Innovation and Science |

EU Research and Innovation

EU Research and Innovation

Many of the world’s inventions are created right here in Europe. Europe has world class thinkers, researchers, entrepreneurs and companies but in a fast changing world we must boost innovation to solve the common challenges ahead.

Research and innovation contribute directly to our level of prosperity and the well-being of individuals and society in general. Here are some of the key EU research and innovation areas:


European Research Area (ERA)
An Open Space for Knowledge and Growth
The EU Treaty of Lisbon strengthens European Union (EU) action in this field of research with the aim of creating a European Research Area. A unified area open to the world, in which scientific knowledge, technology and researchers circulate freely. Aims of ERA include:

  • More effective national research systems
  • Optimal transnational co-operation and competition
  • An open labour market for researchers
  • Gender equality and gender mainstreaming in research.
  • Optimal circulation, access to and transfer of scientific knowledge

Horizon Programme
With a budget of nearly EUR 80 billion, ‘Horizon 2020’ is the EU’s research and innovation programme for the period 2014-2020. It is designed to implement the Innovation Union, Europe’s strategy for innovation and one of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives. Horizon 2020 aims to establish the EU as a leading knowledge-based economy, producing world-class science and innovation to ensure Europe’s global competitiveness. Fields of Activity include:

  • Agriculture & Forestry
  • Biotechnology
  • Energy
  • Environment & Climate Change
  • Food & Diet
  • Health
  • Raw Materials
  • Security
  • Space
  • Transport

Innovation Union Initiative
Europe’s future is connected to its power to innovate. The Innovation Union, an action-packed initiative for an innovation-friendly Europe, is the solution. It forms part of the Europe 2020 strategy that aims to create smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Innovation Union is the European Union strategy to create an innovation-friendly environment that makes it easier for great ideas to be turned into products and services that will bring our economy growth and jobs. Areas include:

  • create job opportunities for all, especially the young
  • get the economy back on track
  • make companies more competitive in the global market
  • solve the challenges of an ageing population
  • secure resources like food and fuel
  • fight global warming
  • improve smart and green transport
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