for the development of the first wave of KICs and the effect of the seed money for                        the subsequent waves, and the ability of the EIT to attract funds from the partners in the KICs and especially from the private                        sector, as set out in Regulation (EC) No 294/2008;                  

(b)the contribution of the EIT and the KICs to the priority "Societal challenges" and the specific objective "Leadership in enabling                        and industrial technologies" and the performance assessed on the basis of the indicators defined in Annex I;                  

(c)the contribution of the EIT and the KICs to the integration of higher education, research and innovation;                  

(d)the ability of the KICs to integrate relevant new partners where they can provide added value.                  

3.By 31 December 2017, and taking into account the ex-post evaluation of the Seventh Framework Programme to be completed by                        31 December 2015 and the review of the EIT, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, selected                        on the basis of a transparent process, an interim evaluation of Horizon 2020, its specific programme, including the European                        Research Council (ERC), and the activities of the EIT.                  

The interim evaluation shall assess the progress of the different parts of Horizon 2020 against all of the following:

(a)the achievements (at the level of results and progress towards achieving an impact, based, where applicable, on the indicators                        outlined in Annex II of the specific programme) of the objectives of Horizon 2020 and continued relevance of all related measures;                  

(b)the efficiency and use of resources, with particular attention to cross-cutting issues and other elements referred to in Article                        14(1); and                  

(c)Union added value.                  

As part of the interim evaluation both existing and new public-private partnerships, including the JTIs, shall be subject                     to an in-depth assessment, which shall include, inter alia, analysis of their openness, transparency and effectiveness. That                     assessment shall take into consideration the evaluation of the EIT as provided for in Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 294/2008                     so as to allow for an assessment based on common principles.                  

As part of the interim evaluation, FTI shall be subject to an in-depth assessment which shall include an assessment of inter                     alia its contribution to innovation, industry participation, participation of new applicants, operational effectiveness and                     financing, and leverage of private investment. Further implementation of the FTI shall be determined on the basis of the evaluation                     results, and may be adjusted or expanded accordingly.                  

The interim evaluation shall take into consideration aspects relating to the dissemination and exploitation of research results.

The interim evaluation shall also take into consideration the scope for further simplification and aspects relating to access                     to funding opportunities for participants in all regions and for the private sector, notably SMEs, as well as the scope for                     promoting gender balance. It shall additionally take into account the contribution of the measures to the objectives of the                     Europe 2020 strategy, results as regards the long-term impact of the predecessor measures, and the degree of synergy and interaction                     with other Union funding programmes, including the ESI Funds.                  

As part of the interim evaluation, the funding model of Horizon 2020 shall be thoroughly assessed against, inter alia, the                     following indicators:                  
          -  the participation of participants that have at their disposal high-end research infrastructures or have a history of using                           full-costing in the Seventh Framework Programme;                         
          -  the simplification for participants that have at their disposal high-end research infrastructures or have a history of using                           full-costing in the Seventh Framework Programme;                         
          -  the acceptance of the usual accounting practices of beneficiaries; 
          -  extent of use of the additional remuneration to personnel as referred to in Article 27 of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013. 

The interim evaluation shall also take into consideration, where appropriate, information on coordination with research and                     innovation activities carried out by Member States, including in areas where there are Joint Programming Initiatives.                  

4.By 31 December 2023, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, selected on the basis of                        a transparent process, an ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020, its specific programme and the activities of the EIT. That evaluation                        shall cover the rationale, implementation and achievements, as well as the longer-term impacts and sustainability of the measures,                        to feed into a decision on a possible renewal, modification or suspension of any subsequent measure. The evaluation shall                        take into consideration aspects relating to the dissemination and exploitation of research results.                  

5.The performance indicators for assessing progress against the general objective of Horizon 2020 and for the EIT, as set out                        in the introduction of Annex I, and for the specific objectives as established in the specific programme, including relevant                        baselines, shall provide the minimum basis for assessing the extent to which the objectives of Horizon 2020 have been achieved.                  

6.Where appropriate and available, Member States shall provide the Commission with the data and information necessary to make                        it possible to monitor and evaluate the measures concerned.                  

7.The Commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations referred to in this Article, accompanied by its observations,                        to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.                  

## TITLE IIIU.K.**FINAL PROVISIONS**

### Article 33U.K.Repeal and transitional provisions

1.Decision No 1982/2006/EC is repealed with effect from 1 January 2014.                  

2.Notwithstanding paragraph 1, actions initiated under Decision No 1982/2006/EC and financial obligations related to those actions                        shall continue to be governed by that Decision until their completion.                  

3.The financial envelope referred to in Article 6 of this Regulation may also cover the technical and administrative assistance                        expenses necessary to ensure the transition from the measures adopted under Decision No 1982/2006/EC to Horizon 2020.                  

### Article 34U.K.Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following that of its publication in the *Official Journal of the European Union*.                  

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Strasbourg, 11 December 2013.

*For the European Parliament*                            

*The President*                            

M. Schulz                            

*For the Council*                            

*The President*                            

V. Leškevičius                            

## ANNEX IU.K.

### **Broad lines of the specific objectives and activities**U.K.

The general objective of Horizon 2020 is to build a society and a world-leading economy based on knowledge and innovation                     across the whole Union, while contributing to sustainable development. It will support the Europe 2020 strategy and other                     Union policies as well as the achievement and functioning of the European Research Area (ERA).                  

The performance indicators for assessing progress against this general objective are:
          -  the research and development (R&D) target (3 % of GDP) of the Europe 2020 strategy; 
          -  the innovation output indicator in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy(24);                         
          -  the share of researchers in the active population. 

This general objective shall be pursued through three distinct, yet mutually reinforcing, priorities, each containing a set                     of specific objectives. They will be implemented in a seamless manner in order to foster interactions between the different                     specific objectives, avoid any duplication of effort and reinforce their combined impact.                  

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) shall contribute to the general objective and priorities of Horizon 2020 with the specific                     objective of providing customer-driven scientific and technical support to Union policies.                  

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) shall contribute to the general objective and priorities of Horizon                     2020 with the specific objective of integrating the knowledge triangle of higher education, research and innovation. The indicators                     for assessing the performance of the EIT are:                  
          -  organisations from universities, business and research integrated in the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs); 
          -  collaboration inside the knowledge triangle leading to the development of innovative products, services and processes. 

This Annex sets out the broad lines of the specific objectives and activities referred to in Article 5(2), (3), (4) and (5).

### **Cross-cutting issues and support measures in Horizon 2020**U.K.

Cross-cutting issues, an indicative list of which is found in Article 14, will be promoted between specific objectives of                     the three priorities as necessary to develop new knowledge, key competences and major technological breakthroughs as well                     as translating knowledge into economic and societal value. Furthermore, in many cases, interdisciplinary solutions will have                     to be developed which cut across the multiple specific objectives of Horizon 2020. Horizon 2020 will provide incentives for                     actions dealing with such cross-cutting issues, including by the efficient bundling of budgets.                  

### **Social sciences and humanities**U.K.

Social sciences and humanities research will be fully integrated into each of the priorities of Horizon 2020 and each of the                     specific objectives and will contribute to the evidence base for policy making at international, Union, national, regional                     and local level. In relation to societal challenges, social sciences and humanities will be mainstreamed as an essential element                     of the activities needed to tackle each of the societal challenges to enhance their impact. The specific objective of the                     societal challenge 'Europe in a changing world - Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies' will support social sciences                     and humanities research by focusing on inclusive, innovative and reflective societies.                  

### **Science and society**U.K.

The relationship between science and society as well as the promotion of responsible research and innovation, science education                     and culture shall be deepened and public confidence in science reinforced by activities of Horizon 2020 favouring the informed                     engagement of citizens and civil society in research and innovation.                  

### **Gender**U.K.

Promoting gender equality in science and innovation is a commitment of the Union. In Horizon 2020, gender will be addressed                     as a cross-cutting issue in order to rectify imbalances between women and men, and to integrate a gender dimension in research                     and innovation programming and content.                  

### **SMEs**U.K.

Horizon 2020 will encourage and support the participation of SMEs in an integrated way across all specific objectives. In                     accordance with Article 22, measures set out under the specific objective 'Innovation in SMEs' (dedicated SME instrument)                     shall be applied in the specific objective 'Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies' and in the priority 'Societal                     challenges'.                  

### **Fast Track to Innovation (FTI)**U.K.

FTI, as set out in Article 24, will support innovation actions under the specific objective "Leadership in enabling and industrial                     technologies" and under the priority 'Societal challenges', with a bottom-up-driven logic on the basis of a continuously open                     call, and with 'time to grant' not exceeding six months.                  

### **Widening participation**U.K.

The research and innovation potential of the Member States, despite some recent convergence, remains very different, with                     large gaps between "innovation leaders" and "modest innovators". Activities shall help close the research and innovation divide                     in Europe by promoting synergies with the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) and also by specific measures                     to unlock excellence in low performing research, development and innovation (RDI) regions, thereby widening participation                     in Horizon 2020 and contributing to the realisation of the ERA.                  

### **International Cooperation**U.K.

International cooperation with third countries and international, regional or global organisations is necessary to effectively                     address many specific objectives set out in Horizon 2020. International cooperation is essential for frontier and basic research                     in order to reap the benefits from emerging science and technology opportunities. Cooperation is necessary for addressing                     societal challenges and enhancing the competitiveness of European industry. Promoting R&I staff mobility at an international                     level is also crucial to enhance this global cooperation. International cooperation in research and innovation is a key aspect                     of the Union's global commitments. International cooperation will, therefore, be promoted in each of the three priorities                     of Horizon 2020. In addition, dedicated horizontal activities will be supported in order to ensure the coherent and effective                     development of international cooperation across Horizon 2020.                  

### **Sustainable development and climate change**U.K.

Horizon 2020 will encourage and support activities towards exploiting Europe's leadership in the race to develop new processes                     and technologies promoting sustainable development, in a broad sense, and combating climate change. Such a horizontal approach,                     fully integrated in all Horizon 2020 priorities, will help the Union to prosper in a low-carbon, resource-constrained world                     while building a resource-efficient, sustainable and competitive economy.                  

### **Bridging from discovery to market application**U.K.

Bridging actions throughout Horizon 2020 are aimed at bringing discovery to market application, leading to exploitation and                     commercialisation of ideas whenever appropriate. The actions should be based on a broad innovation concept and stimulate cross-sectoral                     innovation.                  

### **Cross-cutting support measures**U.K.

The cross-cutting issues will be supported by a number of horizontal support measures, including support to: enhancing the                     attractiveness of the research profession, including the general principles of the European Charter for Researchers; strengthening                     the evidence base and the development of and support for ERA (including the five ERA initiatives) and the Innovation Union;                     improving framework conditions in support of the Innovation Union, including the principles of the Commission Recommendation                     on the management of intellectual property(25) and exploring the possibility of setting up an European Intellectual Property Rights valorisation instrument; administration                     and coordination of international networks for excellent researchers and innovators, such as COST.                  

## PART I.U.K.**PRIORITY 'Excellent science'**

This Part aims to reinforce and extend the excellence of the Union's science base and to consolidate the ERA in order to make                     the Union's research and innovation system more competitive on a global scale. It consists of four specific objectives:                  

"The European Research Council (ERC)" shall provide attractive and flexible funding to enable talented and creative individual                              researchers and their teams to pursue the most promising avenues at the frontier of science, on the basis of Union-wide competition.                           

"Future and emerging technologies (FET)" shall support collaborative research in order to extend Europe's capacity for advanced                              and paradigm-changing innovation. It shall foster scientific collaboration across disciplines on radically new, high-risk                              ideas and accelerate development of the most promising emerging areas of science and technology as well as the Union-wide                              structuring of the corresponding scientific communities.                           

"Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions" shall provide excellent and innovative research training as well as attractive career and                              knowledge-exchange opportunities through cross-border and cross-sector mobility of researchers to best prepare them to face                              current and future societal challenges.                           

"Research infrastructures" shall develop and support excellent European research infrastructures and assist them to contribute                              to the ERA by fostering their innovation potential, attracting world-level researchers and training human capital, and complement                              this with the related Union policy and international cooperation.                           

Each of those objectives has been proven to have high Union added value. Together, they form a powerful and balanced set of                     activities which, in concert with activities at national, regional and local level, span the breadth of Europe's needs regarding                     advanced science and technology. Bringing them together in a single programme will enable them to operate with greater coherence,                     in a rationalised, simplified and more focused way, while maintaining the continuity which is vital to sustain their effectiveness.                  

The activities are inherently forward-looking, building skills in the long term, focusing on the next generation of science,                     technology, researchers and innovations and providing support for emerging talent from across the Union and associated countries,                     as well as worldwide. In view of their science-driven nature and largely 'bottom-up', investigator-driven funding arrangements,                     the European scientific community will play a strong role in determining the avenues of research followed under Horizon 2020                  

## PART II.U.K.**PRIORITY 'Industrial leadership'**

This Part aims to speed up development of the technologies and innovations that will underpin tomorrow's businesses and help                     innovative European SMEs to grow into world-leading companies. It consists of three specific objectives:                  

"Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies" shall provide dedicated support for research, development and demonstration                              and, where appropriate, for standardisation and certification, on information and communications technology (ICT), nanotechnology,                              advanced materials, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and processing and space. Emphasis will be placed on interactions                              and convergence across and between the different technologies and their relations to societal challenges. User needs shall                              be taken into account in all these fields.                           

"Access to risk finance" shall aim to overcome deficits in the availability of debt and equity finance for R&D and innovation-driven                              companies and projects at all stages of development. Together with the equity instrument of the Programme for the Competitiveness                              of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME) (2014-2020) it shall support the development of Union-level                              venture capital.                           

"Innovation in SMEs" shall provide SME-tailored support to stimulate all forms of innovation in SMEs, targeting those with                              the potential to grow and internationalise across the single market and beyond.                           

The activities shall follow a business-driven agenda. The budgets for the specific objectives 'Access to risk finance' and                     'Innovation in SMEs' will follow a demand-driven, bottom-up logic. Those budgets shall be complemented by the use of financial                     instruments. A dedicated SME instrument shall be implemented primarily in a bottom-up manner, tailored to the needs of SMEs,                     taking account of the specific objectives of the priority 'Societal challenges' and the specific objective 'Leadership in                     enabling and industrial technologies'.                  

Horizon 2020 will take an integrated approach to the participation of SMEs, taking into account, inter alia, their knowledge                     and technology transfer needs, which should lead to a minimum of 20 % of the total combined budgets for all specific objectives                     of the priority 'Societal challenges' and the specific objective 'Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies' being                     devoted to SMEs.                  

The specific objective 'Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies' shall follow a technology-driven approach to develop                     enabling technologies that can be used in multiple areas, industries and services. Applications of these technologies to meet                     societal challenges shall be supported together with the priority 'Societal challenges'.                  

## PART III.U.K.**PRIORITY 'Societal challenges'**

This Part responds directly to the policy priorities and societal challenges that are identified in the Europe 2020 strategy                     and that aim to stimulate the critical mass of research and innovation efforts needed to achieve the Union's policy goals.                     Funding shall be focused on the following specific objectives:                  

Health, demographic change and well-being;

Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy;

Secure, clean and efficient energy;

Smart, green and integrated transport;

Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials;

Europe in a changing world - Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies;

Secure societies - Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens.

All the activities shall take a challenge-based approach, which may include basic research, applied research, knowledge transfer                     or innovation, focusing on policy priorities without predetermining the precise choice of technologies or solutions that should                     be developed. Non-technological, organisational and systems innovation as well as public sector innovation will be given attention                     in addition to technology-driven solutions. The emphasis shall be on bringing together a critical mass of resources and knowledge                     across different fields, technologies and scientific disciplines and research infrastructures in order to address the challenges.                     The activities shall cover the full cycle from basic research to market, with a new focus on innovation-related activities,                     such as piloting, demonstration activities, test-beds, support for public procurement, design, end-user driven innovation,                     social innovation, knowledge transfer and market take-up of innovations and standardisation.                  

## PART IV.U.K.**SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 'SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION'**

The specific objective 'Spreading excellence and widening participation' is to fully exploit the potential of Europe's talent                     pool and to ensure that the benefits of an innovation-led economy are both maximised and widely distributed across the Union                     in accordance with the principle of excellence.                  

## PART V.U.K.**SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 'SCIENCE WITH AND FOR SOCIETY'**

The aim of the specific objective 'Science with and for society' is to build effective cooperation between science and society,                     to recruit new talent for science and to pair scientific excellence with social awareness and responsibility.                  

## PART VI.U.K.**NON-NUCLEAR DIRECT ACTIONS OF THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE (JRC)**

The JRC's activities shall be an integral part of Horizon 2020, in order to provide robust, evidence-based support for Union                     policies. This shall be driven by customer needs, complemented by forward-looking activities.                  

## PART VII.U.K.**THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (EIT)**

The EIT shall play a major role by bringing together excellent research, innovation and higher education thus integrating                     the knowledge triangle. The EIT shall do so primarily through the KICs. In addition it shall ensure that experiences are shared                     between and beyond the KICs through targeted dissemination and knowledge sharing measures, thereby promoting a faster uptake                     of innovation models across the Union.                  

## PART IU.K.**EXCELLENT SCIENCE**

### 1.**European Research Council (ERC)**U.K.

#### 1.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to reinforce the excellence, dynamism and creativity of European research.

Europe has set out its ambition to move to a new economic model based on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. This type                     of transformation will need more than incremental improvements to current technologies and knowledge. It will require much                     higher capacity for basic research and science-based innovation fuelled by radical new knowledge, allowing Europe to take                     a leading role in creating the scientific and technological paradigm shifts which will be the key drivers of productivity                     growth, competitiveness, wealth, sustainable development and social progress in the future industries and sectors. Such paradigm                     shifts have historically tended to originate from the public-sector science base before going on to lay the foundations for                     whole new industries and sectors.                  

World-leading innovation is closely associated with excellent science. Once the undisputed leader, Europe has fallen behind                     in the race to produce the very best cutting-edge science and has played a secondary role to the United States in the major                     post-war technological advances. Although the Union remains the largest producer of scientific publications in the world,                     the United States produces twice as many of the most influential papers (the top 1 % by citation count). Similarly, international                     university rankings show that US universities dominate the top places. In addition, 70 % of the world's Nobel Prize winners                     are based in the United States.                  

One part of the challenge is that while Europe and the United States invest similar amounts in their public-sector science                     bases, the Union has nearly three times as many public-sector researchers, resulting in significantly lower investment per                     researcher. Moreover, US funding is more selective about allocating resources to the leading researchers. This helps to explain                     why the Union's public-sector researchers are, on average, less productive and, altogether, make less combined scientific                     impact than their far less numerous US counterparts.                  

Another major part of the challenge is that in many European countries the public and private sector still does not offer                     sufficiently attractive conditions for the best researchers. It can take many years before talented young researchers are                     able to become independent scientists in their own right. This leads to a dramatic waste of Europe's research potential by                     delaying and in some cases even inhibiting the emergence of the next generation of researchers, who bring new ideas and energy,                     and by enticing excellent researchers starting their career to seek advancement elsewhere.                  

Furthermore, these factors compound Europe's relative unattractiveness in the global competition for scientific talent.

#### 1.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

The ERC was created to provide Europe's best researchers, both women and men, with the resources they need to allow them to                     compete better at global level, by funding individual teams on the basis of pan-European competition. It operates autonomously:                     an independent Scientific Council made up of scientists, engineers and scholars of the highest repute and expertise, of both                     women and men in different age groups, establishes the overall scientific strategy and has full authority over decisions on                     the type of research to be funded. These are essential features of the ERC, guaranteeing the effectiveness of its scientific                     programme, the quality of its operations and peer-review process and its credibility in the scientific community.                  

Operating across Europe on a competitive basis, the ERC is able to draw on a wider pool of talents and ideas than would be                     possible for any national scheme. The best researchers and the best ideas compete against each other. Applicants know they                     have to perform at the highest level, the reward being flexible funding on a level playing field, irrespective of local bottlenecks                     or the availability of national funding.                  

Frontier research funded by the ERC is thereby expected to have a substantial direct impact in the form of advances at the                     frontiers of knowledge, opening the way to new and often unexpected scientific and technological results and new areas for                     research which, ultimately, can generate the radically new ideas which will drive innovation and business inventiveness and                     tackle societal challenges. This combination of excellent individual scientists with innovative ideas underpins every stage                     of the innovation chain.                  

Beyond this, the ERC has a significant structural impact by generating a powerful stimulus for driving up the quality of the                     European research system, over and above the researchers and projects which the ERC funds directly. ERC-funded projects and                     researchers set a clear and inspirational target for frontier research in Europe, raise its profile and make it more attractive                     for the best researchers at global level. The prestige of hosting ERC grant-holders and the accompanying 'stamp of excellence'                     are intensifying competition between Europe's universities and other research organisations to offer the most attractive conditions                     for top researchers. And the ability of national systems and individual research institutions to attract and host ERC grant-winners                     sets a benchmark allowing them to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses and reform their policies and practices accordingly.                     ERC funding is therefore in addition to ongoing efforts at Union, national and regional level to reform, build capacity and                     unlock the full potential and attractiveness of the European research system.                  

#### 1.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

The fundamental activity of the ERC shall be to provide attractive long-term funding to support excellent investigators and                     their research teams to pursue ground-breaking, high-gain/high-risk research.                  

ERC funding shall be awarded in accordance with the following well-established principles. Scientific excellence shall be                     the sole criterion on which ERC grants are awarded. The ERC shall operate on a 'bottom-up' basis without predetermined priorities.                     The ERC grants shall be open to individual teams of researchers of any age, gender, and from any country in the world, working                     in Europe. The ERC shall aim to foster healthy competition across Europe based on robust, transparent and impartial evaluation                     procedures which address, in particular, potential gender bias.                  

