The current Horizon 2020 programme will be replaced by the ninth science and research framework programme entitled Horizon Europe. As part of the new programme, it will be possible to draw funds in 2021 – 2027 for the support of research and innovation, for example in the form of prototype development or the transfer of know-how and technology.
As proposed by the European Commission, the new programme should allocate € 98 billion, which represents an increase of € 21 billion compared to the current budget of the Horizon 2020 programme. This reflects the efforts of the European Commission to enhance investments in areas such as research and innovation, strategic infrastructure or digital transformation, which should be key for unlocking future growth and addressing common challenges such as decarbonisation or demographic changes.
Unlike Horizon Europe, which anticipates increasing the allocation compared to the preceding period, the allocations to the European Structural Funds programmes decrease. Latest information indicates that the amount intended for the Czech Republic in the new EU programming period will be approximately 15 – 20% lower compared to the allocation that was available in 2014 – 2020. In absolute numbers, this could represent a decrease from approx. CZK 600 billion to approx. CZK 500 billion.
With respect to this fact, the increase in the funds available in Horizon Europe becomes even more interesting for Czech entrepreneurs, who should in the future consider not just grants as part of structural funds or national subsidies, but also the grant funds allocated directly by the European Commission, such as the Horizon Europe programme, the LIFE programme or the programmes of the ESA (European Space Agency).
The article is part of dReport – June 2018, Tax news; Grants and investment Incentives
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