On November 26, the EU released the final report on the Horizon Europe implementation co-design exercise with the results of the online consultation that were collected between July 31 and October 4. The report also considers the conclusions drawn from the European Research and Innovation Days.
Read the report here.
After the release of this report, the European University Association (EUA) issued a statement on the implementation of the Model Grant Agreement in the framework of the future Horizon Europe programme. With this statement, the EUA draws attention towards cost reporting, especially the calculation of personnel cost. The Association is calling for a revision of the accounting practices by moving towards a ‘corporate Model Grant Agreement’. The new method should follow Horizon 2020 rules regarding the reporting of personnel cost but should also accept national reporting and audit regulations in order to facilitate the process and reduce the risk of errors.
You can read EUA statement here.
Meanwhile, the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) announced on December 4 that it will invest €500 million in 2020. This investment will be spread among its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) across Europe. Climate, digitisation, food, health, sustainable energy, advanced and sustainable materials, manufacturing and urban mobility are the areas concerned by the EIT Governing Board decision.
Find out more here.
Following this announcement, EU member states have agreed on EIT regulations to improve geographical balance of funding. A regional innovation scheme will be introduced for Horizon Europe programme. A balanced geographical distribution aims to avoid concentration on funding with the same partners, therefore increasing openness and boosting the capacity of low-performing countries.
However, negotiations are continuing over the 7-year budget of Horizon Europe. As a consequence, the finalisation of the detailed plan for Horizon Europe could be delayed. The first quarter of 2020 was planned to be dedicated to the drawing up of the content of work programmes and calls for proposals concerning the first four years of Horizon Europe. If disagreements upon the budget spread overtime, it will have a serious impact on the strategic planning and partnerships of Horizon Europe.