EUA’s involvement in Horizon 2020 debate intensifies with pace of negotiations

EUA maintains its commitment to inform and advise European policy makers about the views of the university sector in the Horizon 2020 programme negotiations. Last week, EUA co-organised a discussion session convened by the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU and gathering a group of representatives of the member states on the topic of research funding through the upcoming Horizon 2020 programme.

In particular, the session aimed at comparing the different reimbursement models and analysing their potential impact on research funding as well as the long-term financial sustainability of universities. EUA presented the benefits of retaining a reimbursement model based on the recognition of full costs , a topic which is developed in EUA’s recent publication “Full costing: progress and practice”. Such an option is promoted by the European Parliament’s rapporteur on the programme’s rules for participation, MEP Christian Ehler.
In parallel, EUA also took part in a workshop organised by the European Parliament focusing on the introduction in the Horizon 2020 programme of a “fast track to innovation” instrument, the aim of which is to provide a simple entry into applied collaborative research, following a bottom-up approach. The Parliament, with this proposal, expects to increase industry participation in Horizon 2020 as well as the participation of SMEs and first-time applicants from the public and non-profit research sector. EUA particularly highlighted the potential added value of this instrument for young university innovators and entrepreneurs.
The Council of the European Union, representing the member states, and the European Parliament are expected to reach an agreement on the Horizon 2020 package by this summer.