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Contribution of the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation to a
Resilient Europe

Client

EU Commission

Year

2024

Partner

PPMI Group, VTT, Maastricht University


The European Commission has been promoting research and innovation in Europe for several decades, including through the funding programmes ‘Horizon 2020’ (funding period 2014-2020) and the successor programme ‘Horizon Europe’ (funding period 2021-2027). They aim to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological base, promote industrial competitiveness and tackle global challenges.

The programmes are regularly evaluated to assess their effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and impact on research, innovation and the economy in the EU. The evaluations are intended to ensure that the programmes achieve their objectives, work efficiently and create added value for the EU and its member states.

Both the Horizon 2020 programme, which has already been completed, and Horizon Europe, which is planned until 2027, have been and will continue to be examined. Together with the PPMI, Prognos undertook the evaluation of several sub-programmes.

A resilient Europe - How do the EU research and innovation programmes contribute to this?

An overarching guiding principle that runs through various parts of the EU's research and innovation programmes is ‘Resilient Europe’. In this context, the term resilience refers to the ability to adapt to and overcome challenges and crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other health crises, social challenges such as migration or geopolitical uncertainties.

Prognos and partners evaluated the EU framework programmes in terms of their contribution to a resilient Europe.

Phase 1: Ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020 - What contribution did the eighth EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation make to a resilient Europe?

The report covers the Horizon 2020 programme from its inception in 2014 to the end of 2020. In the context of this study, the term ‘Resilient Europe’ refers to the promotion of research and innovation in relation to activities that contribute to creating a more resilient Europe to tackle the following challenges:

  • Societal Challenge 1 – Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing; 
  • Societal Challenge 6 – Europe in a changing world – inclusive, innovative and reflective societies; 
  • Societal Challenge 7 – Secure societies – protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens. 

The following four partnerships were also covered in the study:

  • Active and Assisted Living Research and Development Programme (AAL2), 
  • The Second European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership Programme (EDCTP2), 
  • Innovative Medicines Initiatives 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI2) 
  • The European Institute of Innovation & Technology Health (EIT Health)

It evaluated whether the interventions and measures associated with Horizon 2020 were relevant, coherent and efficient, delivered EU added value and whether Horizon 2020 contributed to the achievement of its objectives as expected.

Key findings

The programme made a significant contribution to Europe's resilience, particularly in the areas of health, demographic change, social inclusion and security.

The evaluation found that the programme's measures were effective, flexible and coherent in responding to societal challenges and new threats.

Nevertheless, challenges such as a low success rate for project applications and the need for better stakeholder involvement were also identified.

To the evaluation

Further information

Our contribution

In Phase 1, Prognos evaluated the Active and Assisted Living (AAL) Partnership, including two integrated case studies. Prognos also produced three further case studies on the International Medicines Initiative, International Programme-Level Cooperation and Migration.

Phase 2: Interim evaluation of Horizon Europe - How does the ninth EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation contribute to a resilient Europe?

In phase 2, the contribution of Horizon Europe to a resilient Europe was evaluated. This study serves as input for the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe, which runs from 2021 to 2027. It covers the period from 2021 to 2023.

The focus is on the ‘Resilient Europe’ aspects of the Framework Programme. This includes activities in three of the thematic clusters within Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe:

  • Cluster 1: Health
  • Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society
  • Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society

It also includes the Cancer Mission and several key partnerships, including the Second Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI2), the Innovative Health Solutions Joint Undertaking (IHI) and EIT Health.

The aim of the evaluation was to assess whether the interventions and measures within these parts of the programme are justified and effective in achieving the objectives of Horizon Europe.

Key findings

The interim evaluation shows that the Horizon Europe programme's clusters and partnerships make a positive contribution to strengthening EU priorities and tackling global challenges.

  • Cluster 1 has proven to be particularly adaptable by addressing critical health issues such as infectious diseases and has led significant research efforts on COVID-19 and cancer. 
  • Cluster 2 has shown that it is possible to reconcile technological advances with the protection of fundamental rights and civil liberties. 
  • Cluster 3 plays a central role in improving the EU's cybersecurity framework and contributes to overall security objectives.

The study also finds improvements in the administrative efficiency of Horizon Europe, with higher project success rates and a better allocation of funds compared to Horizon 2020. These results provide valuable guidance for future adjustments and reorientations of the programme.

To the evaluation

Further information

To the Horizon Europe programme

Our contribution

In phase 2, Prognos was responsible for evaluating the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 (IMI2) and its successor, the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI). In addition, case studies were carried out on the new Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) partnership, the role of the creative industries in Horizon Europe and the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Evaluation of the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 (IMI2)

Case studies on the new Transforming Health and Care System (THCS)

Our approach

The project team used the following methods to evaluate the programmes:

  • Desk research
  • interviews
  • Publication analysis
  • Patent analysis
  • text mining
  • Network analysis
  • case studies

Project team: Anja Breuer, Dr Stefanie Ettelt, Vera Fuhs, Daniel Gehrt, Anna Hornik, Justyna Kramarczyk, Felix Kuropka, Salvatore Lauricella, Victor Wichmann

Last update: 12.09.2024

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Daniel Gehrt

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Dr Stefanie Ettelt

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