The ERC shall give particular priority to assisting the best starting researchers with excellent ideas to make the transition                     to independence by providing adequate support at the critical stage when they are setting up or consolidating their own research                     team or programme. The ERC will also continue to provide appropriate levels of support for established researchers.                  

The ERC shall also give support, as necessary, to new ways of working in the scientific world with the potential to create                     breakthrough results and to facilitate exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of the research which                     it funds.                  

By 2020, the ERC shall therefore aim to demonstrate that the best researchers are participating in the ERC's competitions,                     that ERC funding has led to scientific publications of the highest quality and to research results with high societal and                     economic potential impact, and that the ERC has contributed significantly to making Europe a more attractive environment for                     the world's best scientists. In particular, the ERC shall target a measurable improvement in the Union's share of the world's                     top 1 % most highly cited publications. In addition it shall aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers                     from outside Europe whom it funds. The ERC shall share experience and best practices with regional and national research funding                     agencies in order to promote the support of excellent researchers. In addition, the ERC shall further raise the visibility                     of its programmes.                  

The ERC's Scientific Council shall continuously monitor the ERC's operations and evaluation procedures and consider how best                     to achieve its objectives by means of grant schemes that emphasise effectiveness, clarity, stability and simplicity, both                     for applicants and in their implementation and management, and, as necessary, to respond to emerging needs. It shall endeavour                     to sustain and further refine the ERC's world-class peer-review system which is based on fully transparent, fair and impartial                     treatment of proposals so that it can identify ground-breaking scientific excellence, breakthrough ideas and talent regardless                     of a researcher's gender, nationality, institution or age. Finally, the ERC shall continue conducting its own strategic studies                     to prepare for and support its activities, maintain close contacts with the scientific community, the regional and national                     funding agencies and other stakeholders and aim to make its activities complement research conducted at other levels.                  

The ERC will ensure transparency in communication about its activities and results to the scientific community and the general                     public and maintain updated data from funded projects.                  

### 2.**Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)**U.K.

#### 2.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to foster radically new technologies with the potential to open new fields for scientific knowledge                     and technologies and contribute to the European next generation industries, by exploring novel and high-risk ideas building                     on scientific foundations. By providing flexible support to goal-oriented and interdisciplinary collaborative research on                     various scales and by adopting innovative research practices, the aim is to identify and seize opportunities of long-term                     benefit for citizens, the economy and society. FET will bring Union added value to the frontiers of modern research.                  

FET shall promote research and technology beyond what is known, accepted or widely adopted and shall foster novel and visionary                     thinking to open promising paths towards powerful new technologies, some of which could develop into leading technological                     and intellectual paradigms for the decades ahead. FET shall foster efforts to pursue small-scale research opportunities across                     all areas, including emerging themes and grand scientific and technological challenges that require close collaboration between                     programmes across Europe and beyond. This approach shall be driven by excellence and extends to exploring pre-competitive                     ideas for shaping the future of technology, enabling society and industry to benefit from multi-disciplinary research collaboration                     that needs to be engaged at European level by making the link between research driven by science and research driven by societal                     goals and challenges or by industrial competitiveness.                  

#### 2.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

Radical breakthroughs with a transformative impact increasingly rely on intense collaboration across disciplines in science                     and technology (for instance, information and communication, biology, bioengineering and robotics, chemistry, physics, mathematics,                     medicine modelling, Earth system sciences, material sciences, neuro- and cognitive sciences, social sciences or economics)                     and with the arts, behavioural sciences and humanities. This may require not only excellence in science and technology but                     also new attitudes and novel interactions between a broad range of players in research.                  

While some ideas can be developed on a small scale, others may be so challenging that they require a large collaborative effort                     over a substantial period of time. Major economies worldwide have recognised this, and there is growing global competition                     to identify and pursue emerging technological opportunities at the frontier of science which can generate a considerable impact                     on innovation and benefits for society. To be effective, these types of activities may need to be built up quickly to a large                     scale by a common European effort around common goals to build critical mass, foster synergies and obtain optimal leveraging                     effects.                  

FET shall address the entire spectrum of science-driven innovation: from bottom-up, small-scale early explorations of embryonic                     and fragile ideas to building new research and innovation communities around transformative emerging research areas and large                     collaborative research initiatives built around a research agenda aiming to achieve ambitious and visionary goals. These three                     levels of engagement each have their own specific value, while being complementary and synergistic. For example, small-scale                     explorations can reveal needs for developing new themes that can lead to large-scale action based on appropriate roadmaps.                     They may involve a wide range of research players, including young researchers and research-intensive SMEs, and stakeholder                     communities (civil society, policymakers, industry and public researchers), clustered around evolving research agendas as                     they take shape, mature and diversify.                  

#### 2.3.*Broad lines of activities*U.K.

While FET aims to be visionary, transformative and unconventional, its activities shall follow different logics, from completely                     open to varying degrees of structuring of topics, communities and funding.                  

The activities shall give firmer shape to different logics for action, on the appropriate scale, identifying and seizing opportunities                     of long-term benefit for citizens, the economy and society:                  

By fostering novel ideas ('FET Open'), FET shall support early stage science and technology research exploring new foundations                              for radically new future technologies by challenging current paradigms and venturing into unknown areas. A bottom-up selection                              process widely open to any research ideas shall build up a diverse portfolio of targeted projects. Early detection of promising                              new areas, developments and trends, along with attracting new and high-potential research and innovation players, will be                              key factors.                           

By nurturing emerging themes and communities ('FET Proactive'), FET shall, in close association with the societal challenges                              and industrial leadership themes, address a number of promising exploratory research themes with the potential to generate                              a critical mass of inter-related projects that, together, make up a broad and multi-faceted exploration of the themes and                              build a European pool of knowledge.                           

By pursuing grand interdisciplinary scientific and technological challenges ('FET Flagships'), FET shall, taking into full                              account the outcome of FET preparatory projects, support ambitious large-scale, science and technology-driven research aiming                              to achieve a scientific and technological breakthrough in areas identified as relevant in an open and transparent manner involving                              the Member States and relevant stakeholders. Such activities could benefit from the coordination between European, national                              and regional agendas. The scientific advance should provide a strong and broad basis for future technological innovation and                              economic application, plus novel benefits for society. These activities shall be realised using the existing funding instruments.                           

40 % of FET resources will be devoted to FET Open.

### 3.**Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions**U.K.

#### 3.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to ensure optimal development and dynamic use of Europe's intellectual capital in order to generate,                     develop and transfer new skills, knowledge and innovation and, thus, to realise its full potential across all sectors and                     regions.                  

Well-trained, dynamic and creative researchers are the essential element for the best science and the most productive research-based                     innovation.                  

Although Europe hosts a large and diversified pool of skilled human resources for research and innovation, this needs to be                     constantly replenished, improved and adapted to the rapidly evolving needs of the labour market. In 2011 only 46 % of this                     pool worked in the business sector, which is much lower than in Europe's main economic competitors, e.g. 69 % in China, 73 %                     in Japan and 80 % in the United States. In addition, demographic factors mean that a disproportionate number of researchers                     will reach retirement age in the next few years. This, combined with the need for many more high-quality research jobs as                     the research intensity of the European economy increases, will be one of the main challenges facing European research, innovation                     and education systems in the years ahead.                  

The necessary reform must start at the first stages of the researchers' careers, during their doctoral studies or comparable                     post-graduate training. Europe must develop state-of-the-art, innovative training schemes, consistent with the highly competitive                     and increasingly inter-disciplinary requirements of research and innovation. Significant involvement of businesses, including                     SMEs and other socio-economic actors, will be needed to equip researchers with the cross-cutting innovation and entrepreneurial                     skills demanded by the jobs of tomorrow and encourage them to consider their careers in industry or in the most innovative                     companies. It will also be important to enhance the mobility of these researchers, as it currently remains at a too modest                     level: in 2008, only 7 % of European doctoral candidates were trained in another Member State, whereas the target is 20 %                     by 2030.                  

This reform must continue through every stage of researchers' careers. It is vital to increase the mobility of researchers                     at all levels, including mid-career mobility, not only between countries but also between the public and private sectors.                     This creates a strong stimulus for learning and developing new skills. It is also a key factor in cooperation between academics,                     research centres and industry across countries. The human factor is the backbone of sustainable cooperation which is the key                     driver for an innovative and creative Europe able to face societal challenges, and key to overcoming fragmentation of national                     policies. Collaborating and sharing knowledge, through individual mobility at all stages of a career and through exchanges                     of highly skilled R&I staff, are essential for Europe to re-take the path to sustainable growth, to tackle societal challenges                     and thereby contribute to overcoming disparities in research and innovation capacities.                  

In this context, Horizon 2020 should also encourage career development and mobility of researchers through improved conditions                     to be defined for the portability of Horizon 2020 grants.                  

Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will ensure effective equal opportunities for the mobility of male and female researchers,                     including through specific measures to remove barriers.                  

If Europe is to match its competitors in research and innovation, it must entice more young women and men to embark on research                     careers and provide highly attractive opportunities and environments for research and innovation. The most talented individuals,                     from Europe and elsewhere, should see Europe as a pre-eminent place to work. Gender equality, high-quality and reliable employment                     and working conditions and recognition are crucial aspects that must be secured in a consistent way across the whole of Europe.                  

#### 3.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

Neither Union funding alone nor Member States individually will be able to address this challenge. Although Member States                     have introduced reforms to improve their tertiary education institutions and modernise their training systems, progress is                     still uneven across Europe, with big differences between countries. Overall, scientific and technological cooperation between                     the public and private sectors generally remains weak in Europe. The same applies to gender equality and to the efforts to                     attract students and researchers from outside the ERA. Currently around 20 % of the doctoral candidates in the Union are citizens                     of third countries, whereas about 35 % in the United States come from abroad. To speed up this change, a strategic approach                     that goes beyond national borders is required at Union level. Union funding is crucial to create incentives for and encourage                     the indispensable structural reforms.                  

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions have made remarkable progress to promote mobility, both transnational and intersectoral,                     and to open research careers at European and international level, with excellent employment and working conditions following                     the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. There is                     no equivalent in Member States as far as their scale and scope, funding, international character, generation and transfer                     of knowledge are concerned. They have strengthened the resources of those institutions able to attract researchers internationally                     and thereby encouraged the spread of centres of excellence around the Union. They have served as a role model with a pronounced                     structuring effect by spreading their best practices at national level. The bottom-up approach taken by Marie Skłodowska-Curie                     actions has also allowed a large majority of those institutions to train and upgrade the skills of a new generation of researchers                     able to tackle societal challenges.                  

Further development of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will make a significant contribution to development of the ERA.                     With their Europe-wide competitive funding structure, Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will, whilst respecting the principle                     of subsidiarity, encourage new, creative and innovative types of training such as joint or multiple doctoral degrees and industrial                     doctorates, involving research, innovation and education players who will have to compete globally for a reputation of excellence.                     By providing Union funding for the best research and training programmes following the principles for innovative doctoral                     training in Europe, they will also promote wider dissemination and take-up, moving towards more structured doctoral training.                  

Marie Skłodowska-Curie grants will also be extended to the temporary mobility of experienced researchers and engineers from                     public institutions to the private sector or vice versa, thereby encouraging and supporting universities, research centres                     and businesses, and other socio-economic actors to cooperate with one another on a European and international scale. With                     the aid of their well-established, transparent and fair evaluation system, Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will identify excellent                     talents in research and innovation in an international competition which gives prestige and therefore motivation for researchers                     to advance their career in Europe.                  

The societal challenges to be addressed by highly skilled R&I staff are not just Europe's problem. These are international                     challenges of colossal complexity and magnitude. The best researchers in Europe and in the world need to work together across                     countries, sectors and disciplines. Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will play a key role in this respect by supporting staff                     exchanges that will foster collaborative thinking through international and intersectoral knowledge-sharing that is so crucial                     for open innovation.                  

The co-funding mechanism of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will be crucial to expand Europe's pool of talents. The numerical                     and structural impact of Union action will be increased by leveraging regional, national and international funding, both public                     and private, to create new programmes with similar and complementary goals and to adapt existing ones to international and                     intersectoral training, mobility and career development. Such a mechanism will forge stronger links between research and education                     efforts at national and Union level.                  

All the activities under this challenge will contribute to creating a whole new mindset in Europe that is crucial for creativity                     and innovation. Marie Skłodowska-Curie funding measures will strengthen pooling of resources in Europe and thereby lead to                     improvements in coordination and governance of researchers' training, mobility and career development. They will contribute                     to the policy goals outlined in the flagship initiatives 'Innovation Union', 'Youth on the Move' and 'Agenda for New Skills                     and Jobs' and will be vital to turn the ERA into reality. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will therefore be developed in                     close synergy with other programmes supporting these policy objectives, including the Erasmus+ programme and the KICs of the                     EIT.                  

#### 3.3.*Broad lines of activities*U.K.

##### (a)Fostering new skills by means of excellent initial training of researchersU.K.

The goal is to train a new generation of creative and innovative researchers, able to convert knowledge and ideas into products                     and services for economic and social benefit in the Union.                  

Key activities shall be to provide excellent and innovative training to early-stage researchers at post-graduate level through                     interdisciplinary projects, including mentoring to transfer knowledge and experience between researchers or doctoral programmes,                     helping researchers to develop their research career and involving universities, research institutions, research infrastructures,                     businesses, SMEs and other socio-economic groups from different Member States, associated countries and/or third countries.                     This will improve career prospects for young post-graduate researchers in both the public and private sectors.                  

##### (b)Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobilityU.K.

The goal is to enhance the creative and innovative potential of experienced researchers at all career levels by creating opportunities                     for cross-border and cross-sector mobility.                  

Key activities shall be to encourage experienced researchers to broaden or deepen their skills by means of mobility by opening                     attractive career opportunities in universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses, SMEs and other                     socio-economic groups all over Europe and beyond. This should enhance the innovativeness of the private sector and promote                     cross-sector mobility. Opportunities to be trained and to acquire new knowledge in a third-country high-level research institution,                     to restart a research career after a break and to (re-)integrate researchers into a longer-term research position in Europe,                     including in their country of origin, after a trans-national/international mobility experience covering return and reintegration                     aspects, shall also be supported.                  

##### (c)Stimulating innovation by means of cross-fertilisation of knowledgeU.K.

The goal is to reinforce international cross-border and cross-sector collaboration in research and innovation by means of                     exchanges of research and innovation personnel in order to be able to face global challenges better.                  

Key activities shall be to support exchanges of R&I staff among a partnership of universities, research institutions, research                     infrastructures, businesses, SMEs and other socio-economic groups, both within Europe and worldwide. This will include fostering                     cooperation with third countries.                  

##### (d)Increasing the structural impact by co-funding the activitiesU.K.

The goal is, by leveraging additional funds, to increase the numerical and structural impact of Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions                     and to foster excellence at national level in researchers' training, mobility and career development.                  

Key activities shall be, with the aid of a co-funding mechanism, to encourage regional, national and international organisations,                     both public and private, to create new programmes and to adapt existing ones to international and intersectoral training,                     mobility and career development. This will increase the quality of research training in Europe at all career stages, including                     at doctoral level, foster free circulation of researchers and scientific knowledge in Europe, promote attractive research                     careers by offering open recruitment and attractive working conditions, and support research and innovation cooperation between                     universities, research institutions and enterprises and cooperation with third countries and international organisations.                  

##### (e)Specific support and policy actionU.K.

The goals are to monitor progress, identify gaps and barriers in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions and to increase their                     impact. In this context, indicators shall be developed and data related to researchers' mobility, skills, careers and gender                     equality analysed, seeking synergies and close coordination with the policy support actions on researchers, their employers                     and funders carried out under the specific objective 'Europe in a changing world - Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies'.                     The activity shall further aim at raising awareness of the importance and attractiveness of a research career and at disseminating                     research and innovation results emanating from work supported by Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions.                  

### 4.**Research Infrastructures**U.K.

#### 4.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to endow Europe with world-class research infrastructures which are accessible to all researchers                     in Europe and beyond and which fully exploit their potential for scientific advance and innovation.                  

Research infrastructures are key determinants of Europe's competitiveness across the full breadth of scientific domains and                     essential to science-based innovation. In many fields research is impossible without access to supercomputers, analytical                     facilities, radiation sources for new materials, clean rooms and advanced metrology for nanotechnologies, specially equipped                     labs for biological and medical research, databases for genomics and social sciences, observatories and sensors for the Earth                     sciences and the environment, high-speed broadband networks for transferring data, etc. Research infrastructures are necessary                     to carry out the research needed to address major societal challenges. They propel collaboration across borders and disciplines                     and create a seamless and open European space for online research. They promote mobility of people and ideas, bring together                     the best scientists from across Europe and the world and enhance scientific education. They challenge researchers and innovative                     companies to develop state of the art technology. In this way, they strengthen Europe's high-tech innovative industry. They                     drive excellence within the European research and innovation communities and can be outstanding showcases of science for society                     at large.                  

Europe must establish, on the basis of commonly agreed criteria, an adequate, stable base for building, maintaining and operating                     research infrastructures if its research is to remain world-class. This requires substantial and effective cooperation between                     Union, national and regional funders for which strong links with the cohesion policy will be pursued to ensure synergies and                     a coherent approach.                  

This specific objective addresses a core commitment of the flagship initiative 'Innovation Union', which highlights the crucial                     role played by world-class research infrastructures in making ground-breaking research and innovation possible. The initiative                     stresses the need to pool resources across Europe, and in some cases globally, in order to build and operate research infrastructures.                     Equally, the flagship initiative 'Digital Agenda for Europe' emphasises the need to reinforce Europe's e-infrastructures and                     the importance of developing innovation clusters to build Europe's innovative advantage.                  

#### 4.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

State-of-the-art research infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex and costly, often requiring integration of different                     equipment, services and data sources and extensive transnational collaboration. No single country has enough resources to                     support all the research infrastructures it needs. The European approach to research infrastructures has made remarkable progress                     in recent years with continuously developing and implementing the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI)                     roadmap for infrastructures, integrating and opening national research facilities and developing e-infrastructures underpinning                     an open digital ERA. The networks of research infrastructures across Europe strengthen its human resource base by providing                     world-class training for a new generation of researchers and engineers and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Synergies                     with Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions will be encouraged.                  

Further development and wider use of research infrastructures at European level will make a significant contribution to development                     of the ERA. While the role of Member States remains central in developing and financing research infrastructures, the Union                     plays an important part in supporting infrastructure at European level such as encouraging co-ordination of European research                     infrastructures, by fostering the emergence of new and integrated facilities, opening up and supporting broad access to national                     and European infrastructures, and making sure that regional, national, European and international policies are consistent                     and effective. It is necessary to avoid duplication and fragmentation of efforts, to foster coordinated and effective use                     of the facilities and, where appropriate, to pool resources so that Europe can also acquire and operate research infrastructures                     at world-class level.                  

ICT has transformed science by enabling remote collaboration, massive data processing, in silico experimentation and access                     to distant resources. Research therefore becomes increasingly transnational and interdisciplinary, requiring the use of ICT                     infrastructures that are as supranational as science itself.                  

The efficiencies of scale and scope achieved by a European approach to construction, use and management of research infrastructures,                     including e-infrastructures, will make a significant contribution to boosting Europe's research and innovation potential and                     make the Union more competitive at international level.                  

#### 4.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

The activities shall aim at developing the European research infrastructures for 2020 and beyond, fostering their innovation                     potential and human resources and reinforcing European research infrastructure policy.                  

##### (a)Developing the European research infrastructures for 2020 and beyondU.K.

The aim shall be to facilitate and support actions linked to: (1) the preparation, implementation and operation of the ESFRI                     and other world-class research infrastructures, including the development of regional partner facilities, when a strong added                     value for Union intervention exists; (2) the integration of and transnational access to national and regional research infrastructures                     of European interest, so that European scientists can use them, irrespective of their location, to conduct top-level research;                     (3) the development, deployment and operation of e-infrastructures to ensure world-leading capability in networking, computing                     and scientific data.                  

##### (b)Fostering the innovation potential of research infrastructures and their human resourcesU.K.

The aims shall be to encourage research infrastructures to act as early adopters or developers of cutting-edge technology,                     to promote R&D partnerships with industry, to facilitate industrial use of research infrastructures and to stimulate the creation                     of innovation clusters. This activity shall also support training and/or exchanges of staff managing and operating research                     infrastructures.                  

##### (c)Reinforcing European research infrastructure policy and international cooperationU.K.

The aim shall be to support partnerships between relevant policymakers and funding bodies, mapping and monitoring tools for                     decision-making and also international cooperation activities. European research infrastructures may be supported in their                     international relations activities.                  

The objectives set out under activity lines (b) and (c) shall be pursued by dedicated actions, as well as within the actions                     developed under activity line (a), when appropriate.                  

## PART IIU.K.**INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP**

### 1.**Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies**U.K.

The specific objective is to maintain and build global leadership through research and innovation in enabling technologies                     and space, which underpin competitiveness across a range of existing and emerging industries and sectors.                  

The global business environment is changing rapidly and the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy present challenges and                     opportunities to European industry. Europe needs to accelerate innovation, transforming the knowledge generated to underpin                     and enhance existing products, services and markets, and to create new ones while maintaining focus on quality and sustainability.                     Innovation should be exploited in the widest sense, going beyond technology to include business, organisational and social                     aspects.                  

To stay at the forefront of global competition with a strong technological base and industrial capabilities, increased strategic                     investments in research, development, validation and piloting are required in ICT, nanotechnologies, advanced materials, biotechnology,                     advanced manufacturing and processing, and space.                  

The successful mastering, integration and deployment of enabling technologies by European industry is a key factor in strengthening                     Europe's productivity and innovation capacity and ensuring that Europe has an advanced, sustainable and competitive economy,                     global leadership in hi-tech application sectors and the ability to develop effective and sustainable solutions for societal                     challenges. The pervasive nature of such activities can spur further progress through complementary inventions, applications                     and services, ensuring a higher return on investment in these technologies than in any other field.                  

