The new and upcoming European Commission Framework Programme 8 (FP8) has been given a new name: Horizon 2020. Following the “You name it” competition, commissioner Geogeghan-Quinn has announced today the new name for the future EU funding programme for research and innovation.
“Horizon 2020 – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation” is not just a new name for the same Framework Programme. It is the name for the new, integrated funding system that will cover all research and innovation funding currently provided through the Framework Programme for Research and Technical Development, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). These different types of funding will be brought together in a coherent and flexible manner. Research and innovation funding will focus clearly on addressing global challenges. Needless red tape will be cut out and access to programs and participation will be made easier and simpler.
It is anticipated that for the period 2014 to 2020 there will be € 80 billion available for research from the Horizon 2020 programme; compared to the current Research Framework Programme (funded at around € 50.5 billion) this represents a substantial increase.