The Guild has published a contribution to the Strategic Planning process of Horizon Europe, presenting principles for the implementation of horizontal aspects of the programme. The document aims at helping decision-makers translate the legal framework into practices that would allow Horizon Europe to succeed in its mission.

Therefore, it’s essential that it has an implementation framework that builds on the experiences of Horizon 2020 and the feedback received in its Interim Evaluation process. This position paper presents The Guild’s recommendations for the following horizontal aspects of Horizon Europe:

1. Introduce improved structures for scientific advice in the priority-setting of R&I agendas

Adopting renewed structures for scientific advice is essential for the legitimacy, quality and impact of the programme. Establish Expert Groups to reinforce the dialogue between science and policymaking and engage them since the beginning in the co-creation of Work Programmes.

2. Introduce a balance between research and innovation

Empower the full potential of academic collaboration to address the SDGs and increase funding for collaborative fundamental research. Support all technology readiness levels (TRLs) and complement the use of TRLs with societal notions of impact.

3. Ensure the effective implementation of high-quality R&I missions

Design missions that are based on research and innovation excellence. Express the impact indicators of the missions clearly, to facilitate the portfolio approach and clarify the objectives to participants. Establish Mission Boards that foster a balanced composition of academic experts and other stakeholders.

4. Engage citizens with research and innovation

Increase dialogue with citizens and ensure that challenge-based research reflects their concerns. Use the principles of responsible research and innovation to focus on increased public engagement, science education and the facilitation of access to scientific results. Provide top-up funding for successful Horizon Europe projects and allow a coordinated approach to citizen engagement.

5. Ensure the genuine embedding of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH)

Adopt a strengthened framework for SSH integration that covers all stages of the programming. Include SSH perspectives in the design of the calls for proposals and introduce more prominent descriptions of the relevant SSH opportunities.  Include SSH experts in the evaluation panels of SSH-flagged calls and ensure that the evaluation systemically considers SSH elements of the project.