European space research & innovation and Euresearch
What is European research and innovation? And why is it relevant to Switzerland?
The European Union invests a significant part of its budget in research and innovation, the largest and most comprehensive programme being Horizon 2020, which runs from 2014 to 2020 with a €70.2 billion budget.
By coupling research and innovation, Horizon 2020 is helping to achieve 1) a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and 2) jobs, with its emphasis on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.
Horizon 2020 is open to everyone, with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster.
While Switzerland is not a member state of the European Union, it has a full associated country status, which means that it can participate in most Horizon 2020 opportunities and has the same rights as a member state.
So, what is there for Space?
Space is one specific area covered by Horizon 2020.
Space-related research and innovation can be carried out under many of the different Horizon 2020 funding opportunities. The figure below shows the 3-pillar structure of Horizon 2020.