Horizon 2020 is a new EU framework programme for research and innovation for the period 2014-2020, which will contribute to achieving the goals of key strategic EU documents related to research, technological development and innovation (Europe 2020) and of the Innovation Union, as well as to the constitution of the European Research Area.
The main idea behind the framework programme is to offer solutions and answers to the economic crisis, to invest in future business and development, to resolve matters of EU citizens about their economic and general safety and the environment, as well to strengthen the global position of the EU in research, innovation and technologies. Horizon 2020 is directed towards excellence in research and innovations as well as to responding to societal challenges and increasing competition of the industry with a special emphasis on small and medium sized undertakings.
Horizon 2020 has a funding of 78.6 billion euros.
The structure of Horizon 2020 is based on three main priorities: Excellent Science, Industrial Leadership and Societal Challenges.
The latter includes seven challenges, i.e. strategic priorities, one of which is the challenge of Smart, Green and Integrated Transport.
The main goal of research in the transport area is the development of a safer, environmentally acceptable and smarter pan-European transport system, which will benefit all citizens, and which will comply with environmental safety standards and contribute to a rise of competitiveness of the European transport industry on the global market.
Research and innovation must result in focused and timely progress which will help achieve the key goals of EU policy and strengthen economic competitiveness, maintaining leadership in the global market. Activities that will be encouraged will contribute to efficient and environment friendly transport, bigger mobility, fewer traffic jams and better security, competitiveness of the European transport industry, socio-economic research, and policy-making activities oriented towards the future.
The presentation will include a preview of the competitions and themes within the Smart, Green and Integrated Transport challenge, financed throughout 2016 and 2017.