These activities will contribute to the objectives of the flagship initiatives 'Innovation Union', 'Resource-efficient Europe',                     'An industrial policy for the globalisation era', and 'Digital Agenda for Europe' of the Europe 2020 strategy, as well as                     to Union space policy objectives.                  

#### Complementarities with other activities in Horizon 2020U.K.

The activities under the specific objective 'Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies' will be primarily based on                     research and innovation agendas mainly defined by industry and business, including SMEs, together with the research community                     and Member States in an open and transparent manner and have a strong focus on leveraging private sector investment and on                     innovation.                  

The integration of enabling technologies in solutions for the societal challenges shall be supported together with the relevant                     challenges. Applications of enabling technologies that do not fall under the societal challenges, but are important for reinforcing                     the competitiveness of European industry, shall be supported under the specific objective 'Leadership in Enabling and Industrial                     Technologies'. Appropriate coordination should be sought with the priorities 'Excellent Science' and 'Societal Challenges'.                  

#### A common approachU.K.

The approach shall include both agenda-driven activities and more open areas to promote innovative projects and breakthrough                     solutions covering the whole value chain, including R&D, large-scale pilots and demonstration activities, test beds and living                     labs, prototyping and product validation in pilot lines. Activities shall be designed to boost industrial competitiveness                     by stimulating industry, and in particular SMEs, to make more research and innovation investment, including through open calls.                     Adequate focus will be given to small and medium scale projects.                  

#### An integrated approach to Key Enabling TechnologiesU.K.

A major component of the specific objective 'Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies' are Key Enabling Technologies                     (KETs), defined as micro- and nanoelectronics, photonics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing                     systems(26). These multi-disciplinary, knowledge and capital-intensive technologies cut across many diverse sectors providing the basis                     for significant competitive advantage for European industry, for stimulating growth and for creating new jobs. An integrated                     approach, promoting the combination, convergence and cross-fertilisation effect of KETs in different innovation cycles and                     value chains can deliver promising research results and open the way to new industrial technologies, products, services and                     novel applications (e.g. in space, transport, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, environment, food, health and energy). The                     numerous interactions of KETs and other industrial enabling technologies will therefore be exploited in a flexible manner,                     as an important source of innovation. This will complement support for research and innovation in KETs that may be provided                     by national or regional authorities under the Cohesion Policy Funds within the framework of smart specialisation strategies.                  

Innovation requires enhanced cross-technology research efforts. Therefore, multidisciplinary and multi-KET projects should                     be an integral part of the priority 'Industrial Leadership'. The Horizon 2020 implementation structure supporting KETs and                     cross-cutting KET activities (multi KETs) should ensure synergies and effective coordination, among others, with societal                     challenges. In addition, synergies will be sought, where appropriate, between KET activities and the activities under the                     cohesion policy for 2014-2020, as well as with the EIT.                  

For all the enabling and industrial technologies, including the KETs, a major aim will be to foster interactions between the                     technologies and with the applications under the societal challenges. This shall be fully taken into account in developing                     and implementing the agendas and priorities. It requires that stakeholders representing the different perspectives are fully                     involved in priority setting and implementation. In certain cases, it will also require actions that are jointly funded by                     the enabling and industrial technologies and by the relevant societal challenges. This could include joint funding for public-private                     partnerships that aim to develop technologies, foster innovation and apply such technologies to address societal challenges.                  

ICT plays an important role as it provides the key basic infrastructures, technologies and systems for vital economic and                     social processes and new private and public products and services. European industry needs to remain at the cutting edge of                     technological developments in ICT, where many technologies are entering a new disruptive phase, opening up new opportunities.                  

Space is a rapidly growing sector which delivers information vital to many areas of modern society, meeting its fundamental                     demands, addresses universal scientific questions, and serves to secure the Union's position as a major player on the international                     stage. Space research underpins all activities undertaken in space, but is currently addressed in programmes run by Member                     States, the European Space Agency (ESA) or in the context of Union Framework Programmes for Research. Union level action and                     investment in space research are required in accordance with Article 189 TFEU, in order to maintain the competitive edge,                     to safeguard Union space infrastructures and programmes such as Copernicus and Galileo and to sustain a future role for Europe                     in space.                  

In addition, innovative downstream services and user-friendly applications using space derived information represent an important                     source of growth and job creation, and their development represents an important opportunity for the Union.                  

#### Partnering and added valueU.K.

Europe can achieve critical mass through partnering, clusters and networks, standardisation, promoting cooperation between                     different scientific and technological disciplines and sectors with similar research and development needs, leading to breakthroughs,                     new technologies and innovative product, service and process solutions.                  

The development and implementation of research and innovation agendas including through public–private partnerships, but also                     by the building of effective industry-academia links, the leveraging of additional investments, the access to risk finance,                     standardisation and the support to pre-commercial procurement and the procurement of innovative products and services, are                     all aspects that are essential in addressing competitiveness.                  

In this regard, strong links with the EIT are also needed to produce and promote entrepreneurial top talents and to speed                     up innovation by bringing together people from different countries, disciplines and organisations.                  

Union level collaboration can also support trade opportunities through the support for the development of European or international                     standards for new emerging products and services and technologies. Development of such standards following consultation of                     relevant stakeholders, including those from science and industry, could have a positive impact. Activities in support of standardisation                     and interoperability, safety and pre-regulatory activities will be promoted.                  

#### 1.1.*Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)*U.K.

##### 1.1.1.Specific objective for ICTU.K.

In line with the flagship initiative 'Digital Agenda for Europe'(27), the specific objective of ICT research and innovation (R&I) is to enable Europe to support, develop and exploit the opportunities                     brought by ICT progress for the benefits of its citizens, businesses and scientific communities.                  

As the world's largest economy and representing the largest share of the world's ICT market, worth more than EUR 2 600 billion                     (EUR 2 600 000 000 000) in 2011, Europe should have legitimate ambitions for its businesses, governments, research and development                     centres and universities to lead European and global developments in ICT, to grow new business, and to invest more in ICT                     innovations.                  

By 2020, Europe's ICT sector should supply at least the equivalent of its share of the global ICT market, which was about                     one third in 2011. Europe should also grow innovative businesses in ICT so that one third of all business investment in ICT                     R&D in the Union, which amounted to more than EUR 35 billion per year in 2011, is made by companies created within the last                     two decades. This would require an increase in public investments in ICT R&D in ways that leverage private spending, towards                     the goal of amplifying investments in the next decade, and significantly more European poles and clusters of world-class excellence                     in ICT.                  

To master increasingly complex and multidisciplinary technology and business chains in ICT, partnering, risk-sharing and mobilisation                     of critical mass across the Union are needed. Union level action should help industry address a single market perspective                     and achieve economies of scale and scope. Collaboration around common, open technology platforms with spill-over and leverage                     effects will allow a wide range of stakeholders to benefit from new developments and create further innovations. Partnering                     at Union level also enables consensus building, establishes a visible focal point for international partners, and will support                     the development of standards and interoperable solutions both in the Union and worldwide.                  

##### 1.1.2.Rationale and Union added valueU.K.

ICT underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors, and enables scientific                     progress in all disciplines. Over the next decade, the transformative impact of digital technologies and ICT components, infrastructures                     and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life. Computing, communication and data storage resources will continue                     to spread over the coming years. Vast amounts of information and data, including real-time, will be generated by sensors,                     machines and information-enhanced products, making action at a distance commonplace, enabling global deployment of business                     processes and sustainable production sites allowing the creation of a wide range of services and applications.                  

Many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science, learning, business                     and the culture and creative sector as well as the public sector will be provided, and thus made more accessible, through                     ICT. ICT will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes, communication and transactions. ICT                     will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges, as well as to societal processes such as community                     formation, consumer behaviour, political participation and public governance, for example by means of social media and collective-awareness                     platforms and tools. It is crucial to support and integrate research which takes a user-centred perspective in order to develop                     competitive solutions.                  

The Union support to ICT research and innovation makes a significant contribution to the development of the next generation                     technologies and applications as it makes up a large part of total spending on collaborative, mid-to-high risk R&I in Europe.                     Public investment in ICT research and innovation at Union level has been and remains essential to mobilise the critical mass                     leading to breakthroughs and to a wider uptake and better use of innovative solutions, products and services. It continues                     to play a central role in developing open platforms and technologies applicable across the Union, in testing and piloting                     innovations in real pan-European settings and in optimising resources when addressing Union competitiveness and tackling common                     societal challenges. Union support to ICT research and innovation is also enabling hi-tech SMEs to grow and capitalise on                     the size of Union-wide markets. It is strengthening collaboration and excellence amongst Union scientists and engineers, reinforcing                     synergies with and between national budgets, and acting as a focal point for collaboration with partners outside Europe.                  

Successive evaluations of ICT activities in the Seventh Framework Programme have shown that focused ICT research and innovation                     investment undertaken at Union level has been instrumental in building industrial leadership in areas like mobile communications                     and safety-critical ICT systems, and to address challenges like energy-efficiency, health, food security, transport or demographic                     change. Union investments in ICT research infrastructures have provided European researchers with the world's best research                     networking and computing facilities.                  

##### 1.1.3.Broad lines of the activitiesU.K.

A number of activity lines shall target ICT industrial and technological leadership challenges and cover generic ICT research                     and innovation agendas, including notably:                  

A new generation of components and systems: engineering of advanced, embedded and energy- and resource-efficient components                              and systems;                           

Next generation computing: advanced and secure computing systems and technologies, including cloud computing;

Future Internet: software, hardware, infrastructures, technologies and services;

Content technologies and information management: ICT for digital content and for cultural and creative industries;

Advanced interfaces and robots: robotics and smart spaces;

Micro- and nanoelectronics and photonics: key enabling technologies related to micro- and nanoelectronics and to photonics                              covering also quantum technologies.                           

These six major activity lines are expected to cover the full range of needs, taking into account the competitiveness of European                     industry on a global scale. These would include industrial leadership in generic ICT-based solutions, products and services                     needed to tackle major societal challenges as well as application-driven ICT research and innovation agendas which will be                     supported together with the relevant societal challenge. In view of the ever increasing advancement of technology in all areas                     of life, the interaction between humans and technology will be important in this respect, and part of the application-driven                     ICT research mentioned above.                  

These six activity lines shall also include ICT specific research infrastructures such as living labs for experimentation,                     and infrastructures for underlying key enabling technologies and their integration in advanced products and innovative smart                     systems, including equipment, tools, support services, clean rooms and access to foundries for prototyping.                  

Horizon 2020 will support research and development of ICT systems in full respect of the fundamental rights and freedoms of                     natural persons and in particular their right to privacy.                  

#### 1.2.*Nanotechnologies*U.K.

##### 1.2.1.Specific objective for nanotechnologiesU.K.

The specific objective of nanotechnologies research and innovation is to secure Union leadership in this high growth global                     market, by stimulating scientific and technological advancements and investment in nanotechnologies and their uptake in high                     added value, competitive products and services across a range of applications and sectors.                  

By 2020, nanotechnologies will be mainstreamed, that is seamlessly integrated with most technologies and applications, driven                     by consumer benefits, quality of life, healthcare, sustainable development and the strong industrial potential for achieving                     previously unavailable solutions for productivity and resource efficiency.                  

Europe must also set the global benchmark on safe and responsible nanotechnology deployment and governance ensuring both high                     societal and industrial returns combined with high standards of safety and sustainability.                  

Products using nanotechnologies represent a world market which Europe cannot afford to ignore. Market estimates of the value                     of products incorporating nanotechnology as the key component reach EUR 700 billion by 2015 and EUR 2 trillion by 2020, with                     a corresponding 2 and 6 million jobs respectively. Europe's nanotechnology companies should exploit this double digit market                     growth and be capable of capturing a market share at least equal to Europe's share of global research funding (i.e. a quarter)                     by 2020.                  

##### 1.2.2.Rationale and Union added valueU.K.

Nanotechnologies are a spectrum of evolving technologies with proven potential, having revolutionary impact for example in                     materials, ICT, transport mobility, life sciences, healthcare (including treatment), consumer goods and manufacturing once                     the research is translated into breakthrough, sustainable and competitive products and production processes.                  

Nanotechnologies have a critical role to play in addressing the challenges identified by the Europe 2020 strategy. The successful                     deployment of these key enabling technologies will contribute to the competitiveness of Union industry by enabling novel and                     improved products or more efficient processes and provide responses to today's and future societal challenges.                  

The global research funding for nanotechnologies has doubled from around EUR 6,5 billion in 2004 to around EUR 12,5 billion                     in 2008, with the Union accounting for about a quarter of this total. The Union has recognised research leadership in nanosciences                     and nanotechnologies with a projection of some 4 000 companies in the Union by 2015. This research leadership must be maintained                     and amplified and further translated into practical use and commercialisation.                  

Europe now needs to secure and build on its position in the global market by promoting wide scale cooperation in and across                     many different value chains and between different industrial sectors to realise the process scale-up of these technologies                     into safe, sustainable and viable commercial products. The issues of risk assessment and management as well as responsible                     governance are emerging as determining factors of future impact of nanotechnologies on society, the environment and the economy.                  

Thus, the focus of activities shall be on the widespread, responsible and sustainable application of nanotechnologies into                     the economy, to enable benefits with high societal and industrial impact. To ensure the potential opportunities, including                     setting-up new companies and generating new jobs, research should provide the necessary tools to allow for standardisation                     and regulation to be correctly implemented.                  

##### 1.2.3.Broad lines of the activitiesU.K.

###### (a)Developing next generation nanomaterials, nanodevices and nanosystemsU.K.

Aiming at fundamentally new products enabling sustainable solutions in a wide range of sectors.

###### (b)Ensuring the safe and sustainable development and application of nanotechnologiesU.K.

Advancing scientific knowledge of the potential impact of nanotechnologies and nanosystems on health or on the environment,                     and providing tools for risk assessment and management along the entire life cycle, including standardisation issues.                  

###### (c)Developing the societal dimension of nanotechnologyU.K.

Focusing on governance of nanotechnology for societal and environmental benefit.

###### (d)Efficient and sustainable synthesis and manufacturing of nanomaterials, components and systemsU.K.

Focusing on new operations, smart integration of new and existing processes, including technology convergence, as well as                     up-scaling to achieve high precision large-scale production of products and flexible and multi-purpose plants that ensure                     the efficient transfer of knowledge into industrial innovation.                  

###### (e)Developing and standardisation of capacity-enhancing techniques, measuring methods and equipmentU.K.

Focusing on the underpinning technologies supporting the development and market introduction of safe complex nanomaterials                     and nanosystems.                  

#### 1.3.*Advanced materials*U.K.

##### 1.3.1.Specific objective for advanced materialsU.K.

The specific objective of advanced materials research and innovation is to develop materials with new functionalities and                     improved in-service performance, for more competitive and safe products that minimise the impact on the environment and the                     consumption of resources.                  

Materials are at the core of industrial innovation and are key enablers. Advanced materials with higher knowledge content,                     new functionalities and improved performance are indispensable for industrial competitiveness and sustainable development                     across a broad range of applications and sectors.                  

##### 1.3.2.Rationale and Union added valueU.K.

New advanced materials are needed in developing better performing and sustainable products and processes and for substituting                     scarce resources. Such materials are a part of the solution to our industrial and societal challenges, offering better performance                     in their use, lower resource and energy requirements, and sustainability during the entire life-cycle of the products.                  

Application-driven development often involves the design of totally new materials, with the ability to deliver planned in-service                     performances. Such materials are an important element in the supply chain of high value manufacturing. They are also the basis                     for progress in cross-cutting technology areas (for example healthcare technologies, biosciences, electronics and photonics)                     and in virtually all market sectors. The materials themselves represent a key step in increasing the value of products and                     their performance. The estimated value and impact of advanced materials is significant, with an annual growth rate of about                     6 % and expected market size of the order of EUR 100 billion by 2015.                  

Materials shall be conceived according to a full life-cycle approach, from the supply of available materials to end of life                     (cradle to cradle), with innovative approaches to minimise the resources (including energy) required for their transformation                     or to minimise negative impacts for humans and the environment. Continuous use, recycling or secondary end-of-life utilisation                     of the materials shall also be covered, as well as related societal innovation, such as changes in consumer behaviour and                     new business models.                  

To accelerate progress, a multidisciplinary and convergent approach shall be fostered, involving chemistry, physics, engineering                     sciences, theoretical and computational modelling, biological sciences and increasingly creative industrial design.                  

Novel green innovation alliances and industrial symbiosis shall be fostered allowing industries to diversify and expand their                     business models, re-using their waste as a basis for new productions.                  

##### 1.3.3.Broad lines of the activitiesU.K.

###### (a)Cross-cutting and enabling materials technologiesU.K.

Research on materials by design, functional materials, multifunctional materials with higher knowledge content, new functionalities                     and improved performance, and structural materials for innovation in all industrial sectors, including the creative industries.                  

###### (b)Materials development and transformationU.K.

Research and development to ensure efficient, safe and sustainable development and scale-up to enable industrial manufacturing                     of future design-based products towards a "no-waste" management of materials in Europe.                  

###### (c)Management of materials componentsU.K.

Research and development for new and innovative techniques for materials and their components and systems.

###### (d)Materials for a sustainable, resource-efficient and low emission industryU.K.

Developing new products and applications, business models and responsible consumer behaviour that reduce energy demand and                     facilitate low-carbon production.                  

###### (e)Materials for creative industries, including heritageU.K.

Applying design and the development of converging technologies to create new business opportunities, including the preservation                     and restoration of materials with historical or cultural value, as well as novel materials.                  

###### (f)Metrology, characterisation, standardisation and quality controlU.K.

Promoting technologies such as characterisation, non-destructive evaluation, continuous assessing and monitoring and predictive                     modelling of performance for progress and impact in materials science and engineering.                  

###### (g)Optimisation of the use of materialsU.K.

Research and development to investigate substitution and alternatives to the use of materials and innovative business model                     approaches and identification of critical resources.                  

#### 1.4.*Biotechnology*U.K.

##### 1.4.1.Specific objective for biotechnologyU.K.

The specific objective of biotechnology research and innovation is to develop competitive, sustainable, safe and innovative                     industrial products and processes and contribute as an innovation driver in a number of European sectors, like agriculture,                     forestry, food, energy, chemical and health as well as the knowledge-based bioeconomy.                  

A strong scientific, technological and innovation base in biotechnology will support European industries securing leadership                     in this key enabling technology. This position will be further strengthened by integrating the health and safety assessment,                     the economic and environmental impact of use of the technology and the management aspects of the overall and specific risks                     in the deployment of biotechnology.                  

##### 1.4.2.Rationale and Union added valueU.K.

Powered by the expansion of the knowledge of living systems, biotechnology is set to deliver a stream of new applications                     and to strengthen the Union's industrial base and its innovation capacity. Examples of the rising importance of biotechnology                     are in industrial applications including biopharmaceuticals, food and feed production and biochemicals, of which the market                     share of the latter is estimated to increase by up to 12 % to 20 % of chemical production by 2015. A number of the so-called                     twelve principles of Green Chemistry are also addressed by biotechnology, due to the selectivity and efficiency of biosystems.                     The possible economic burdens for Union enterprises can be reduced by harnessing the potential of biotechnology processes                     and bio-based products to reduce CO2 emissions, estimated to range from between 1 to 2,5 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent per year by 2030.                  

In Europe's biopharmaceutical sector, already some 20 % of the current medicines are derived from biotechnology, with up to                     50 % of new medicines. Biotechnology will play a major role in the transition towards a bio-based economy by developing new                     industrial processes. Biotechnology also opens new avenues for the development of a sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and                     forestry and for exploiting the huge potential of marine resources for producing innovative industrial, health, energy, chemical                     and environmental applications. The emerging sector of marine (blue) biotechnology has been predicted to grow by 10 % a year.                  

Other key sources of innovation are at the interface between biotechnology and other enabling and converging technologies,                     in particular nanotechnologies and ICT, with applications such as sensing and diagnosing.                  

##### 1.4.3.Broad lines of the activitiesU.K.

###### (a)Boosting cutting-edge biotechnologies as a future innovation driverU.K.

Development of emerging technology areas such as synthetic biology, bioinformatics and systems biology, which hold great promise                     for innovative products and technologies and completely novel applications.                  

###### (b)Biotechnology-based industrial products and processesU.K.

Developing industrial biotechnology and industrial scale bio-process design for competitive industrial products and sustainable                     processes (e.g. chemical, health, mining, energy, pulp and paper, fibre-based products and wood, textile, starch, food processing)                     and its environmental and health dimensions, including clean-up operations.                  

###### (c)Innovative and competitive platform technologiesU.K.

Development of platform technologies (e.g. genomics, meta-genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, molecular tools, expression                     systems, phenotyping platforms and cell-based platforms) to enhance leadership and competitive advantage in a wide number                     of sectors that have economic impacts.                  

#### 1.5.*Advanced manufacturing and processing*U.K.

##### 1.5.1.Specific objectiveU.K.

The specific objective of advanced manufacturing and processing research and innovation is to transform today's manufacturing                     enterprises, systems and processes. This will be done inter alia by leveraging key enabling technologies in order to achieve                     more knowledge-intensive, sustainable, resource- and energy-efficient trans-sectoral manufacturing and processing technologies,                     resulting in more innovative products, processes and services. Enabling new, sustainable products, processes and services                     and their competitive deployment, as well as advanced manufacturing and processing is also essential for achieving the objectives                     of the priority 'Societal challenges'.                  

