CBI gives evidence on design of next EU funding programme for innovation

With a proposed budget of €100bn euro from 2021 to 2027, ‘Horizon Europe’ represents the next phase of the EU’s Research and Innovation Framework Programmes.

Responding to a consultation that will inform the design of the new programme, the CBI stressed the importance of international research collaboration and called on the EU to ensure that the programme promotes the participation of non-EU countries.

UK participation in Horizon 2020 and previous EU Framework Programmes (FPs) has been hugely beneficial to UK businesses and the nation’s research community. The programmes are an important source of long-term funding, enable UK organisations to have a voice shaping the international research agenda and provide access to unique collaborative opportunities.

However, amid ongoing Brexit negotiations, the continuation of research collaborations between UK and European businesses remains uncertain. At the EU level, provisions for the participation of non-EU countries in Horizon Europe are yet to be confirmed.

Moving forward, we will continue to call on government to commit to seek the closest possible association to Horizon Europe. You have been clear about wanting the UK to maintain links with EU research and innovation after the UK leaves the EU, and that the EU Framework Programmes offer the best means to support long-term strength and growth of the UK’s innovation ecosystem.