On 27 October 2017, the European Commission announced how it will allocate €30 billion of the EU research and innovation funding programme Horizon 2020 during 2018-2020, including €2.7 billion to kick-start a European Innovation Council.
Over the next 3 years, the Commission will seek greater impact of its research funding by focusing on fewer, but critical topics such as migration, security, climate, clean energy and digital economy. Horizon 2020 will also be more geared towards boosting breakthrough, market-creating innovation.
Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: "Artificial Intelligence, genetics, blockchain: science is at the core of today's most promising breakthrough innovations. Europe is a world leader in science and technology and will play a major role in driving innovation. The Commission is making a concerted effort – including with the European Innovation Council which takes its first steps today – to give Europe's many innovators a springboard to become world leading companies."
Focusing on political priorities
The 2018-2020 Work Programme will focus efforts on fewer topics with bigger budgets, directly supporting the Commission's political priorities:
- A low-carbon, climate resilient future: €3.3 billion
- Circular Economy: €1 billion
- Digitising and transforming European industry and services: €1.7 billion
- Security Union: €1 billion
- Migration: €200 million
Furthermore, €2.2 billion will be earmarked for clean energy projects in four interrelated areas: renewables, energy efficient buildings, electro-mobility and storage solutions, including €200 million to support the development and production in Europe of the next generation of electric batteries.
Forthcoming calls for proposals related to the energy efficiency of buildings
The 2018-2020 Work Programme sets out a number of building-related calls, together with the relevant budgets, conditions, and closing dates for applications. These calls are included in the 'Building a low carbon, climate resilient futere: Secure, clean and efficient Energy' call. The building-related calls include the following:
Integrated home renovation services
Stimulating demand for sustainable energy skills in the construction sector
Upgrading smartness of existing buildings through innovations for legacy equipment
Next-generation of Energy Performance Assessment and Certification
Innovative financing for energy efficiency investments
Renewable energy system integrated at the building scale
Increased performance of technologies for local heating and cooling solutions
Demonstrate significant cost reduction for Building Integrated PV (BIPV) solutions
Read the full EC press release at the link below.
See also the relevant BUILD UP Publications:
Horizon 2020 Work Programme 2018-2020: Secure, clean and efficient energy
European Commission: Horizon 2020 Work Programme from 2018 to 2020 - Fact Sheet