##### 1.5.2.Rationale and Union added valueU.K.

The manufacturing sector is of high importance to the European economy, contributing to around 17 % of GDP and accounting                     for some 22 million jobs in the Union in 2007. With the lowering of economic barriers to trade and the enabling effect of                     communications technology, manufacturing is subject to strong competition and has been gravitating to countries of lowest                     overall cost. The European approach to manufacturing therefore has to change radically to remain globally competitive, and                     Horizon 2020 can help bring together all the relevant stakeholders to achieve this.                  

Europe needs to increase investment at Union level to maintain European leadership and competence in manufacturing technologies                     and make the transition to high-value, knowledge-intensive goods, creating the conditions and assets for sustainable production                     and provision of lifetime service around a manufactured product. Resource intensive manufacturing and process industries need                     to further mobilise resources and knowledge at Union level and increase the investment in research, development and innovation                     to enable further progress towards a competitive low-carbon, resource-efficient and sustainable economy and to comply with                     the agreed Union-wide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 for industrial sectors(28).                  

With strong Union policies, Europe would grow its existing industries and nurture the emerging industries of the future. The                     estimated value and impact of the sector of advanced manufacturing systems is significant, with an expected market size around                     EUR 150 billion by 2015 and compound annual growth rate of about 5 %.                  

It is crucial to retain knowledge and competence in order to keep manufacturing and processing capacity in Europe. The emphasis                     of the research and innovation activities shall be on sustainable and safe manufacturing and processing, introducing the necessary                     technical innovation and customer-orientation to produce high knowledge content products and services with low material and                     energy consumption.                  

Europe also needs to transfer these enabling technologies and knowledge to other productive sectors, such as construction,                     which is a major source of greenhouse gases with building activities accounting for around 40 % of all energy consumption                     in Europe, giving rise to 36 % of the CO2 emissions. The construction sector, generating 10 % of GDP and providing some 16 million jobs in Europe in 3 million enterprises,                     of which 95 % are SMEs, needs to adopt innovative materials and manufacturing approaches to mitigate its environmental impact.                  

##### 1.5.3.Broad lines of the activitiesU.K.

###### (a)Technologies for Factories of the FutureU.K.

Promoting sustainable industrial growth by facilitating a strategic shift in Europe from cost-based manufacturing to an approach                     based on resource efficiency and the creation of high added value products and ICT-enabled intelligent and high performance                     manufacturing in an integrated system.                  

###### (b)Technologies enabling energy-efficient systems and energy-efficient buildings with a low environmental impactU.K.

Reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions by the research, development and deployment of sustainable construction technologies and systems, addressing the                     whole value chain as well as reducing the overall environmental impact of buildings.                  

###### (c)Sustainable, resource-efficient and low-carbon technologies in energy-intensive process industriesU.K.

Increasing the competitiveness of process industries, by drastically improving resource and energy efficiencies and reducing                     the environmental impact of such industrial activities through the whole value chain, promoting the adoption of low-carbon                     technologies, more sustainable industrial processes and, where applicable, the integration of renewable energy sources.                  

###### (d)New sustainable business modelsU.K.

Deriving concepts and methodologies for adaptive, knowledge-based business models in customised approaches, including alternative                     resource-productive approaches.                  

#### 1.6.*Space*U.K.

##### 1.6.1.Specific objective for spaceU.K.

The specific objective of space research and innovation is to foster a cost-effective competitive and innovative space industry                     (including SMEs) and research community to develop and exploit space infrastructure to meet future Union policy and societal                     needs.                  

Strengthening the European public and private space sector by boosting space research and innovation is vital to maintain                     and safeguard Europe's capability to use space in support of Union policies, international strategic interests and competitiveness                     amongst established and emerging space faring nations. Action at Union level will be carried out in conjunction with space                     research activities of the Member States and the European Space Agency (ESA), aiming at building up complementarity amongst                     different actors.                  

##### 1.6.2.Rationale and Union added valueU.K.

Space is an important, but frequently invisible enabler of diverse services and products crucial to modern day society, such                     as navigation and communication, as well as weather forecasts and geographic information derived from Earth observation by                     satellites. Policy formulation and implementation at European, national and regional level increasingly depend on space-derived                     information. The global space sector is rapidly growing and expanding into new regions (e.g. China, South America and Africa).                     European industry is at present a considerable exporter of first-class satellites for commercial and scientific purposes.                     Increasing global competition is challenging Europe's position in this area.                  

Thus Europe has an interest in ensuring that its industry continues to thrive in this fiercely competitive market. In addition,                     data from European science satellites and probes have resulted in some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs in                     the last decades in Earth sciences, fundamental physics, astronomy and planetology. In addition, innovative space technologies,                     e.g. robotics, have contributed to the progress of knowledge and technology in Europe. With this unique capacity, the European                     space sector has a critical role to play in addressing the challenges identified by the Europe 2020 strategy.                  

Research, technology development and innovation underpin capacities in space which are vital to European society. While the                     United States spends around 25 % of its space budget on R&D, the Union spends less than 10 %. Moreover, space research in                     the Union is addressed in the national programmes of Member States, ESA programmes and the Union Framework Programmes for                     research.                  

To maintain Europe's technological and competitive edge and to capitalise on investments, Union level action, having regard                     to Article 4(3) and Article 189 TFEU, is needed in conjunction with the space research activities of the Member States and                     the ESA, which has managed industrial satellite development and deep space missions on an intergovernmental basis for the                     ESA Member States since 1975. Union level action is also needed to promote the participation of the best researchers from                     all Member States, and to lower the barriers for collaborative space research projects across national borders.                  

In addition, the information provided by European satellites will offer an increasing potential for further development of                     innovative satellite-based downstream services. This is a typical activity sector for SMEs and should be supported by research                     and innovation measures in order to reap the full benefits of this opportunity, and especially of the considerable investments                     made on the two Union programmes Galileo and Copernicus.                  

Space naturally transcends terrestrial boundaries, providing a unique vantage point of global dimension, thus giving rise                     to large-scale projects which are carried out in international co-operation. To play a significant role in such international                     space activities in the next decades, both a common European space policy and European level space research and innovation                     activities are indispensable.                  

Space research and innovation under Horizon 2020 aligns with the Union space policy priorities and the needs of the European                     operational programmes as they continue to be defined by the Council and the Commission(29).                  

European Space infrastructure such as the Copernicus and Galileo programmes are a strategic investment, and the development                     of innovative downstream applications is necessary. To this end, the application of space technologies shall be supported                     through the respective specific objectives of the priority 'Societal challenges', where appropriate, with the aim of securing                     socio-economic benefits as well as return on investment and European leadership in downstream applications.                  

##### 1.6.3.Broad lines of the activitiesU.K.

###### (a)Enabling European competitiveness, non-dependence and innovation of the European space sectorU.K.

This entails safeguarding and further developing a competitive, sustainable and entrepreneurial space industry in combination                     with a world-class space research community to maintain and strengthen European leadership and non-dependence in space systems                     to foster innovation in the space sector, and to enable space-based terrestrial innovation, for example by using remote sensing                     and navigation data.                  

###### (b)Enabling advances in space technologiesU.K.

This aims at developing advanced and enabling space technologies and operational concepts from idea to demonstration in space.                     This includes technologies supporting access to space, technologies for the protection of space assets from threats such as                     debris and solar flares, as well as satellite telecommunication, navigation and remote sensing. The development and application                     of advanced space technologies requires the continuous education and training of highly skilled engineers and scientists as                     well as strong links between them and the users of space applications.                  

###### (c)Enabling exploitation of space dataU.K.

A considerably increased exploitation of data from European satellites (scientific, public or commercial) can be achieved                     if further effort is made for the processing, archiving, validation, standardisation and sustainable availability of space                     data as well as for supporting the development of new information products and services resulting from those data, having                     regard to Article 189 TFEU, including innovations in data handling, dissemination and interoperability, in particular promotion                     of access to and exchange of Earth science data and metadata. These activities can also ensure a higher return on investment                     of space infrastructure and contribute to tackling societal challenges, in particular if coordinated in a global effort such                     as through the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), namely by fully exploiting the Copernicus programme as                     its main European contribution, the European satellite navigation programme Galileo or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate                     Change (IPCC) for climate change issues. A fast introduction of these innovations into the relevant application and decision-making                     processes will be supported. This also includes the exploitation of data for further scientific investigation.                  

###### (d)Enabling European research in support of international space partnershipsU.K.

Space undertakings have a fundamentally global character. This is particularly clear for activities such as Space Situational                     Awareness (SSA), and many space science and exploration projects. The development of cutting edge space technology is increasingly                     taking place within such international partnerships. Ensuring access to these constitutes an important success factor for                     European researchers and industry. The definition and implementation of long-term roadmaps and the coordination with international                     partners are essential to this objective.                  

### 2.**Access to risk finance**U.K.

#### 2.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to help address market deficiencies in accessing risk finance for research and innovation.

The investment situation in the R&I domain is dire, particularly for innovative SMEs and mid-caps with a high potential for                     growth. There are several major market gaps in the provision of finance, as the innovations required to achieve policy goals                     are proving too risky, typically, for the market to bear and therefore the wider benefits to society are not fully captured.                  

A facility for debt ('Debt facility') and a facility for equity ('Equity facility') will help overcome such problems by improving                     the financing and risk profiles of the R&I activities concerned. This, in turn, will ease access by firms and other beneficiaries                     to loans, guarantees and other forms of risk finance; promote early-stage investment and the development of existing and new                     venture capital funds; improve knowledge transfer and the market in intellectual property; attract funds to the venture capital                     market; and, overall, help catalyse the passage from the conception, development and demonstration of new products and services                     to their commercialisation.                  

The overall effect will be to increase the willingness of the private sector to invest in R&I and hence contribute to reaching                     a key Europe 2020 target: 3 % of Union GDP invested in R&D by the end of the decade with two-thirds contributed by the private                     sector. The use of financial instruments will also help achieve the R&I objectives of all sectors and policy areas crucial                     for tackling the societal challenges, for enhancing competitiveness, and for supporting sustainable, inclusive growth and                     the provision of environmental and other public goods.                  

#### 2.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

A Union-level Debt facility for R&I is needed to increase the likelihood that loans and guarantees are made and R&I policy                     objectives achieved. The current gap in the market between the demand for and supply of loans and guarantees for risky R&I                     investments, addressed by the current Risk-Sharing Finance Facility (RSFF), is likely to persist, with commercial banks remaining                     largely absent from higher-risk lending. Demand for RSFF loan finance has been high since the launch of the facility in mid-2007:                     in its first phase (2007-2010), its take-up exceeded initial expectations by more than 50 % in terms of active loan approvals                     (EUR 7,6 billion versus a forecast EUR 5 billion).                  

Furthermore, banks typically lack the ability to value knowledge assets, such as intellectual property, and therefore are                     often unwilling to invest in knowledge-based companies. The consequence is that many established innovative companies – both                     large and small – cannot obtain loans for higher-risk R&I activities. In the design and implementation of its facilit(y)(ies),                     which will be carried out in partnership with one or several entrusted entities in compliance with Regulation (EU, Euratom)                     No 966/2012, the Commission will ensure that appropriate levels and forms of technological and financial risks will be taken                     into account, in order to meet the identified needs.                  

These market gaps stem, at root, from uncertainties, information asymmetries and the high costs of attempting to address these                     issues: recently established firms have too short a track record to satisfy potential lenders, even established firms often                     cannot provide enough information, and at the start of an R&I investment it is not at all certain whether the efforts undertaken                     will actually result in a successful innovation.                  

Additionally, enterprises at the concept development stage or working in emerging areas typically lack sufficient collateral.                     Another disincentive is that even if R&I activities give rise to a commercial product or process, it is not at all certain                     that the company that has made the effort will be able to exclusively appropriate the benefits deriving from it.                  

In terms of Union added value, the Debt facility will help remedy market deficiencies that prevent the private sector from                     investing in R&I at an optimum level. Its implementation will enable the pooling of a critical mass of resources from the                     Union budget and, on a risk-sharing basis, from the financial institution(s) entrusted with its implementation. It will stimulate                     firms to invest more of their own money in R&I than they would otherwise have done. In addition, the Debt facility will help                     organisations, both public and private, to reduce the risks of undertaking the pre-commercial procurement or procurement of                     innovative products and services.                  

A Union-level Equity facility for R&I is needed to help improve the availability of equity finance for early and growth-stage                     investments and to boost the development of the Union venture capital market. During the technology transfer and start-up                     phase, new companies face a 'valley of death' where public research grants stop and it is not possible to attract private                     finance. Public support aiming to leverage private seed and start-up funds to fill this gap is currently too fragmented and                     intermittent, or its management lacks the necessary expertise. Furthermore, most venture capital funds in Europe are too small                     to support the continued growth of innovative companies and do not have the critical mass to specialise and operate transnationally.                  

The consequences are serious. Before the financial crisis, the amount invested in SMEs by European venture capital funds was                     about EUR 7 billion a year, while figures for 2009 and 2010 were within the EUR 3-4 billion range. Reduced funding for venture                     capital has affected the number of start-ups targeted by venture capital funds: in 2007, some 3 000 SMEs received venture                     capital funding, compared to only around 2 500 in 2010.                  

In terms of Union added value, the Equity facility for R&I will complement national and regional schemes that cannot cater                     for cross-border investments in R&I. The early-stage deals will also have a demonstration effect that can benefit public and                     private investors across Europe. For the growth phase, only at European level is it possible to achieve the necessary scale                     and the strong participation of private investors that are essential to the functioning of a self-sustaining venture capital                     market.                  

The Debt and Equity facilities, supported by a set of accompanying measures, will support the achievement of Horizon 2020                     policy objectives. To this end, they will be dedicated to consolidating and raising the quality of Europe's science base;                     promoting research and innovation with a business-driven agenda; and addressing societal challenges, with a focus on activities                     such as piloting, demonstration, test-beds and market uptake. Specific support actions such as information and coaching activities                     for SMEs should be provided. Regional authorities, SMEs associations, chambers of commerce and relevant financial intermediaries                     may be consulted, where appropriate, in relation to the programming and implementation of these activities.                  

In addition, they will help tackle the R&I objectives of other programmes and policy areas, such as the Common Agricultural                     Policy, climate action (transition to a low-carbon economy and adaptation to climate change), and the Common Fisheries Policy.                     Complementarities with national and regional financial instruments will be developed in the context of the Common Strategic                     Framework for Cohesion Policy 2014-2020, where an increased role for financial instruments is foreseen.                  

The design of the Debt and Equity facilities takes account of the need to address the specific market deficiencies, and the                     characteristics (such as degree of dynamism and rate of company creation) and financing requirements of these and other areas                     without creating market distortions. The use of financial instruments must have a clear European added value and should provide                     leverage and function as a complement to national instruments. Budgetary allocations between the instruments may be adapted                     during the course of Horizon 2020 in response to changing economic conditions.                  

The Equity facility and the SME window of the Debt facility will be implemented as part of two Union financial instruments                     that provide equity and debt to support SMEs' R&I and growth, in conjunction with the equity and debt facilities under COSME.                     Complementarity between Horizon 2020 and COSME will be ensured.                  

#### 2.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

##### (a)The Debt facility providing debt finance for R&I: 'Union loan and guarantee service for research and innovation'U.K.

The goal is to improve access to debt financing – loans, guarantees, counter-guarantees and other forms of debt and risk finance                     – for public and private entities and public-private partnerships engaged in research and innovation activities requiring                     risky investments in order to come to fruition. The focus shall be on supporting research and innovation with a high potential                     for excellence.                  

Given that one of the objectives of Horizon 2020 is to contribute to narrowing the gap between R&D and innovation, helping                     to bring new or improved products and services to the market, and taking into account the critical role that the proof-of-concept                     stage plays in the knowledge transfer process, mechanisms may be introduced enabling financing for the proof-of-concept stages                     that are necessary in order to validate the importance, relevance and future innovatory impact of the research results or                     invention involved in the transfer.                  

The target final beneficiaries shall potentially be legal entities of all sizes that can borrow and repay money and, in particular,                     SMEs with the potential to carry out innovation and grow rapidly; mid-caps and large firms; universities and research institutions;                     research infrastructures and innovation infrastructures; public-private partnerships; and special-purpose vehicles or projects.                  

The funding of the Debt facility shall have two main components:

Demand-driven, providing loans and guarantees on a first-come, first-served basis, with specific support for beneficiaries                              such as SMEs and mid-caps. This component shall respond to the steady and continuing growth seen in the volume of RSFF lending,                              which is demand-led. Under the SME window, activities shall be supported that aim to improve access to finance for SMEs and                              other entities that are R&D- and/or innovation-driven. This could include support at phase 3 of the SME instrument, subject                              to the level of demand.                           

Targeted, focusing on policies and key sectors crucial for tackling societal challenges, enhancing industrial leadership and                              competitiveness, supporting sustainable, low-carbon, inclusive growth, and providing environmental and other public goods.                              This component shall help the Union address research and innovation aspects of sectoral policy objectives.                           

##### (b)The Equity facility providing equity finance for R&I: 'Union equity instruments for research and innovation'U.K.

The goal is to contribute to overcoming the deficiencies of the European venture capital market and provide equity and quasi-equity                     to cover the development and financing needs of innovating enterprises from the seed stage through to growth and expansion.                     The focus shall be on supporting the objectives of Horizon 2020 and related policies.                  

The target final beneficiaries shall be potentially enterprises of all sizes undertaking or embarking on innovation activities,                     with a particular focus on innovative SMEs and mid-caps.                  

The Equity facility will focus on early-stage venture capital funds and funds-of-funds providing venture capital and quasi-equity                     (including mezzanine capital) to individual portfolio enterprises. The facility will also have the possibility to make expansion                     and growth-stage investments in conjunction with the Equity Facility for Growth under COSME, to ensure a continuum of support                     during the start-up and development of companies.                  

The Equity facility, which will be primarily demand-driven, shall use a portfolio approach, where venture capital funds and                     other comparable intermediaries select the firms to be invested in.                  

Earmarking may be applied to help achieve particular policy goals, building on the positive experience in the Competitiveness                     and Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013) with earmarking for eco-innovation, for example for achieving goals related                     to the identified societal challenges.                  

The start-up window, supporting the seed and early stages, shall enable equity investments in, amongst others, knowledge-transfer                     organisations and similar bodies through support to technology transfer (including the transfer of research results and inventions                     stemming from the sphere of public research to the productive sector, for example through proof-of-concept), seed capital                     funds, cross-border seed and early-stage funds, business angel co-investment vehicles, intellectual property assets, platforms                     for the exchange and trading of intellectual property rights, and early-stage venture capital funds and funds-of-funds operating                     across borders and investing in venture capital funds. This could include support at phase 3 of the SME instrument, subject                     to the level of demand.                  

The growth window shall make expansion and growth-stage investments in conjunction with the Equity Facility for Growth under                     COSME, including investments in private and public sector funds-of-funds operating across borders and investing in venture                     capital funds, most of which will have a thematic focus that supports the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy.                  

### 3.**Innovation In SMEs**U.K.

#### 3.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to stimulate sustainable economic growth by means of increasing the levels of innovation in SMEs,                     covering their different innovation needs over the whole innovation cycle for all types of innovation, thereby creating more                     fast-growing, internationally active SMEs.                  

Considering the central role of SMEs in Europe's economy, research and innovation in SMEs will play a crucial role in increasing                     competitiveness, boosting economic growth and job creation and thus in achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy                     and notably its flagship initiative 'Innovation Union'.                  

However, SMEs have – despite their important economic and employment share and significant innovation potential – several                     types of problems to become more innovative and more competitive, including shortage of financial resources and access to                     finance, shortage in skills in innovation management, weaknesses in networking and cooperation with external parties, and                     insufficient use of public procurement to foster innovation in SMEs. Although Europe produces a similar number of start-up                     companies to the United States, European SMEs are finding it much harder to grow into large companies than their US counterparts.                     The internationalised business environment with increasingly interlinked value chains puts further pressure on them. SMEs                     need to enhance their research and innovation capacity. They need to generate, take up and commercialise new knowledge and                     business ideas faster and to a greater extent to compete successfully on fast evolving global markets. The challenge is to                     stimulate more innovation in SMEs, thereby enhancing their competitiveness, sustainability and growth.                  

The proposed actions aim to complement national and regional business innovation policies and programmes, to foster cooperation                     between SMEs, including transnational cooperation, clusters and other innovation-relevant actors in Europe, to bridge the                     gap between R&D and successful market uptake, to provide a more business innovation friendly environment, including demand-side                     measures and measures geared to boosting the transfer of knowledge, and to support taking into account the changing nature                     of innovation processes, new technologies, markets and business models.                  

Strong links with industry-specific Union policies, notably COSME and the Cohesion Policy Funds, will be established to ensure                     synergies and a coherent approach.                  

#### 3.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

SMEs are key drivers of innovation due to their ability to quickly and efficiently transform new ideas in successful businesses.                     They serve as important conduits of knowledge spill-over bringing research results to the market. SMEs have a key role to                     play in technology and knowledge transfer processes, contributing to the market transfer of innovations stemming from the                     research carried out in universities, research bodies and research performing companies. The last twenty years have shown                     that entire sectors have been renewed and new industries created driven by innovative SMEs. Fast growing enterprises are crucial                     for the development of emerging industries and for the acceleration of the structural changes that Europe needs to become                     a knowledge-based and sustainable economy with sustained growth and high quality jobs.                  

SMEs can be found in all sectors of the economy. They form a more important part of the European economy than of other regions                     such as the United States. All types of SMEs can innovate. They need to be encouraged and supported to invest in research                     and innovation and to enhance their capacity to manage innovation processes. In doing so they should be able to draw on the                     full innovative potential of the internal market and the ERA so as to create new business opportunities in Europe and beyond                     and to contribute to find solutions to key societal challenges.                  

