Industries call for higher EU budget for R&D programme

Brussels – Some 93 European associations, representing key research & innovation stakeholders have signed a joint statement calling on the EU institutions to prioritise research, development and innovation (RD&I) in the next multiannual financial framework (2021-2027).

The signatories, including the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) and the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), urged the European Council (EC) to raise the budget allocated to Horizon Europe - the European RD&I framework - to at least €120 billion.

The move, said the 16 Sept statement, would help boost the region’s future growth, employment and competitiveness.

“Getting a sufficient budget for Horizon Europe would not only mean the creation of up to 100,000 jobs in RD&I activities... but also €11 of GDP in return for each €1 invested over 25 years,” the statement pointed out.

In addition, the large budget would secure “Europe’s seat amongst the frontrunners of the technological revolution,” and help scale up new technologies for the 21^st century, the signatories added.

The communique also urged EU members states to allocate a budget share of at least 60% of Horizon Europe’s total budget to its Pillar II: global challenges and European industrial competitiveness.

“This pillar is the truly collaborative part of Horizon Europe, breaking silos to promote the flow of knowledge between public research and industry,” it added.