Raise and secure the budget
Neth-ER argues that at least 15% of the EU budget should be dedicated to the research and innovation framework programme, with an absolute budget of at least 15 billion euro’s per programme year. Horizon 2020 and its successor need more budget to realise its high ambitions and potential and to stay internationally competitive. The current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is too focused on the old economic paradigm. If Europe is serious about its agenda for growth and jobs and its emphasis on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth to build a strong economy based on knowledge, the focus of and the balance in the MFF should change dramatically.
Focus on excellence and impact
Neth-ER recommends that excellence and impact remain the main award criteria for projects under both Horizon 2020 and the next framework programme. By supporting excellence, Horizon 2020 contributes to Europe’s ability to maintain competitive based on world-class innovation and cutting edge knowledge. Open Science and Open Innovation are key to achieving excellence and impact. This is why Neth-ER urges a speedy implementation of Open Science.
Spread excellence and close the innovation divide
It is crucial to close Europe’s innovation divide, this is, however, not the core mission of Horizon 2020. National investments and reforms are imperative to support excellence in research and innovation. The European Structural and Investment Funds, in combination with national and regional initiatives, should help building regional capacity, which is essential for the use of the full potential of the European Research Area. Neth-ER members will contribute to help spreading excellence, closing the innovation divide and building a stronger Europe. Stronger, because Europe’s research and innovation divide is hampering the realisation of the Europe 2020 goals.
Serve the entire knowledge value chain
The knowledge value chain is the heart of the future knowledge economy. To realise maximal impact, Horizon 2020 must strengthen its role as a driver of knowledge, by mobilising research in the entire knowledge value chain. Building bridges among the three pillars of Horizon 2020 is paramount to create synergies among research organisations on the one hand, and society, including industry and SMEs, on the other. By doing so, actors will be mobilised throughout the entire knowledge value chain to produce the greatest impact. Therefore, it is essential that Horizon 2020 facilitates, both in funding and programming, a smooth transition among the different phases of innovation.
Open to the world
Openness of European research to the world helps to mobilise all necessary resources and achieve the desired excellence and impact. In order to become more attractive to the rest of the world, European research programmes must make a greater effort to include the research potential of third countries when drafting the research and innovation agenda.
Enhance efficiency and effectiveness
Horizon 2020 shows that simplification works, however, the job of simplification is never finished. Neth-ER is convinced that re-engineering procedures can shorten the entire administrative process from proposal submission to contract award. For example, by reducing the number of applications, optimizing each phase of the selection procedure, improving the evaluation process and simplifying administrative procedures. Higher quality standards for evaluators are necessary. Neth-ER recommends creating a pool of evaluators with the right mix of expertise; the Netherlands knowledge field is willing to assist in creating such a pool.
On the paper
This policy paper is drafted by Neth-ER and its members as input for the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 and for shaping the next framework programme for EU research and innovation. As a representative of the Dutch knowledge field, Neth-ER highly values Horizon 2020 and its efforts in coupling research and innovation. The position of Neth-ER is captured in six key actions, as described briefly in this article.
Download the Neth-ER Position Paper here!