Participation in Union research and innovation strengthens the R&D and technology capability of SMEs, increases their capacity                     to generate, absorb and use new knowledge, enhances the economic exploitation of new solutions, boosts innovation in products,                     services and business models, promotes business activities in larger markets and internationalises the knowledge networks                     of SMEs. SMEs that have a good innovation management in place, thereby often relying on external expertise and skills, outperform                     others.                  

Cross-border collaborations are an important element in the innovation strategy of SMEs to overcome some of their size-related                     problems, such as access to technological and scientific competences and new markets. They contribute to turn ideas into profit                     and company growth and in return to increase private investment in research and innovation.                  

Regional and national programmes for research and innovation, often backed by European cohesion policy, play an essential                     role in promoting SMEs. In particular, Cohesion Policy Funds have a key role to play through building capacity and providing                     a stairway to excellence for SMEs in order to develop excellent projects that may compete for funding under Horizon 2020.                     Nevertheless, only a few national and regional programmes provide funding for transnational research and innovation activities                     carried out by SMEs, the Union-wide diffusion and uptake of innovative solutions or cross-border innovation support services.                     The challenge is to provide SMEs with thematically open support to realise international projects in line with companies'                     innovation strategies. Actions at Union level are therefore necessary to complement activities undertaken at national and                     regional level, to enhance their impact and to open up the research and innovation support systems.                  

#### 3.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

##### (a)Mainstreaming SME support especially through a dedicated instrumentU.K.

SMEs shall be supported across Horizon 2020. For this purpose, to participate in Horizon 2020, better conditions for SMEs                     shall be established. In addition, a dedicated SME instrument shall provide staged and seamless support covering the whole                     innovation cycle. The SME instrument shall be targeted at all types of innovative SMEs showing a strong ambition to develop,                     grow and internationalise. It shall be provided for all types of innovation, including service, non-technological and social                     innovations, given each activity has a clear European added value. The aim is to develop and capitalise on the innovation                     potential of SMEs by filling the gap in funding for early stage high-risk research and innovation, stimulating innovations                     and increasing private-sector commercialisation of research results.                  

The instrument will operate under a single centralised management system, light administrative regime and a single entry point.                     It shall be implemented primarily in a bottom-up manner through a continuously open call.                  

All of the specific objectives of the priority 'Societal challenges', and the specific objective 'Leadership in enabling and                     industrial technologies' will apply the dedicated SME instrument and allocate an amount for this.                  

##### (b)Support for research-intensive SMEsU.K.

The goal is to promote transnational market-oriented innovation of R&D performing SMEs. A specific action shall target research-intensive                     SMEs in any sectors that show the capability to commercially exploit the project results. This action will be built on the                     Eurostars Programme.                  

##### (c)Enhancing the innovation capacity of SMEsU.K.

Transnational activities assisting the implementation of and complementing the SME specific measures across Horizon 2020 shall                     be supported, notably to enhance the innovation capacity of SMEs. These activities shall be coordinated with similar national                     measures when appropriate. Close cooperation with the National Contact Point (NCP) Network and the Enterprise Europe Network                     (EEN) is envisaged.                  

##### (d)Supporting market-driven innovationU.K.

Transnational market-driven innovation to improve the framework conditions for innovation shall be supported, and the specific                     barriers preventing, in particular, the growth of innovative SMEs shall be tackled.                  

## PART IIIU.K.**SOCIETAL CHALLENGES**

### 1.**Health, demographic change and well-being**U.K.

#### 1.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to improve the lifelong health and well-being of all.

Lifelong health and well-being for all - children, adults and older people - high-quality, economically sustainable and innovative                     health and care systems, as part of welfare systems, and opportunities for new jobs and growth are the aims of the support                     provided to research and innovation in response to this challenge, and they will make a major contribution to the Europe 2020                     strategy.                  

The cost of Union health and social care systems is rising, with care and prevention measures in all ages increasingly expensive.                     The number of Europeans aged over 65 is expected to nearly double from 85 million in 2008 to 151 million by 2060, and the                     number of those over 80 is expected to rise from 22 to 61 million in the same period. Reducing or containing these costs so                     that they do not become unsustainable depends partly on improving the lifelong health and well-being of all and therefore                     on the effective prevention, treatment and management of disease and disability.                  

Chronic conditions and diseases are major causes of disability, ill-health, health-related retirement and premature death,                     and present considerable social and economic costs.                  

In the Union, cardiovascular disease annually accounts for more than 2 million deaths and costs the economy more than EUR 192                     billion while cancer accounts for a quarter of all deaths and is the number one cause of death for people aged 45-64. Over                     27 million people in the Union suffer from diabetes and over 120 million from rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. Rare                     diseases remain a major challenge, affecting approximately 30 million people across Europe. The total cost of brain disorders                     (including, but not limited to those affecting mental health, including depression) has been estimated at EUR 800 billion.                     It is estimated that mental disorders alone affect 165 million people in the Union, at a cost of EUR 118 billion. These sums                     are expected to rise significantly, largely as a result of Europe's ageing population and the associated increases in neurodegenerative                     diseases. Environmental, occupational, life-style and socio-economic factors are relevant in several of these conditions with                     up to one third of the global disease burden estimated to be related to these.                  

Infectious diseases (e.g. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), are a global concern, accounting for 41 % of the 1,5 billion                     disability adjusted life years worldwide, with 8 % of these in Europe. Poverty-related and neglected diseases are also a global                     concern. Emerging epidemics, re-emerging infectious diseases (including water-related diseases) and the threat of increasing                     anti-microbial resistance must also be prepared for. Increased risks for animal-borne diseases should be considered.                  

Meanwhile, drug and vaccine development processes are becoming more expensive and less effective. Efforts to increase the                     success of drug and vaccine development include alternative methods to replace classical safety and effectiveness testing.                     Persistent health inequalities and the needs of specific population groups (e.g. those suffering from rare diseases) must                     be addressed, and access to effective and competent health and care systems must be ensured for all Europeans irrespective                     of their age or background.                  

Other factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, wealth, inclusion, engagement, social capital and work, also affect health                     and well-being, and a holistic approach must be taken.                  

Due to higher life expectancy the age and population structure in Europe will change. Therefore, research furthering lifelong                     health, active ageing and well-being for all will be a cornerstone of the successful adaptation of societies to demographic                     change.                  

#### 1.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

Disease and disability are not stopped by national borders. An appropriate European level research, development and innovation                     effort, in cooperation with third countries and with the involvement of all stakeholders, including patients and end-users,                     can and should make a crucial contribution to addressing these global challenges, thereby working to achieve the United Nations'                     Millennium Development Goals, deliver better health and well-being for all, and position Europe as a leader in the rapidly                     expanding global markets for health and well-being innovations.                  

The response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of the determinants of health, disease,                     disability, healthy employment conditions, development and ageing (including of life expectancy), and on the seamless and                     widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative, scalable, effective, accessible and safe products,                     strategies, interventions and services. Furthermore, the pertinence of these challenges across Europe and in many cases, globally,                     demands a response characterised by long-term and coordinated support for co-operation between excellent, multidisciplinary                     and multi-sector teams. It is also necessary to address the challenge from the perspective of the social and economic sciences                     and humanities.                  

Similarly, the complexity of the challenge and the interdependency of its components demand a European level response. Many                     approaches, tools and technologies have applicability across many of the research and innovation areas of this challenge and                     are best supported at Union level. These include understanding the molecular basis of disease, the identification of innovative                     therapeutic strategies and novel model systems, the multidisciplinary application of knowledge in physics, chemistry and systems                     biology, the development of long-term cohorts and the conduct of clinical trials (including focus on the development and effects                     of medicines in all age groups), the clinical use of "-omics", systems biomedicine and the development of ICT and their applications                     in healthcare practice, notably e-health. The requirements of specific populations are also best addressed in an integrated                     manner, for example in the development of stratified and/or personalised medicine, in the treatment of rare diseases, and                     in providing assisted and independent living solutions.                  

To maximise the impact of Union level actions, support will be provided to the full spectrum of research, development and                     innovation activities from basic research through translation of knowledge on disease to new therapeutics, to large trials,                     piloting and demonstration actions, by mobilising private investment; to public and pre-commercial procurement for new products,                     services and scalable solutions, which are, when necessary, interoperable and supported by defined standards and/or common                     guidelines. This coordinated, European effort will increase the scientific capabilities in health research and contribute                     to the ongoing development of the ERA. It will also interface, as and when appropriate, with activities developed in the context                     of the Health for Growth Programme, the Joint Programming Initiatives, including "Neurodegenerative Disease Research", "A                     Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life", "Antimicrobial resistance" and "More Years, Better Lives", and the European Innovation Partnership                     on Active and Healthy Ageing.                  

The Scientific Panel for Health will be a science-led stakeholder platform which elaborates scientific input concerning this                     societal challenge. It will provide a coherent scientific focused analysis of research and innovation bottlenecks and opportunities                     related to this societal challenge, contribute to the definition of its research and innovation priorities and encourage Union-wide                     scientific participation in it. Through active cooperation with stakeholders, it will help to build capabilities and to foster                     knowledge sharing and stronger collaboration across the Union in this field.                  

#### 1.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

Effective health promotion, supported by a robust evidence base, prevents disease, contributes to well-being and is cost effective.                     Promotion of health, active ageing, well-being and disease prevention also depend on an understanding of the determinants                     of health, on effective preventive tools on effective health and disease surveillance and preparedness, and on effective screening                     programmes. Effective health promotion is also facilitated by the provision of better information to citizens which encourages                     responsible health choices.                  

Successful efforts to prevent, detect early, manage, treat and cure disease, disability, frailty and reduced functionality                     are underpinned by the fundamental understanding of their determinants and causes, processes and impacts, as well as factors                     underlying good health and well-being. Improved understanding of health and disease will demand close linkage between fundamental,                     clinical, epidemiological and socio-economic research. Effective sharing of data, standardised data processing and the linkage                     of these data with large-scale cohort studies is also essential, as is the translation of research findings into the clinic,                     in particular through the conduct of clinical trials, which should address all age groups to ensure that medicines are adapted                     to their use.                  

The resurgence of old infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, and the increased prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases                     further underlines the need for a comprehensive approach towards poverty-related and neglected diseases. Likewise, the growing                     problem of anti-microbial resistance demands a similarly comprehensive approach.                  

Personalised medicine should be developed in order to suit preventive and therapeutic approaches to patient requirements,                     and must be underpinned by the early detection of disease. It is a societal challenge to adjust to the further demands on                     health and care sectors due to the ageing population. If effective health and care is to be maintained for all ages, efforts                     are required to improve decision making in prevention and in treatment provision, to identify and support the dissemination                     of best practice in the health and care sectors, and to support integrated care. A better understanding of ageing processes                     and the prevention of age-related illnesses are the basis for keeping European citizens healthy and active throughout the                     course of their lives. Similarly important is the wide uptake of technological, organisational and social innovations empowering                     in particular older persons, persons with chronic diseases as well as disabled persons to remain active and independent. Doing                     so will contribute to increasing their physical, social, and mental well-being and lengthening the duration thereof.                  

All of these activities shall be undertaken in such a way as to provide support throughout the research and innovation cycle,                     strengthening the competitiveness of the European based industries and development of new market opportunities. Emphasis will                     also be placed on engaging all health stakeholders – including patients and patient organisations, and health and care providers                     – in order to develop a research and innovation agenda that actively involves citizens and reflects their needs and expectations.                  

Specific activities shall include: understanding the determinants of health (including nutrition, physical activity and gender,                     and environmental, socio-economic, occupational and climate-related factors); improving health promotion and disease prevention;                     understanding disease and improving diagnosis and prognosis; developing effective prevention and screening programmes and                     improving the assessment of disease susceptibility; improving the surveillance of infectious diseases and preparedness for                     combating epidemics and emerging diseases; developing new and better preventive and therapeutic vaccines and drugs; using                     in-silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction; developing regenerative medicine and adapted treatments,                     and treating disease, including palliative medicine; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions;                     improving health information and better collection and use of health cohort and administrative data; standardised data analysis                     and techniques; active ageing, and independent and assisted living; individual awareness and empowerment for self-management                     of health; promotion of integrated care, including psychosocial aspects; improving scientific tools and methods to support                     policy making and regulatory needs; optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare provision; and reducing health                     disparities and inequalities by evidence-based decision making and dissemination of best practice and by innovative technologies                     and approaches. Active involvement of healthcare providers must be encouraged in order to secure rapid take-up and implementation                     of results.                  

### 2.**Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy**U.K.

#### 2.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to secure sufficient supplies of safe, healthy and high quality food and other bio-based products,                     by developing productive, sustainable and resource-efficient primary production systems, fostering related ecosystem services                     and the recovery of biological diversity, alongside competitive and low-carbon supply, processing and marketing chains. This                     will accelerate the transition to a sustainable European bioeconomy, bridging the gap between new technologies and their implementation.                  

Over the coming decades, Europe will be challenged by increased competition for limited and finite natural resources, by the                     effects of climate change, in particular on primary production systems (agriculture including animal husbandry and horticulture,                     forestry, fisheries and aquaculture), and by the need to provide a sustainable, safe and secure food supply for the European                     and an increasing global population. A 70 % increase of the world food supply is estimated to be required to feed the 9 billion                     global population by 2050. Agriculture accounts for about 10 % of Union greenhouse gas emissions, and while declining in Europe,                     global emissions from agriculture are projected to increase up to 20 % by 2030. Furthermore, Europe will need to ensure sufficient                     and sustainably produced supplies of raw materials, energy and industrial products, under conditions of decreasing fossil                     carbon resources (oil and liquid gas production expected to decrease by about 60 % by 2050), while maintaining its competitiveness.                     Biowaste (estimated at up to 138 million tonnes per year in the Union, of which up to 40 % is land-filled) represents a huge                     problem and cost, despite its high potential added value.                  

For example, an estimated 30 % of all food produced in developed countries is discarded. Major changes are needed to reduce                     this amount by 50 % in the Union by 2030(30). In addition, national borders are irrelevant in the entry and spread of animal and plant pests and diseases, including zoonotic                     diseases, and food borne pathogens. While effective national prevention measures are needed, action at Union level is essential                     for ultimate control and the effective running of the single market. The challenge is complex, affects a broad range of interconnected                     sectors and requires a holistic and systemic approach.                  

More and more biological resources are needed to satisfy market demand for a secure and healthy food supply, biomaterials,                     biofuels and bio-based products, ranging from consumer products to bulk chemicals. However, the capacities of the terrestrial                     and aquatic ecosystems required for their production are limited, while there are competing claims for their utilisation,                     and often not optimally managed, as shown for example by a severe decline in soil carbon content and fertility and fish stock                     depletion. There is under-utilised scope for fostering ecosystem services from farmland, forests, marine and fresh waters                     by integrating agronomic, environmental and social goals into sustainable production and consumption.                  

The potential of biological resources and ecosystems could be used in a much more sustainable, efficient and integrated manner.                     For examples, the potential of biomass from agriculture, forests and waste streams from agricultural, aquatic, industrial,                     and also municipal origins could be better harnessed.                  

In essence, a transition is needed towards an optimal and renewable use of biological resources and towards sustainable primary                     production and processing systems that can produce more food, fibre and other bio-based products with minimised inputs, environmental                     impact and greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced ecosystem services, zero-waste and adequate societal value. The aim is establishing                     food production systems that strengthen, reinforce and nourish the resource base and enable sustainable wealth generation.                     Responses to the way food production is generated, distributed, marketed, consumed and regulated must be better understood                     and developed. A critical effort of interconnected research and innovation, as well as a continuous dialogue between political,                     social, economic and other stakeholder groups, is a key element for this to happen, in Europe and beyond.                  

#### 2.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture together with the bio-based industries are the major sectors underpinning                     the bioeconomy. The bioeconomy represents a large and growing market estimated to be worth over EUR 2 trillion, providing                     20 million jobs and accounting for 9 % of total employment in the Union in 2009. Investments in research and innovation under                     this societal challenge will enable Europe to take leadership in the concerned markets and will play a role in achieving the                     goals of the Europe 2020 strategy and its flagship initiatives 'Innovation Union' and 'Resource-efficient Europe'.                  

A fully functional European bioeconomy – encompassing the sustainable production of renewable resources from land, fisheries                     and aquaculture environments and their conversion into food, feed, fibre bio-based products and bioenergy as well as into                     the related public goods - will generate high Union added value. In parallel to the market-related function, the bioeconomy                     sustains also a wide range of public goods functions, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Managed in a sustainable manner,                     it can reduce the environmental footprint of primary production and the supply chain as a whole. It can increase their competitiveness,                     enhance Europe's self-reliance and provide jobs and business opportunities essential for rural and coastal development. The                     food security, sustainable agriculture and farming, aquatic production, forestry and overall bioeconomy – related challenges                     are of a European and global nature. Actions at Union level are essential to bring together clusters to achieve the necessary                     breadth and critical mass to complement efforts made by a single Member State or groups of Member States. A multi-actor approach                     will ensure the necessary cross-fertilising interactions between researchers, businesses, farmers/producers, advisors and                     end-users. The Union level is also necessary to ensure coherence in addressing this challenge across sectors and with strong                     links to relevant Union policies. Coordination of research and innovation at Union level will stimulate and help to accelerate                     the required changes across the Union.                  

Research and innovation will interface with and support elaboration of a wide spectrum of Union policies and related targets,                     including the Common Agriculture Policy (in particular the Rural Development Policy, the Joint Programming Initiatives, including                     "Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change", "A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life" and "Healthy and Productive Seas and                     Oceans") and the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' and the European Innovation                     Partnership on Water, the Common Fisheries Policy, the Integrated Maritime Policy, the European Climate Change Programme,                     the Water Framework Directive(31), the Marine Strategy Framework Directive(32), the EU Forestry Action Plan, the Soil Thematic Strategy, the Union's 2020 Biodiversity Strategy, the Strategic Energy Technology                     Plan, the Union's innovation and industrial policies, external and development aid policies, plant health strategies, animal                     health and welfare strategies and regulatory frameworks to protect the environment, health and safety, to promote resource                     efficiency and climate action, and to reduce waste. A better integration of the full cycle from basic research to innovation                     into related Union policies will significantly improve their Union added value, provide leverage effects, increase societal                     relevance, provide healthy food products and help to further develop sustainable land, seas and oceans management and bioeconomy                     markets.                  

For the purpose of supporting Union policies related to the bioeconomy and to facilitate governance and monitoring of research                     and innovation, socio-economic research and forward-looking activities will be performed in relation to the bioeconomy strategy,                     including development of indicators, data bases, models, foresight and forecast, and impact assessment of initiatives on the                     economy, society and the environment.                  

Challenge-driven actions focusing on social, economic and environmental benefits and the modernisation of the bioeconomy associated                     sectors and markets shall be supported through multi-disciplinary research, driving innovation and leading to the development                     of new strategies, practices, sustainable products and processes. It shall also pursue a broad approach to innovation ranging                     from technological, non-technological, organisational, economic and social innovation to, for instance, ways for technology                     transfer, novel business models, branding and services. The potential of farmers and SMEs to contribute to innovation must                     be recognised. The approach to the bioeconomy shall take account of the importance of local knowledge and diversity.                  

#### 2.3.*Broad lines of activities*U.K.

##### (a)Sustainable agriculture and forestryU.K.

The aim is to supply sufficient food, feed, biomass and other raw-materials, while safeguarding natural resources, such as                     water, soil and biodiversity, in a European and world-wide perspective, and enhancing ecosystems services, including coping                     with and mitigating climate change. The activities shall focus on increasing the quality and value of agricultural products                     by delivering more sustainable and productive agriculture, including animal husbandry and forestry systems, which are diverse,                     resilient and resource-efficient (in terms of low-carbon and low external input and water), protect natural resources, produce                     less waste and can adapt to a changing environment. Furthermore, the activities shall focus on developing services, concepts                     and policies for thriving rural livelihoods and encouraging sustainable consumption.                  

In particular for forestry, the aim is to sustainably produce biomass and bio-based products and deliver ecosystem services,                     with due consideration to economic, ecological and social aspects of forestry. Activities will focus on the further development                     of production and sustainability of resource-efficient forestry systems which are instrumental in the strengthening of forest                     resilience and biodiversity protection, and which can meet increased biomass demand.                  

The interaction of functional plants with health and well being, as well as the exploitation of horticulture and forestry                     for the development of urban greening, will also be considered.                  

##### (b)Sustainable and competitive agri-food sector for a safe and healthy dietU.K.

The aim is to meet the requirements of citizens and the environment for safe, healthy and affordable food, and to make food                     and feed processing, distribution and consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive while also considering                     the cultural component of food quality. The activities shall focus on healthy and safe food for all, informed consumer choices,                     dietary solutions and innovations for improved health, and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and                     additives and produce less by-products, waste and greenhouse gases.                  

##### (c)Unlocking the potential of aquatic living resourcesU.K.

The aim is to manage, sustainably exploit and maintain aquatic living resources to maximise social and economic benefits/returns                     from Europe's oceans, seas and inland waters while protecting biodiversity. The activities shall focus on an optimal contribution                     to secure food supplies by developing sustainable and environmentally friendly fisheries, on sustainable management of ecosystems                     providing goods and services, on competitive as well as environmentally friendly European aquaculture in the context of the                     global economy, and on boosting marine and maritime innovation through biotechnology to fuel smart "blue" growth.                  

##### (d)Sustainable and competitive bio-based industries and supporting the development of a European bioeconomyU.K.

The aim is the promotion of low-carbon, resource-efficient, sustainable and competitive European bio-based industries. The                     activities shall focus on fostering the knowledge-based bioeconomy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products                     into bio-based resource and energy efficient ones, the development of integrated second and subsequent generation biorefineries,                     optimising the use of biomass from primary production including residues, biowaste and bio-based industry by-products, and                     opening new markets through supporting standardisation and certification systems as well as regulatory and demonstration/field                     trial activities, while taking into account the implications of the bioeconomy on land use and land use changes, as well as                     the views and concerns of civil society.                  

##### (e)Cross-cutting marine and maritime researchU.K.

The aim is to increase the impact of Union seas and oceans on society and economic growth through the sustainable exploitation                     of marine resources as well as the use of different sources of marine energy and the wide range of different uses that is                     made of the seas.                  

Activities shall focus on cross-cutting marine and maritime scientific and technological challenges with a view to unlocking                     the potential of seas and oceans across the range of marine and maritime industries, while protecting the environment and                     adapting to climate change. A strategic coordinated approach for marine and maritime research across all challenges and priorities                     of Horizon 2020 will also support the implementation of relevant Union policies to help deliver key blue growth objectives.                  

### 3.**Secure, clean and efficient energy**U.K.

#### 3.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to make the transition to a reliable, affordable, publicly accepted, sustainable and competitive                     energy system, aiming at reducing fossil fuel dependency in the face of increasingly scarce resources, increasing energy needs                     and climate change.                  

The Union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020, with a further reduction to 80-95 %                     by 2050. In addition, renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency                     target. Achieving these objectives will require an overhaul of the energy system combining low carbon profile and the development                     of alternatives to fossil fuels, energy security and affordability, while at the same time reinforcing Europe's economic competitiveness.                     Europe is currently far from this overall goal. 80 % of the European energy system still relies on fossil fuels, and the sector                     produces 80 % of all the Union's greenhouse gas emissions. With a view to achieving the Union's long-term climate and energy                     objectives, it is appropriate to increase the share of the budget dedicated to renewable energy, end-user energy efficiency,                     smart grids and energy storage activities as compared to the Seventh Framework Programme, and increase the budget dedicated                     to market uptake of energy innovation activities undertaken under the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme within the Competitiveness                     and Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013). The total allocation to these activities shall endeavour to reach at least                     85 % of the budget under this societal challenge. Every year 2,5 % of the Union GDP is spent on energy imports and this is                     likely to increase. This trend would lead to total dependence on oil and gas imports by 2050. Faced with volatile energy prices                     on the world market, coupled with concerns over security of supply, European industries and consumers are spending an increasing                     share of their income on energy. European cities are responsible for 70-80 %(33) of the total energy consumption in the Union and for about the same share of greenhouse gas emissions.                  

The Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050(34) suggests that the targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will have to be met largely within the territory of the                     Union. This would entail reducing CO2 emissions by over 90 % by 2050 in the power sector, by over 80 % in industry, by at least 60 % in transport and by about                     90 % in the residential sector and services. The Roadmap also shows that inter alia natural gas, in the short to medium term,                     can contribute to the transformation of the energy system, combined with the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.                  

To achieve these ambitious reductions, significant investments need to be made in research, development, demonstration and                     market roll-out at affordable prices of efficient, safe, secure and reliable low-carbon energy technologies and services,                     including gas, electricity storage and the roll-out of small and micro-scale energy systems. These must go hand in hand with                     non-technological solutions on both the supply and demand sides, including by initiating participation processes and integrating                     consumers. All this must be part of an integrated sustainable low-carbon policy, including mastering key enabling technologies,                     in particular ICT solutions and advanced manufacturing, processing and materials. The goal is to develop and produce efficient                     energy technologies and services, including the integration of renewable energy, that can be taken up widely on European and                     international markets and to establish intelligent demand-side management based on an open and transparent energy trade market                     and secure intelligent energy efficiency management systems.                  

#### 3.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

New technologies and solutions must compete on cost and reliability against energy systems with well-established incumbents                     and technologies. Research and innovation are critical to make these new, cleaner, low-carbon, more efficient energy sources                     commercially attractive on the scale needed. Neither industry alone, nor Member States individually, are able to bear the                     costs and risks, for which the main drivers (transition to a low-carbon economy, providing affordable and secure energy) are                     outside the market.                  

Speeding up this development will require a strategic approach at Union level, spanning energy supply, demand and use in buildings,                     services, domestic use, transport and industrial value chains. This will entail aligning resources across the Union, including                     Cohesion Policy Funds, in particular through the national and regional strategies for smart specialisation, emission trading                     schemes (ETS), public procurement and other financing mechanisms. It will also require regulatory and deployment policies                     for renewables and energy efficiency, tailored technical assistance and capacity-building to remove non-technological barriers.                  

The Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) offers such a strategic approach. It provides a long-term agenda to address                     the key innovation bottlenecks that energy technologies are facing at the frontier research and R&D/proof-of-concept stages                     and at the demonstration stage when companies seek capital to finance large, first-of-a-kind projects and to open the market                     deployment process. Newly emerging technologies with disruptive potential will not be neglected.                  

The resources required to implement the SET Plan in full have been estimated at EUR 8 billion per year over the next 10 years(35). This is well beyond the capacity of individual Member States or research and industrial stakeholders alone. Investments                     in research and innovation at Union level are needed, combined with mobilisation of efforts across Europe in the form of joint                     implementation and risk and capacity sharing. Union funding of energy research and innovation shall therefore complement Member                     States' activities by focusing on cutting-edge technologies and activities with clear Union added value, in particular those                     with high potential to leverage national resources and create jobs in Europe. Action at Union level shall also support high-risk,                     high-cost, long-term programmes beyond the reach of individual Member States, pool efforts to reduce investment risks in large-scale                     activities such as industrial demonstration, and develop Europe-wide, interoperable energy solutions.                  

Implementation of the SET Plan as the research and innovation pillar of European energy policy will reinforce the Union's                     security of supply and the transition to a low-carbon economy, help to link research and innovation programmes with trans-European                     and regional investments in energy infrastructure and increase the willingness of investors to release capital for projects                     with long lead-times and significant technology and market risks. It will create opportunities for innovation for small and                     large companies and help them become or remain competitive at world level, where opportunities for energy technologies are                     large and increasing.                  

On the international scene, the action taken at Union level provides a critical mass to attract interest from other technology                     leaders and to foster international partnerships to achieve the Union's objectives. It will make it easier for international                     partners to interact with the Union to build common action where there is mutual benefit and interest.                  

The activities under this societal challenge will therefore form the technological backbone of European energy and climate                     policy. They will also contribute to achieving the flagship initiative 'Innovation Union' in the field of energy and the policy                     goals outlined in the flagship initiatives 'Resource-efficient Europe', 'An Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Era' and                     'Digital agenda for Europe'.                  

Research and innovation activities on nuclear fission and fusion energy are carried out in the Euratom programme established                     by Regulation (Euratom) No 1314/2013 Where appropriate, possible synergies between this societal challenge and the Euratom                     programme should be envisaged.                  

#### 3.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

##### (a)Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint by smart and sustainable useU.K.

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

##### (b)Low-cost, low-carbon electricity supplyU.K.

Activities shall focus on research, development and full scale demonstration of innovative renewables, efficient, flexible                     and low carbon emission fossil power plants and carbon capture and storage, or CO2 re-use technologies, offering larger scale, lower cost, environmentally safe technologies with higher conversion efficiency                     and higher availability for different market and operating environments.                  

##### (c)Alternative fuels and mobile energy sourcesU.K.

Activities shall focus on research, development and full scale demonstration of technologies and value chains to make bioenergy                     and other alternative fuels more competitive and sustainable for power and heat and for surface, maritime and air transport,                     with potential for more efficient energy conversion, to reduce time to market for hydrogen and fuel cells and to bring new                     options showing long-term potential to maturity.                  

##### (d)A single, smart European electricity gridU.K.

Activities shall focus on research, development and full scale demonstration of new smart energy grid technologies, back-up                     and balancing technologies enabling higher flexibility and efficiency, including conventional power plants, flexible energy                     storage, systems and market designs to plan, monitor, control and safely operate interoperable networks, including standardisation                     issues, in an open, decarbonised, environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient and competitive market, under normal and                     emergency conditions.                  

##### (e)New knowledge and technologiesU.K.

Activities shall focus on multi-disciplinary research for clean, safe and sustainable energy technologies (including visionary                     actions) and joint implementation of pan-European research programmes and world-class facilities.                  

##### (f)Robust decision making and public engagementU.K.

Activities shall focus on the development of tools, methods, models and forward-looking and perspective scenarios for a robust                     and transparent policy support, including activities on public engagement, user involvement, environmental impact and sustainability                     assessment improving the understanding of energy-related socio-economic trends and prospects.                  

##### (g)Market uptake of energy innovation - building on Intelligent Energy EuropeU.K.

Activities shall build upon and further enhance those undertaken within the Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) programme. They                     shall focus on applied innovation and promotion of standards to facilitate the market uptake of energy technologies and services,                     to address non-technological barriers and to accelerate the cost-effective implementation of the Union's energy policies.                     Attention will also be given to innovation for the smart and sustainable use of existing technologies.                  

### 4.**Smart, Green And Integrated Transport**U.K.

#### 4.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to achieve a European transport system that is resource-efficient, climate- and environmentally-friendly,                     safe and seamless for the benefit of all citizens, the economy and society.                  

Europe must reconcile the growing mobility needs of its citizens and goods and the changing needs shaped by new demographic                     and societal challenges with the imperatives of economic performance and the requirements of an energy-efficient low-carbon                     society and climate-resilient economy. Despite its growth, the transport sector must achieve a substantial reduction in greenhouse                     gases and other adverse environmental impacts, and must break its dependency on oil and other fossil fuels, while maintaining                     high levels of efficiency and mobility and promoting territorial cohesion.                  

Sustainable mobility can only be achieved through a radical change in the transport system, including in public transport,                     inspired by breakthroughs in transport research, far-reaching innovation, and a coherent, Europe-wide implementation of greener,                     safer, more reliable and smarter transport solutions.                  

Research and innovation must bring about focused and timely advances for all transport modes that will help achieve key Union                     policy objectives, while boosting economic competitiveness, supporting the transition to a climate-resilient, energy-efficient                     and low-carbon economy, and maintaining global market leadership both for the service industry as well as the manufacturing                     industry.                  

Although the necessary investments in research, innovation and deployment will be significant, failing to improve the sustainability                     of the whole transport and mobility system and failing to maintain European technological leadership in transport will result                     in unacceptably high societal, ecological, and economic costs in the long term, and damaging consequences on European jobs                     and long-term economic growth.                  

#### 4.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

Transport is a major driver of Europe's economic competitiveness and growth. It ensures the mobility of people and goods necessary                     for an integrated European single market, territorial cohesion and an open and inclusive society. It represents one of Europe's                     greatest assets in terms of industrial capability and quality of service, playing a leading role in many world markets. Transport                     industry and transport equipment manufacturing together represent 6,3 % of the Union GDP. The transport sector's overall contribution                     to the Union economy is even greater, taking into account trade, services and mobility of workers. At the same time, the European                     transport industry faces increasingly fierce competition from other parts of the world. Breakthrough technologies will be                     required to secure Europe's future competitive edge and to mitigate the drawbacks of our current transport system.                  

The transport sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gases and generates up to a quarter of all emissions. It is also                     a major contributor to other air pollution problems. Transport is still 96 % dependent on fossil fuels. It is essential to                     reduce this environmental impact through targeted technological improvement, bearing in mind that each mode of transport faces                     varying challenges and is characterised by different technology integration cycles. Moreover, congestion is an increasing                     problem; systems are not yet sufficiently smart; alternative options for shifting towards more sustainable modes of transport                     are not always attractive; road fatalities remain dramatically high at 34 000 per year in the Union; citizens and businesses                     expect a transport system that is accessible to all, safe and secure. The urban context poses specific challenges and provides                     opportunities to the sustainability of transport and for a better quality of life.                  

Within a few decades the expected growth rates of transport would drive European traffic into a gridlock and make its economic                     costs and societal impact unbearable, with adverse economic and societal repercussions. If trends of the past continue in                     the future, passenger-kilometres are predicted to double over the next 40 years and grow twice as fast for air travel. CO2 emissions would grow 35 % by 2050(36). Congestion costs would increase by about 50 %, to nearly EUR 200 billion annually. The external costs of accidents would                     increase by about EUR 60 billion compared to 2005.                  

Business-as-usual is therefore not an option. Research and innovation, driven by policy objectives and focused on the key                     challenges, shall contribute substantially to achieve the Union's targets of limiting global temperature increase to 2 °C,                     cutting 60 % of CO2 emissions from transport, drastically reducing congestion and accident costs, and virtually eradicating road deaths by 2050(36).                  

The problems of pollution, congestion, safety and security are common throughout the Union and call for collaborative Europe-wide                     responses. Accelerating the development and deployment of new technologies and innovative solutions for vehicles(37), infrastructures and transport management will be essential to achieve a cleaner, safer, more secure, accessible and more                     efficient intermodal and multimodal transport system in the Union; to deliver the results necessary to mitigate climate change                     and improve resource efficiency; and to maintain European leadership on the world markets for transport-related products and                     services. These objectives cannot be achieved through fragmented national efforts alone.                  

Union level funding of transport research and innovation will complement Member States' activities by focusing on activities                     with a clear European added value. This means that emphasis will be placed on priority areas that match European policy objectives                     where a critical mass of effort is necessary, where Europe-wide, interoperable or multimodal integrated transport solutions                     can help remove bottlenecks in the transport system, or where pooling efforts transnationally and making better use of and                     effectively disseminating existing research evidence can reduce research investment risks, pioneer common standards and shorten                     time to market of research results.                  

Research and innovation activities shall include a wide range of initiatives, including relevant public-private partnerships,                     that cover the full innovation chain and follow an integrated approach to innovative transport solutions. Several activities                     are specifically intended to help bring results to the market: a programmatic approach to research and innovation, demonstration                     projects, market take-up actions and support for standardisation, regulation and innovative procurement strategies all serve                     this goal. In addition, using stakeholders' engagement and expertise will help bridge the gap between research results and                     their deployment in the transport sector.                  

Investing in research and innovation for a greener, smarter and fully integrated reliable transport system will make an important                     contribution to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy and of its flagship initiative 'Innovation Union'. The activities                     will support the implementation of the White Paper "Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area - Towards a competitive and                     resource efficient transport system". They will also contribute to the policy goals outlined in the flagship initiatives 'Resource-efficient                     Europe', 'An Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Era' and 'Digital Agenda for Europe'. They will also interface with the                     relevant Joint Programming Initiatives.                  

#### 4.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

The activities will be organised in such a way as to allow for an integrated and mode-specific approach as appropriate. Multiannual                     visibility and continuity will be necessary in order to take into account the specificities of each transport mode and the                     holistic nature of challenges, as well as the relevant Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas of the transport-related                     European Technology Platforms.                  

##### (a)Resource-efficient transport that respects the environmentU.K.

The aim is to minimise transport systems' impact on climate and the environment (including noise and air pollution) by improving                     their quality and efficiency in the use of natural resources and fuel, and by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence                     on fossil fuels.                  

The focus of activities shall be to reduce resource consumption, particularly fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions and noise                     levels, as well as to improve transport and vehicle efficiency; to accelerate the development, manufacturing and deployment                     of a new generation of clean (electric, hydrogen and other low or zero emission) vehicles, including through breakthroughs                     and optimisation in engines, energy storage and infrastructure; to explore and exploit the potential of alternative and sustainable                     fuels and innovative and more efficient propulsion and operating systems, including fuel infrastructure and charging; to optimise                     the planning and use of infrastructures, by means of intelligent transport systems, logistics, and smart equipment; and to                     increase the use of demand management and public and non-motorised transport, and of intermodal mobility chains, particularly                     in urban areas. Innovation aimed at achieving low or zero emissions in all modes of transport will be encouraged.                  

##### (b)Better mobility, less congestion, more safety and securityU.K.

The aim is to reconcile the growing mobility needs with improved transport fluidity, through innovative solutions for seamless,                     intermodal, inclusive, accessible, affordable, safe, secure, healthy, and robust transport systems.                  

The focus of activities shall be to reduce congestion, improve accessibility, interoperability and passenger choices, and                     to match user needs by developing and promoting integrated door-to-door transport, mobility management and logistics; to enhance                     intermodality and the deployment of smart planning and management solutions; and to drastically reduce the occurrence of accidents                     and the impact of security threats.                  

##### (c)Global leadership for the European transport industryU.K.

The aim is to reinforce the competitiveness and performance of European transport manufacturing industries and related services                     (including logistic processes, maintenance, repair, retrofitting and recycling) while retaining areas of European leadership                     (e.g. aeronautics).                  

The focus of activities shall be to develop the next generation of innovative air, waterborne and land transport means, ensure                     sustainable manufacturing of innovative systems and equipment and to prepare the ground for future transport means, by working                     on novel technologies, concepts and designs, smart control systems and interoperable standards, efficient production processes,                     innovative services and certification procedures, shorter development times and reduced lifecycle costs without compromising                     operational safety and security.                  

##### (d)Socio-economic and behavioural research and forward-looking activities for policy makingU.K.

The aim is to support improved policy making which is necessary to promote innovation and meet the challenges raised by transport                     and the societal needs related to it.                  

The focus of activities shall be to improve the understanding of transport-related socio-economic impacts, trends and prospects,                     including the evolution of future demand, and provide policy makers with evidence-based data and analyses. Attention will                     also be paid to the dissemination of results emerging from these activities.                  

### 5.**Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials**U.K.

#### 5.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to achieve a resource- and water-efficient and climate change resilient economy and society, the                     protection and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems, and a sustainable supply and use of raw materials,                     in order to meet the needs of a growing global population within the sustainable limits of the planet's natural resources                     and ecosystems. Activities will contribute to increasing European competitiveness and raw materials security and to improving                     well being, whilst assuring environmental integrity, resilience and sustainability with the aim of keeping average global                     warming below 2 °C and enabling ecosystems and society to adapt to climate change and other environmental changes.                  

During the 20th century, the world increased both its fossil fuel use and the extraction of material resources by a factor                     of ten. This era of seemingly plentiful and cheap resources is coming to an end. Raw materials, water, air, biodiversity and                     terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems are all under pressure. Many of the world's major ecosystems are being degraded,                     with up to 60 % of the services that they provide being used unsustainably. In the Union, some 16 tonnes of materials are                     used per person each year, of which 6 tonnes are wasted, with half going to landfill. The global demand for resources continues                     to increase with the growing population and rising aspirations, in particular of middle-income earners in emerging economies.                     Economic growth needs to be decoupled from resource use.                  

The average temperature of the Earth's surface has increased by about 0,8 °C over the past 100 years and is projected to increase                     by between 1,8 to 4 °C by the end of the 21st century (relative to the 1980-1999 average)(38). The likely impacts on natural and human systems associated with these changes will challenge the planet and its ability                     to adapt, as well as threaten future economic development and the well being of humanity.                  

The growing impacts from climate change and environmental problems, such as ocean acidification, changes in ocean circulation,                     increase of seawater temperature, ice melting in the Arctic and decreased seawater salinity, land degradation and use, loss                     of soil fertility, water scarcity, droughts and floods, seismic and volcanic hazards, changes in spatial distribution of species,                     chemical pollution, over-exploitation of resources, and biodiversity loss, indicate that the planet is approaching its sustainability                     boundaries. For example, without improvements in efficiency across all sectors, including through innovative water systems,                     water demand is projected to overshoot supply by 40 % in 20 years time, which will lead to severe water stress and shortages.                     Forests are disappearing at an alarmingly high rate of 5 million hectares per year. Interactions between resources can cause                     systemic risks, with the depletion of one resource generating an irreversible tipping point for other resources and ecosystems.                     Based on current trends, the equivalent of more than two planet Earths will be needed by 2050 to support the growing global                     population.                  

The sustainable supply and resource-efficient management of raw materials, including their exploration, extraction, processing,                     re-use, recycling and substitution, is essential for the functioning of modern societies and their economies. European sectors,                     such as construction, chemicals, automotive, aerospace, machinery and equipment, which provide a total added value of some                     EUR 1,3 trillion and employment for approximately 30 million people, heavily depend on access to raw materials. However, the                     supply of raw materials to the Union is coming under increasing pressure. Furthermore, the Union is highly dependent on imports                     of strategically important raw materials, which are being affected at an alarming rate by market distortions.                  

Moreover, the Union still has valuable mineral deposits, whose exploration, extraction and processing is limited by a lack                     of adequate technologies, by inadequate waste cycle management and by lack of investment, and hampered by increased global                     competition. Given the importance of raw materials for European competitiveness, for the economy and for their application                     in innovative products, the sustainable supply and resource-efficient management of raw materials is a vital priority for                     the Union.                  

The ability of the economy to adapt and become more climate change resilient and resource-efficient and at the same time to                     remain competitive depends on high levels of eco-innovation, of a societal, economic, organisational and technological nature.                     With the global market for eco-innovation worth around EUR 1 trillion per year and expected to triple by 2030, eco-innovation                     represents a major opportunity to boost competitiveness and job creation in European economies.                  

#### 5.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

Meeting Union and international targets for greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations and coping with climate change impacts                     requires a transition towards a low-carbon society and the development and deployment of cost-effective and sustainable technological                     and non-technological solutions, and mitigation and adaptation measures, and a stronger understanding of societal responses                     to these challenges. Union and global policy frameworks must ensure that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected, valued                     and appropriately restored in order to preserve their ability to provide resources and services in the future. Water challenges                     in the rural, urban and industrial environments need to be addressed to promote water system innovation and resource efficiency                     and to protect aquatic ecosystems. Research and innovation can help secure reliable and sustainable access to and exploitation                     of raw materials on land and sea bed and ensure a significant reduction in resource use and wastage.                  

The focus of Union actions shall therefore be on supporting key Union objectives and policies covering the whole innovation                     cycle and the elements of the knowledge triangle, including the Europe 2020 strategy; the flagship initiatives 'Innovation                     Union', 'An industrial policy for the globalisation era', 'Digital Agenda for Europe' and 'Resource-efficient Europe' and                     the corresponding Roadmap(39); the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050; 'Adapting to climate change: Towards a European framework                     for action'(40); the Raw Materials Initiative(41); the Union's Sustainable Development Strategy(42); an Integrated Maritime Policy for the Union(43); the Marine Strategy Framework Directive; the Water Framework Directive and the Directives based on it; the Floods Directive(44); the Eco-innovation Action Plan; and the General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020(45). These actions shall, when appropriate, interface with relevant European Innovation Partnerships and Joint Programming Initiatives.                     These actions shall reinforce the ability of society to become more resilient to environmental and climate change and ensure                     the availability of raw materials.                  

Given the transnational and global nature of the climate and the environment, their scale and complexity, and the international                     dimension of the raw materials supply chain, activities have to be carried out at the Union level and beyond. The multi-disciplinary                     character of the necessary research requires pooling complementary knowledge and resources in order to effectively tackle                     this challenge in a sustainable way. Reducing resource use and environmental impacts, whilst increasing competitiveness, will                     require a decisive societal and technological transition to an economy based on a sustainable relationship between nature                     and human well-being. Coordinated research and innovation activities will improve the understanding and forecasting of climate                     and environmental change in a systemic and cross-sectoral perspective, reduce uncertainties, identify and assess vulnerabilities,                     risks, costs and opportunities, as well as expand the range and improve the effectiveness of societal and policy responses                     and solutions. Actions will also seek to improve research and innovation delivery and dissemination to support policy making                     and to empower actors at all levels of society to actively participate in this process.                  

Addressing the availability of raw materials calls for co-ordinated research and innovation efforts across many disciplines                     and sectors to help provide safe, economically feasible, environmentally sound and socially acceptable solutions along the                     entire value chain (exploration, extraction, processing, design, sustainable use and re-use, recycling and substitution).                     Innovation in these fields will provide opportunities for growth and jobs, as well as innovative options involving science,                     technology, the economy, society, policy and governance. For these reasons, European Innovation Partnerships on Water and                     Raw Materials have been launched.                  

Responsible eco-innovation may provide valuable new opportunities for growth and jobs. Solutions developed through Union level                     action will counter key threats to industrial competitiveness and enable rapid uptake and replication across the single market                     and beyond. This will enable the transition towards a green economy that takes into account the sustainable use of resources.                     Partners for this approach will include international, European and national policy makers, international and Member State                     research and innovation programmes, European business and industry, the European Environment Agency and national environment                     agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.                  

In addition to bilateral and regional cooperation, Union level actions will also support relevant international efforts and                     initiatives, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity                     and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO).                  

#### 5.3.*Broad lines of the activities*U.K.

##### (a)Fighting and adapting to climate changeU.K.

The aim is to develop and assess innovative, cost-effective and sustainable adaptation and mitigation measures and strategies,                     targeting both CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gases and aerosols, and underlining both technological and non technological green solutions, through the generation                     of evidence for informed, early and effective action and the networking of the required competences. Activities shall focus                     on improving the understanding of climate change and the risks associated with extreme events and abrupt climate-related changes                     with a view to providing reliable climate projections; assessing impacts at global, regional and local level, and vulnerabilities;                     developing innovative cost-effective adaptation and risk prevention and management measures; and supporting mitigation policies                     and strategies, including studies that focus on impact from other sectoral policies.                  

##### (b)Protecting the environment, sustainably managing natural resources, water, biodiversity and ecosystemsU.K.

The aim is to provide knowledge and tools for the management and protection of natural resources, in order to achieve a sustainable                     balance between limited resources and the present and future needs of society and the economy. Activities shall focus on furthering                     our understanding of biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems, their interactions with social systems and their role                     in sustaining the economy and human well-being; developing integrated approaches to address water-related challenges and the                     transition to sustainable management and use of water resources and services; and providing knowledge and tools for effective                     decision making and public engagement.                  

##### (c)Ensuring the sustainable supply of non-energy and non-agricultural raw materialsU.K.

The aim is to improve the knowledge base on raw materials and develop innovative solutions for the cost-effective, resource-efficient                     and environmentally friendly exploration, extraction, processing, use and re-use, recycling and recovery of raw materials                     and for their substitution by economically attractive and environmentally sustainable alternatives with a lower environmental                     impact, including closed-loop processes and systems. Activities shall focus on improving the knowledge base on the availability                     of raw materials; promoting the sustainable and efficient supply, use and re-use of raw materials, including mineral resources,                     from land and sea; finding alternatives for critical raw materials; and improving societal awareness and skills on raw materials.                  

##### (d)Enabling the transition towards a green economy and society through eco-innovationU.K.

The aim is to foster all forms of eco-innovation that enable the transition to a green economy. Activities shall, inter alia,                     build upon and enhance those undertaken in the Eco-Innovation Programme and focus on strengthening eco-innovative technologies,                     processes, services and products, including exploring ways to reduce the quantities of raw materials in production and consumption,                     overcoming barriers in this context, and boosting their market uptake and replication, with special attention for SMEs; supporting                     innovative policies, sustainable economic models and societal changes; measuring and assessing progress towards a green economy;                     and fostering resource efficiency through digital systems.                  

##### (e)Developing comprehensive and sustained global environmental observation and information systemsU.K.

The aim is to ensure the delivery of the long-term data and information required to address this challenge. Activities shall                     focus on the capabilities, technologies and data infrastructures for Earth observation and monitoring from both remote sensing                     and in situ measurements that can continuously provide timely and accurate information and permit forecasts and projections.                     Free, open and unrestricted access to interoperable data and information will be encouraged. Activities shall help define                     future operational activities of the Copernicus programme and enhance the use of Copernicus data for research activities.                  

##### (f)Cultural heritageU.K.

The aim is to research into the strategies, methodologies and tools needed to enable a dynamic and sustainable cultural heritage                     in Europe in response to climate change. Cultural heritage in its diverse physical forms provides the living context for resilient                     communities responding to multivariate changes. Research in cultural heritage requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve                     the understanding of historical material. Activities shall focus on identifying resilience levels through observations, monitoring                     and modelling as well as provide for a better understanding on how communities perceive and respond to climate change and                     seismic and volcanic hazards.                  

### 6.**Europe In A Changing World - Inclusive, Innovative And Reflective Societies**U.K.

#### 6.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to foster a greater understanding of Europe, provide solutions and support inclusive, innovative                     and reflective European societies in a context of unprecedented transformations and growing global interdependencies.                  

Europe is confronted with major socio-economic challenges which significantly affect its common future. These include growing                     economic and cultural interdependencies, ageing and demographic change, social exclusion and poverty, integration and disintegration,                     inequalities and migration flows, a growing digital divide, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in society and                     enterprises, and a decreasing sense of trust in democratic institutions and between citizens within and across borders. These                     challenges are enormous and they call for a common European approach, based upon shared scientific knowledge that social sciences                     and humanities, among others, can provide.                  

Significant inequalities persist in the Union both across countries and within them. In 2011 the Human Development Index,                     an aggregate measure of progress in health, education and income, scores the Member States between 0,771 and 0,910, thus reflecting                     considerable divergences between countries. Significant gender inequalities also persist: for instance, the gender pay gap                     in the Union remains at an average of 17,8 % in favour of men(46). In 2011, one in every six Union citizens (around 80 million people) was at risk of poverty. Over the past two decades the                     poverty of young adults and families with children has risen. The youth unemployment rate is above 20 %. 150 million Europeans                     (some 25 %) have never used the internet and may never get sufficient digital literacy. Political apathy and polarisation                     in elections has also risen, reflecting citizens' faltering trust in current political systems.                  

These figures suggest that some social groups and communities are persistently left out of social and economic development                     and/or democratic politics. These inequalities do not only stifle societal development but hamper the economies in the Union                     and reduce the research and innovation capacities within and across countries.                  

A central challenge in addressing these inequalities will be the fostering of settings in which European, national and ethnic                     identities can coexist and be mutually enriching.                  

Moreover, the number of Europeans aged over 65 is expected to rise significantly by 42 % from 87 million in 2010 to 124 million                     in 2030. This presents a major challenge for the economy, society and the sustainability of public finances.                  

Europe's productivity and economic growth rates have been relatively decreasing for four decades. Furthermore, its share of                     the global knowledge production and its innovation performance lead compared to key emerging economies such as Brazil and                     China are declining fast. Although Europe has a strong research base, it needs to make this base a powerful asset for innovative                     goods and services.                  

It is well-known that Europe needs to invest more in science and innovation and that it will also have to coordinate these                     investments better than in the past. Since the financial crisis many economic and social inequalities in Europe have been                     aggravated even further, and the return of pre-crisis rates of economic growth seems a long way off for most of the Union.                     The current crisis also suggests that it is challenging to find solutions to crises that reflect the heterogeneity of Member                     States and their interests.                  

These challenges must be tackled together and in innovative and multi-disciplinary ways because they interact in complex and                     often unexpected ways. Innovation may lead to weakening inclusiveness, as can be seen, for instance, in the phenomena of digital                     divide or labour market segmentation. Social innovation and social trust are sometimes difficult to reconcile in policies,                     for instance in socially depressed areas in large cities in Europe. Besides, the conjunction of innovation and citizens' evolving                     demands also lead policymakers and economic and social actors to find new answers that ignore established boundaries between                     sectors, activities, goods or services. Phenomena such as the growth of Internet, of the financial systems, of the ageing                     economy and of the ecological society abundantly show how it is necessary to think and respond to these issues across their                     dimensions of inclusiveness and innovation at the same time.                  

The in-built complexity of these challenges and the evolutions of demands thus make it essential to develop innovative research                     and new smart technologies, processes and methods, social innovation mechanisms, coordinated actions and policies that will                     anticipate or influence major evolutions for Europe. It calls for a renewed understanding of determinants of innovation. In                     addition, it calls for understanding the underlying trends and impacts within these challenges and rediscovering or reinventing                     successful forms of solidarity, behaviour, coordination and creativity that make Europe distinctive in terms of inclusive,                     innovative and reflective societies compared to other regions of the world.                  

It also requires a more strategic approach to cooperation with third countries, based on a deeper understanding of the Union's                     past and its current and future role as a global player.                  

#### 6.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

These challenges go beyond national borders and thus call for more complex comparative analyses to develop a base upon which                     national and European policies can be better understood. Such comparative analyses should address mobility (of people, goods,                     services and capital but also of competences, knowledge and ideas) and forms of institutional cooperation, intercultural interactions                     and international cooperation. If these challenges are not better understood and anticipated, forces of globalisation also                     push European countries to compete with each other rather than cooperate, thus accentuating differences in Europe rather than                     commonalities and a right balance between cooperation and competition. Addressing such critical issues, including socio-economic                     challenges, only at national level, carries the danger of inefficient use of resources, externalisation of problems to other                     European and non-European countries and the accentuation of social, economic and political tensions that may directly affect                     the aims of the Treaties regarding its values, in particular Title I of the Treaty on European Union.                  

In order to understand, analyse and build inclusive, innovative and reflective societies, Europe requires a response which                     unfolds the potential of shared ideas for the European future to create new knowledge, technologies and capabilities. The                     concept of inclusive societies acknowledges the diversity in culture, regions and socio-economic settings as a European strength.                     Turning European diversity into a source of innovation and development is needed. Such endeavour will help Europe tackle its                     challenges not only internally but also as a global player on the international scene. This, in turn, will also help Member                     States benefit from experiences elsewhere and allow them to better define their own specific actions corresponding to their                     respective contexts.                  

Fostering new modes of cooperation between countries within the Union and worldwide, as well as across relevant research and                     innovation communities, will therefore be a central task under this societal challenge. Supporting social and technological                     innovation processes, encouraging smart and participatory public administration, as well as informing and promoting evidence-based                     policy making will be systematically pursued in order to enhance the relevance of all these activities for policymakers, social                     and economic actors, and citizens. Research and innovation will be a precondition for the competitiveness of European businesses                     and services with particular attention to sustainability, advancing education, increasing employment, and reducing poverty.                  

Union funding under this challenge will thus support the development, implementation and adaptation of key Union policies,                     notably the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. It will interface, as and when appropriate, with Joint Programming Initiatives,                     including "Cultural Heritage", "More Years, Better Lives" and "Urban Europe", and coordination with the JRC direct actions                     will be pursued.                  

#### 6.3.*Broad lines of activities*U.K.

##### 6.3.1.Inclusive societiesU.K.

The aim is to gain a greater understanding of the societal changes in Europe and their impact on social cohesion, and to analyse                     and develop social, economic and political inclusion and positive inter-cultural dynamics in Europe and with international                     partners, through cutting-edge science and interdisciplinarity, technological advances and organisational innovations. The                     main challenges to be tackled concerning European models for social cohesion and well-being are, inter alia, migration, integration,                     demographic change, the ageing society and disability, education and lifelong learning, as well as the reduction of poverty                     and social exclusion taking into account the different regional and cultural characteristics.                  

Social sciences and humanities research plays a leading role here as it explores changes over time and space and enables exploration                     of imagined futures. Europe has a huge shared history of both co-operation and conflict. Its dynamic cultural interactions                     provide inspiration and opportunities. Research is needed to understand identity and belonging across communities, regions                     and nations. Research will support policymakers in designing policies that foster employment, combat poverty and prevent the                     development of various forms of divisions, conflict and political and social exclusion, discrimination and inequalities, such                     as gender and intergenerational inequalities, discrimination due to disability or ethnic origin, or digital or innovation                     divides, in European societies and in other regions of the world. It shall in particular feed into the implementation and                     the adaptation of the Europe 2020 strategy and the broad external action of the Union.                  

The focus of activities shall be to understand and foster or implement:

the mechanisms to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth;

trusted organisations, practices, services and policies that are necessary to build resilient, inclusive, participatory, open                              and creative societies in Europe, in particular taking into account migration, integration and demographic change;                           

Europe's role as a global actor, notably regarding human rights and global justice;

the promotion of sustainable and inclusive environments through innovative spatial and urban planning and design.

##### 6.3.2.Innovative societiesU.K.

The aim is to foster the development of innovative societies and policies in Europe through the engagement of citizens, civil                     society organisations, enterprises and users in research and innovation and the promotion of coordinated research and innovation                     policies in the context of globalisation and the need to promote the highest ethical standards. Particular support will be                     provided for the development of the ERA and the development of framework conditions for innovation.                  

Cultural and societal knowledge is a major source of creativity and innovation, including business, public sector and social                     innovation. In many cases social and user-led innovations also precede the development of innovative technologies, services                     and economic processes. The creative industries are a major resource to tackle societal challenges and for competitiveness.                     As interrelations between social and technological innovation are complex, and rarely linear, further research, including                     cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary research, is needed into the development of all types of innovation and activities funded                     to encourage its effective development into the future.                  

The focus of activities shall be to:

strengthen the evidence base and support for the flagship initiative "Innovation Union" and ERA;

explore new forms of innovation, with special emphasis on social innovation and creativity, and understand how all forms of                              innovation are developed, succeed or fail;                           

make use of the innovative, creative and productive potential of all generations;

promote coherent and effective cooperation with third countries.

##### 6.3.3.Reflective societies - cultural heritage and European identityU.K.

The aim is to contribute to an understanding of Europe's intellectual basis – its history and the many European and non-European                     influences – as an inspiration for our lives today. Europe is characterized by a variety of different peoples (including minorities                     and indigenous people), traditions and regional and national identities as well as by different levels of economic and societal                     development. Migration and mobility, the media, industry and transport contribute to the diversity of views and lifestyles.                     This diversity and its opportunities should be recognized and considered.                  

European collections in libraries, including digital ones, archives, museums, galleries and other public institutions have                     a wealth of rich, untapped documentation and objects for study. These archival resources, together with intangible heritage,                     represent the history of individual Member States but also the collective heritage of a Union that has emerged through time.                     Such materials should be made accessible, also through new technologies, to researchers and citizens to enable a look to the                     future through the archive of the past. Accessibility and preservation of cultural heritage in these forms is needed for the                     vitality of the living engagements within and across European cultures now and contributes to sustainable economic growth.                  

The focus of activities shall be to:

study European heritage, memory, identity, integration and cultural interaction and translation, including its representations                              in cultural and scientific collections, archives and museums, to better inform and understand the present by richer interpretations                              of the past;                           

research into European countries' and regions' history, literature, art, philosophy and religions and how these have informed                              contemporary European diversity;                           

research on Europe's role in the world, on the mutual influence and ties between the regions of the world, and a view from                              outside on European cultures.                           

### 7.**Secure Societies - Protecting Freedom And Security Of Europe And Its Citizens**U.K.

#### 7.1.*Specific objective*U.K.

The specific objective is to foster secure European societies in a context of unprecedented transformations and growing global                     interdependencies and threats, while strengthening the European culture of freedom and justice.                  

Europe has never been so peacefully consolidated, and the levels of security enjoyed by European citizens are high compared                     to other parts of the world. However, Europe's vulnerability continues to exist in a context of ever-increasing globalisation                     in which societies are facing security threats and challenges that are growing in scale and sophistication.                  

The threat of large-scale military aggressions has decreased and security concerns are focused on new multifaceted, interrelated                     and transnational threats. Aspects such as human rights, environmental degradation, political stability and democracy, social                     issues, cultural and religious identity or migration need to be taken into account. In this context the internal and external                     aspects of security are inextricably linked. In order to protect freedom and security, the Union requires effective responses                     using a comprehensive and innovative suite of security instruments. Research and innovation can play a clear supporting role                     although it cannot alone guarantee security. Research and innovation activities should aim at understanding, detecting, preventing,                     deterring, preparing and protecting against security threats. Furthermore, security presents fundamental challenges that cannot                     be resolved by independent and sector-specific treatment but rather need more ambitious, coordinated and holistic approaches.                  

Many forms of insecurity, whether from crime, violence, terrorism, natural or man-made disasters, cyber attacks or privacy                     abuses, and other forms of social and economic disorders increasingly affect citizens.                  

According to estimates, there are likely to be up to 75 million direct victims of crime every year in Europe(47). The direct cost of crime, terrorism, illegal activities, violence and disasters in Europe has been estimated at least EUR 650                     billion (about 5 % of the Union GDP) in 2010. Terrorism has shown its fatal consequences in several parts of Europe and worldwide                     costing many lives and important economic losses. It also has a significant cultural and global impact.                  

Citizens, firms and institutions are increasingly involved in digital interactions and transactions in social, financial and                     commercial areas of life, but the development of Internet has also led to cyber crime worth billions of Euros each year, to                     cyber attacks on critical infrastructures and to breaches of privacy affecting individuals or entities across the continent.                     Changes in the nature and perception of insecurity in everyday life are likely to affect citizens' trust not only in institutions                     but also in each other.                  

In order to anticipate, prevent and manage these threats, it is necessary to understand the causes, develop and apply innovative                     technologies, solutions, foresight tools and knowledge, stimulate cooperation between providers and users, find civil security                     solutions, improve the competitiveness of the European security industry and services, including ICT, and prevent and combat                     the abuse of privacy and breaches of human rights in the Internet and elsewhere, while ensuring European citizens' individual                     rights and freedom.                  

To enhance better cross-border collaboration between different kinds of emergency services, attention should be given to interoperability                     and standardisation.                  

Finally, as security policies should interact with different social policies, enhancing the societal dimension of security                     research will be an important aspect of this societal challenge.                  

Respecting fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law must be the base of any activity undertaken                     in the context of this challenge to provide security to European citizens.                  

#### 7.2.*Rationale and Union added value*U.K.

The Union and its citizens, industry and international partners are confronted with a range of security threats like crime,                     terrorism, illegal trafficking and mass emergencies due to natural or man-made disasters. These threats can span across borders                     and aim at physical targets or the cyberspace with attacks arising from different sources. Attacks against information or                     communication systems of public authorities and private entities, for instance, not only undermine the citizens' trust in                     information and communication systems and lead to direct financial losses and a loss of business opportunities, but may also                     seriously affect critical infrastructure and services such as energy, aviation and other transport, water and food supply,                     health, finance or telecommunications.                  

These threats could possibly endanger the inner foundations of our society. Technology and creative design can bring an important                     contribution to any response to be made. Yet, new solutions should be developed while bearing in mind the appropriateness                     of the means and their adequacy to the societal demand, in particular in terms of guarantees for citizens' fundamental rights                     and freedoms.                  

Finally, security also represents a major economic challenge, considering Europe's share of the fast growing global security                     market. Given the potential impact of some threats on services, networks or businesses, the deployment of adequate security                     solutions has become critical for the economy and European manufacturing competitiveness. Cooperation among Member States                     but also with third countries and international organisations is part of this challenge.                  

Union research and innovation funding under this societal challenge will thus support the development, implementation and                     adaptation of key Union policies, notably the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, the Common Foreign and Security Policy,                     the Union's Internal Security Strategy and the flagship initiative 'Digital Agenda for Europe'. Coordination with the JRC                     direct actions will be pursued.                  

#### 7.3.*Broad lines of activities*U.K.

The aim is to support Union policies for internal and external security and to ensure cyber security, trust and privacy in                     the Digital Single Market, whilst at the same time improving the competitiveness of the Union's security industry and services,                     including ICT. The activities will include a focus on the research and development of the next generation of innovative solutions,                     by working on novel concepts, designs and interoperable standards. This will be done by developing innovative technologies                     and solutions that address security gaps and lead to a reduction in the risk from security threats.                  

These mission-oriented actions will integrate the demands of different end-users (citizens, businesses, civil society organisations                     and administrations, including national and international authorities, civil protection, law enforcement, border guards, etc.)                     in order to take into account the evolution of security threats and privacy protection and the necessary societal aspects.                  

The focus of activities shall be to:

fight crime, illegal trafficking and terrorism, including understanding and tackling terrorist ideas and beliefs;

protect and improve the resilience of critical infrastructures, supply chains and transport modes;

strengthen security through border management;

improve cyber security;

increase Europe's resilience to crises and disasters;

ensure privacy and freedom, including in the Internet, and enhance the societal legal and ethical understanding of all areas                              of security, risk and management;                           

enhance standardisation and interoperability of systems, including for emergency purposes;

support the Union's external security policies, including conflict prevention and peace-building.

## PART IVU.K.**SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION**

### 1.**Specific objective**U.K.

The specific objective is to fully exploit the potential of Europe's talent pool and to ensure that the benefits of an innovation-led                     economy are both maximised and widely distributed across the Union in accordance with the principle of excellence.                  

Despite a recent tendency for the innovation performances of individual countries and regions to converge, sharp differences                     among Member States still remain. Furthermore, by putting national budgets under constraint, the current financial crisis                     is threatening to widen gaps. Exploiting the potential of Europe's talent pool and maximising and spreading the benefits of                     innovation across the Union is vital for Europe's competitiveness and its ability to address societal challenges in the future.                  

### 2.**Rationale and Union added value**U.K.

In order to progress towards a sustainable, inclusive and smart society, Europe needs to make the best use of the intelligence                     that is available in the Union and to unlock untapped R&I potential.                  

By nurturing and connecting pools of excellence, the activities proposed will contribute to strengthening the ERA.

### 3.**Broad lines of the activities**U.K.

Specific actions will facilitate the spreading of excellence and widening of participation through the following actions:
          -  Teaming of excellent research institutions and low performing RDI regions aiming at the creation of new (or significant upgrade                           of existing) centres of excellence in low performing RDI Member States and regions.                         
          -  Twinning of research institutions aiming at significantly strengthening a defined field of research in an emerging institution                           through links with at least two internationally-leading institutions in a defined field.                         
          -  Establishing ‚ERA Chairs’ to attract outstanding academics to institutions with a clear potential for research excellence,                           in order to help these institutions fully unlock this potential and hereby create a level playing field for research and innovation                           in the ERA. Possible synergies with ERC activities should be explored.                         
          -  A Policy Support Facility to improve the design, implementation and evaluation of national/regional research and innovation                           policies.                         
          -  Supporting access to international networks for excellent researchers and innovators who lack sufficient involvement in European                           and international networks, including COST.                         
          -  Strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of transnational networks of National Contact Points, including                           through training, so that they can provide better support to potential participants.                         

## PART VU.K.**SCIENCE WITH AND FOR SOCIETY**

### 1.**Specific objective**U.K.

The aim is to build effective cooperation between science and society, to recruit new talent for science and to pair scientific                     excellence with social awareness and responsibility.                  

### 2.**Rationale and Union added value**U.K.

The strength of the European science and technology system depends on its capacity to harness talent and ideas from wherever                     they exist. This can only be achieved if a fruitful and rich dialogue and active cooperation between science and society is                     developed to ensure a more responsible science and to enable the development of policies more relevant to citizens. Rapid                     advances in contemporary scientific research and innovation have led to a rise of important ethical, legal and social issues                     that affect the relationship between science and society. Improving the cooperation between science and society to enable                     a widening of the social and political support to science and to technology in all Member States is an increasingly crucial                     issue which the current economic crisis has greatly exacerbated. Public investment in science requires a vast social and political                     constituency sharing the values of science, educated and engaged in its processes and able to recognise its contributions                     to knowledge, to society and to economic progress.                  

### 3.**Broad lines of activities**U.K.

The focus of activities shall be to:

make scientific and technological careers attractive to young students, and foster sustainable interaction between schools,                              research institutions, industry and civil society organisations;                           

promote gender equality in particular by supporting structural changes in the organisation of research institutions and in                              the content and design of research activities;                           

integrate society in science and innovation issues, policies and activities in order to integrate citizens' interests and                              values and to increase the quality, relevance, social acceptability and sustainability of research and innovation outcomes                              in various fields of activity from social innovation to areas such as biotechnology and nanotechnology;                           

encourage citizens to engage in science through formal and informal science education, and promote the diffusion of science-based                              activities, namely in science centres and through other appropriate channels;                           

develop the accessibility and the use of the results of publicly-funded research;

develop the governance for the advancement of responsible research and innovation by all stakeholders (researchers, public                              authorities, industry and civil society organisations), which is sensitive to society needs and demands, and promote an ethics                              framework for research and innovation;                           

take due and proportional precautions in research and innovation activities by anticipating and assessing potential environmental,                              health and safety impacts;                           

improve knowledge on science communication in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of interactions between scientists,                              general media and the public.                           

## PART VIU.K.**NON-NUCLEAR DIRECT ACTIONS OF THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE (JRC)**

### 1.**Specific objective**U.K.

The specific objective is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support to Union policies, while flexibly responding                     to new policy demands.                  

### 2.**Rationale and Union added value**U.K.

The Union has defined an ambitious policy agenda to 2020 which addresses a set of complex and interlinked challenges, such                     as sustainable management of resources and competitiveness. In order to successfully tackle these challenges, robust scientific                     evidence is needed which cuts across different scientific disciplines and allows the sound assessment of policy options. The                     JRC, playing its role as the science service for Union policy making, will provide the required scientific and technical support                     throughout all stages of the policy-making cycle, from conception to implementation and assessment. To contribute to this                     specific objective it will focus its research clearly on Union policy priorities while enhancing cross-cutting competences                     and cooperation with the Member States.                  

The JRC's independence of special interests, whether private or national, combined with its scientific-technical reference                     role enable it to facilitate the necessary consensus building between stakeholders and policy makers. Member States and Union                     citizens benefit from the research of the JRC, most visibly in areas such as health and consumer protection, environment,                     safety and security, and management of crises and disasters.                  

More specifically, Member States and regions will also benefit from support to their Smart Specialisation Strategies.

The JRC is an integral part of the ERA and will continue to actively support its functioning through close collaboration with                     peers and stakeholders, maximising access to its facilities and through the training of researchers and by close cooperation                     with Member States and international institutions that pursue similar objectives. This will also promote the integration of                     new Member States and associated countries for which the JRC will continue to provide dedicated training courses on the scientific-technical                     basis of the body of Union law. The JRC will establish coordination links with other relevant Horizon 2020 specific objectives.                     As a complement to its direct actions and for the purpose of further integration and networking in the ERA, the JRC may also                     participate in Horizon 2020 indirect actions and co-ordination instruments in areas where it has the relevant expertise to                     produce Union added value.                  

### 3.**Broad lines of activities**U.K.

The JRC activities in Horizon 2020 will focus on the Union policy priorities and the societal challenges addressed by them.                     These activities are aligned with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, and with the headings 'Security and citizenship'                     and 'Global Europe' of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020.                  

The JRC's key competence areas will be energy, transport, environment and climate change, agriculture and food security, health                     and consumer protection, information and communication technologies, reference materials, and safety and security (including                     nuclear safety and security in the Euratom programme). The JRC activities in these areas will be conducted taking into account                     relevant initiatives at the level of regions, Members States or the Union, within the perspective of shaping the ERA.                  

These competence areas will be significantly enhanced with capacities to address the full policy cycle and to assess policy                     options. This includes:                  

anticipation and foresight - pro-active strategic intelligence on trends and events in science, technology and society and                              their possible implications for public policy;                           

economics - for an integrated service covering both the scientific-technical and the macro-economic aspects;

modelling - focusing on sustainability and economics and making the Commission less dependent on outside suppliers for vital                              scenario analysis;                           

policy analysis - to allow cross-sectoral investigation of policy options;

impact assessment - providing scientific evidence to support policy options.

The JRC shall continue to pursue excellence in research and extensive interaction with research institutions as the basis                     for credible and robust scientific-technical policy support. To that end, it will strengthen collaboration with European and                     international partners, inter alia by participation in indirect actions. It will also carry out exploratory research and build                     up competences in emerging, policy-relevant areas on a selective basis.                  

The JRC shall focus on:

#### 3.1.*Excellent science*U.K.

Carry out research to enhance the scientific evidence base for policy making and examine emerging fields of science and technology,                     including through an exploratory research programme.                  

#### 3.2.*Industrial leadership*U.K.

Contribute to European competitiveness through support to the standardisation process and standards with pre-normative research,                     development of reference materials and measurements, and harmonisation of methodologies in five focal areas (energy; transport;                     the flagship initiative 'Digital Agenda for Europe'; security and safety; consumer protection). Carry out safety assessments                     of new technologies in areas such as energy and transport and health and consumer protection. Contribute to facilitating the                     use, standardisation and validation of space technologies and data, in particular to tackle the societal challenges.                  

#### 3.3.*Societal challenges*U.K.

##### (a)Health, demographic change and well-beingU.K.

Contribute to health and consumer protection through scientific and technical support in areas such as food, feed and consumer                     products; environment and health; health-related diagnostic and screening practices; and nutrition and diets.                  

##### (b)Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomyU.K.

Support the development, implementation and monitoring of European agriculture and fisheries policies, including food safety                     and security, and the development of a bio-economy through e.g. crop production forecasts, technical and socio-economic analyses                     and modelling, and promote healthy and productive seas.                  

##### (c)Secure, clean and efficient energyU.K.

Support the 20-20-20 climate and energy targets with research on technological and economic aspects of energy supply, efficiency,                     low-carbon technologies, and energy/electricity transmission networks.                  

##### (d)Smart, green and integrated transportU.K.

Support the Union's policy for the sustainable, safe and secure mobility of persons and goods with laboratory studies, modelling                     and monitoring approaches, including low-carbon technologies for transport, such as electrification, clean and efficient vehicles                     and alternative fuels, and smart mobility systems.                  

##### (e)Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materialsU.K.

Investigate the cross-sectoral challenges of the sustainable management of natural resources through monitoring of key environmental                     variables and the development of an integrated modelling framework for sustainability assessment.                  

Support resource efficiency, emission reductions and sustainable supply of raw materials through the integrated social, environmental                     and economic assessments of clean production processes, technologies, and products and services.                  

Support Union development policy goals with research to help ensure adequate supplies of essential resources focusing on monitoring                     environmental and resource parameters, food safety and security related analyses, and knowledge transfer.                  

##### (f)Europe in a changing world - Inclusive, innovative and reflective societiesU.K.

Contribute to and monitor the implementation of the flagship initiative 'Innovation Union' with macro-economic analyses of                     the drivers and barriers of research and innovation, and development of methodologies, scoreboards and indicators.                  

Support the ERA by monitoring the functioning of the ERA and analysing drivers of and barriers to some of its key elements,                     and by research networking, training, and opening JRC facilities and databases to users in Member States and in candidate                     and associated countries.                  

Contribute to the key goals of the flagship initiative 'Digital Agenda for Europe' by qualitative and quantitative analyses                     of economic and social aspects (Digital Economy, Digital Society, Digital Living).                  

##### (g)Secure societies - Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizensU.K.

Support internal safety and security through the identification and assessment of the vulnerability of critical infrastructures                     as vital components of societal functions, and through the operational performance assessment and social and ethical evaluation                     of technologies related to the digital identity. Address global security challenges, including emerging or hybrid threats,                     through the development of advanced tools for information mining and analysis as well as for crisis management.                  

Enhance the Union's capacity for managing natural and man-made disasters by strengthening the monitoring of infrastructures                     and the development of test facilities and of global multi-hazard early warning and risk management information systems, making                     use of satellite-based Earth observation frameworks.                  

## PART VIIU.K.**THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (EIT)**

### 1.**Specific objective**U.K.

The specific objective is to integrate the knowledge triangle of higher education, research and innovation and thus to reinforce                     the Union's innovation capacity and address societal challenges.                  

Europe is facing a number of structural weaknesses when it comes to innovation capacity and the ability to deliver new services,                     products and processes, thereby hampering sustainable economic growth and job creation. Among the main issues at hand are                     Europe's relatively poor record in talent attraction and retention; the under-utilisation of existing research strengths in                     terms of creating economic or social value; the lack of research results brought to the market; low levels of entrepreneurial                     activity and mindset; low leverage of private investment in R&D; a scale of resources, including human resources, in poles                     of excellence which is insufficient to compete globally; and an excessive number of barriers to collaboration within the knowledge                     triangle of higher education, research and innovation on a European level.                  

### 2.**Rationale and Union added value**U.K.

If Europe is to compete on an international scale, these structural weaknesses need to be overcome. The elements identified                     above are common across Member States and affect the Union's innovation capacity as a whole.                  

The EIT will address these issues by promoting structural changes in the European innovation landscape. It will do so by fostering                     the integration of higher education, research and innovation of the highest standards, notably through its Knowledge and Innovation                     Communities (KICs), thereby creating new environments conducive to innovation, and by promoting and supporting a new generation                     of entrepreneurial people and by stimulating the creation of innovative spin-offs and start-ups. In doing so, the EIT will                     contribute fully to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy and notably to the flagship initiatives 'Innovation Union'                     and 'Youth on the Move'.                  

In addition, the EIT and its KICs should seek synergies and interaction across the priorities of Horizon 2020 and with other                     relevant initiatives. In particular, the EIT will contribute through the KICs to the specific objectives of the priority "Societal                     challenges" and to the specific objective "Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies".                  

#### Integrating education and entrepreneurship with research and innovationU.K.

The specific feature of the EIT is to integrate higher education and entrepreneurship with research and innovation as links                     in a single innovation chain across the Union and beyond, which should lead, inter alia, to an increase of innovative services,                     products and processes brought to the market.                  

#### Business logic and a results-oriented approachU.K.

The EIT, through its KICs, operates in line with business logic and takes a results-oriented approach. Strong leadership is                     a pre-requisite: each KIC is driven by a CEO. KIC partners are represented by single legal entities to allow more streamlined                     decision-making. KICs must produce clearly defined annual business plans, setting out a multiannual strategy and including                     an ambitious portfolio of activities from education to business creation, with clear targets and deliverables, looking for                     both market and societal impact. The current rules concerning participation, evaluation and monitoring of KICs allow fast-track,                     business-like decisions. Business and entrepreneurs should have a strong role in driving activities in KICs, and the KICs                     should be able to mobilize investment and long-term commitment from the business sector.                  

#### Overcoming fragmentation with the aid of long-term integrated partnershipsU.K.

The EIT KICs are highly integrated ventures, bringing together partners from industry including SMEs, higher education, research                     and technology institutes, renowned for their excellence, in an open, accountable and transparent manner. KICs allow partners                     from across the Union and beyond to unite in new, cross-border configurations, optimise existing resources and open up access                     to new business opportunities through new value chains, addressing higher-risk, larger-scale challenges. KICs are open to                     participation of new entrants bringing added value to the partnership, including SMEs.                  

#### Nurturing Europe's main innovation asset: its highly talented peopleU.K.

Talent is a key ingredient of innovation. The EIT nurtures people and interactions between them, by putting students, researchers                     and entrepreneurs at the centre of its innovation model. The EIT will provide an entrepreneurial and creative culture and                     cross-disciplinary education to talented people, through EIT-labelled Masters and PhD degrees, intended to emerge as an internationally                     recognised brand of excellence. In doing so, the EIT strongly promotes mobility and training within the knowledge triangle.                  

### 3.**Broad lines of the activities**U.K.

The EIT shall operate mainly through the KICs particularly in areas which offer a true innovation potential. While the KICs                     have overall substantial autonomy in defining their own strategies and activities, there are a number of innovative features                     common to all KICs where coordination and synergies shall be sought. The EIT will moreover enhance its impact by disseminating                     good practices on how to integrate the knowledge triangle and the development of entrepreneurship, integrating relevant new                     partners where they can provide added value, and by actively fostering a new culture of knowledge sharing.                  

#### (a)Transferring and applying higher education, research and innovation activities for new business creationU.K.

The EIT shall aim to create an environment to develop the innovative potential of people and to capitalise on their ideas,                     irrespective of their place in the innovation chain. Thereby, the EIT will also help to address the 'European paradox' that                     excellent existing research is far from being harnessed to the full. In doing so, the EIT shall help to bring ideas to the                     market. Chiefly through its KICs and its focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, it will create new business opportunities                     in the form of both start-ups and spin-offs but also within existing industry. Focus will be on all forms of innovation, including                     technological, social and non-technological innovation.                  

#### (b)Cutting-edge and innovation-driven research in areas of key economic and societal interestU.K.

The EIT's strategy and activities shall be driven by a focus on areas which offer a true innovation potential and have a clear                     relevance to the societal challenges addressed in Horizon 2020. By addressing key societal challenges in a comprehensive way,                     the EIT will promote inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches and help focus the research efforts of the partners in the KICs.                  

#### (c)Development of talented, skilled and entrepreneurial people with the aid of education and trainingU.K.

The EIT shall fully integrate education and training at all stages of careers and support and facilitate the development of                     new and innovative curricula to reflect the need for new profiles engendered by complex societal and economic challenges.                     To this end, the EIT will play a key role in promoting new joint or multiple degrees and diplomas in Member States, respecting                     the principle of subsidiarity.                  

The EIT will also play a substantial role in fine-tuning the concept of 'entrepreneurship' through its educational programmes,                     which promote entrepreneurship in a knowledge-intensive context, building on innovative research and contributing to solutions                     of high societal relevance.                  

#### (d)Dissemination of best practice and systemic knowledge-sharingU.K.

The EIT shall aim to pioneer new approaches in innovation and to develop a common innovation and knowledge-transfer culture,                     including in SMEs. This could happen, inter alia, by sharing the diverse experience of the KICs through various dissemination                     mechanisms, such as a stakeholder platform and a fellowship scheme.                  

#### (e)International dimensionU.K.

The EIT acts conscientious of the global context it operates in and shall help to forge links with key international partners                     in accordance with Article 27(2). By scaling up centres of excellence through the KICs and by fostering new educational opportunities,                     it will aim to make Europe more attractive for talent from abroad.                  

#### (f)Enhancing European wide impact through an innovative funding modelU.K.

The EIT will make a strong contribution to the objectives set in Horizon 2020, in particular by addressing societal challenges                     in a way complementing other initiatives in these areas. Within the framework of Horizon 2020 it will test out new and simplified                     approaches to funding and governance and thereby play a pioneering role within the European innovation landscape. Part of                     the annual contribution will be attributed to KICs in a competitive way. The EIT's approach to funding will be firmly based                     on a strong leverage effect, mobilising both public and private funds at national and Union level, and it will be communicated,                     in a transparent manner, to the Member States and relevant stakeholders. Moreover, it will employ entirely new vehicles for                     targeted support to individual activities through the EIT Foundation.                  

#### (g)Linking regional development to European opportunitiesU.K.

Through the KICs and their co-location centres – nodes of excellence, bringing together higher education, research and business                     partners in a given geographical location – the EIT will also be linked to regional policy. In particular, it shall ensure                     a better connection between higher education institutions, the labour market and regional innovation and growth, in the context                     of regional and national smart specialisation strategies. In doing so, it will contribute to the objectives of the Union's                     cohesion policy.                  

## ANNEX IIU.K.**Breakdown of the budget**

The indicative breakdown for Horizon 2020 is as follows:

1

OJ C 181, 21.6.2012, p. 111.                           

2

OJ C 277, 13.9.2012, p. 143.                           

3

Position of the European Parliament of 21 November 2013 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council                              of 3 December 2013.                           

4

OJ C 74 E, 13.3.2012, p. 34.                           

5

OJ C 377 E, 7.12.2012, p. 108.                           

6

OJ C 380 E, 11.12.2012, p. 9.                           

7

OJ C 56 E, 26.2.2013, p. 1.                           

8

OJ C 259, 2.9.2011, p. 1.                           

9

OJ C 318, 29.10.2011, p. 121.                           

10

Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework                              Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1).                           

11

Decision No 1639/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Competitiveness and                              Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013) (OJ L 310, 9.11.2006, p. 15).                           

12

Regulation (EC) No 294/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2008 establishing the European Institute                              of Innovation and Technology (OJ L 97, 9.4.2008, p. 1).                           

13

Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1314/2013 of 11 December 2013 on the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic                              Energy Community (2014-2018) complementing the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (See page 948                              of this Official Journal).                           

14

OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.                           

15

OJ L 75, 22.3.2005, p. 67.                           

16

Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises                              (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).                           

17

Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules                              applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).                           

18

Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions                              on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for                              Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional                              Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council                              Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (See page 320 of this Official Journal).                           

19

Council Decision 2013/743/EU of 3 December 2013 establishing the specific programme implementing Horizon 2020 - the Framework                              Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decisions 2006/971/EC, 2006/972/EC, 2006/973/EC, 2006/974/EC                              and 2006/975/EC (See page 965 of this Official Journal).                           

20

Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 laying down the rules for participation                              and dissemination in 'Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)' and repealing Regulation                              (EC) No 1906/2006 (See page 81 of this Official Journal).                           

21

Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads can be financed.

22

Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations                              conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and                              of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (OJ L 248, 18.9.2013, p. 1).                           

23

Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out                              by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities                              (OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2).                           

24

COM(2013)0624.

25

Commission Recommendation on the management of intellectual property in knowledge transfer activities and Code of Practice                              for universities and other public research organisations (C(2008) 1329, of 10.4.2008).                           

26

COM(2009)0512.

27

COM(2010)0245.

28

COM(2011)0112.

29

COM(2011)0152.

30

COM (2011)0112.

31

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community                              action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1).                           

32

Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community                              action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19).                           

33

World Energy Outlook 2008, OECD- IEA, 2008.

34

COM(2011)0112.

35

COM(2009)0519.

36

Commission White Paper "Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport                              system" (COM(2011)0144).                           

37

"Vehicles" is to be understood in a broad sense, including all means of transport.

38

IPCC 4th Assessment Report, 2007, (www.ipcc.ch).

39

COM (2011)0571.

40

COM (2009)0147.

41

COM(2011)0025.

42

COM(2009)0400.

43

COM(2007)0575.

44

Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of                              flood risks (OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27).                           

45

COM(2012)0710.

46

COM(2010)0491.

47

COM(2011)0274.