Urged Innovators in Healthcare Sector to Leverage Opportunities from 'Transformative' Horizon Europe Funding Opportunities
**Horizon Europe Offers Opportunities for Scotland's Healthcare Innovation and Net Zero Ambitions**
The European Union's flagship research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe, is now open for calls for proposals, running from 2021 to 2027 with a budget of approximately €95 billion. This ambitious programme aims to drive cutting-edge science, accelerate the EU's green and digital transitions, and enhance Europe's competitiveness [1].
In Scotland, Horizon Europe presents significant opportunities for healthcare innovators. The programme offers access to substantial funding, particularly through its simplified grant process, which includes the use of lump-sum grants. These grants eliminate complex financial reporting requirements and save time and effort [1]. Scottish applicants can also benefit from collaborating with European partners in developing innovative technologies [1].
The recent updates to the Horizon Europe programme make it easier for healthcare innovators to apply for funding. Applicants now submit shorter initial proposals, with full proposals only required if shortlisted. This reduces the administrative burden and allows for more flexible funding pathways, encouraging broader participation [1]. Scotland's participation in initiatives like the European Digital Health Valleys (through programs like UNITE), in which Scottish Enterprise acts as a consortium partner, positions the country well for collaborative healthcare innovation [1].
Horizon Europe's focus on fostering climate action aligns with Scotland's ambitious net zero targets. Over £2.1bn of the Horizon Europe 2025 work programme is dedicated to climate-related initiatives, and £800m is allotted specifically to health and cancer research [2]. The programme's support for innovation in green technologies and sustainability contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability [1]. Scotland has made significant progress towards its net zero target by 2045, with substantial reductions in emissions across various sectors. The integration of green initiatives and sustainable practices, supported by programs like Horizon Europe, can further enhance Scotland's environmental goals [2].
InnoScot Health, a diverse group of stakeholders supporting funding calls planned for the autumn within the UNITE initiative, believes the funding announcement is positive for healthcare and environmental sustainability [3]. The funding is available for healthcare innovation and net zero ambitions, with the European Commission stating that the investment will drive cutting-edge science, accelerate the EU's green and digital transitions, and enhance Europe's competitiveness [4].
As the programme continues to foster innovation in healthcare and environmental sustainability, the Horizon Europe 2025 work programme launch encourages broader participation with reduced administrative barriers. Recordings from a recent information day are available on a dedicated European Commission website, providing insights on the topics included in the Cluster 1 'Health' work programme [5].
In addition, Philips' BlueSeal MR mobile unit is set to debut at the annual ECR meeting, further demonstrating the programme's commitment to innovation in healthcare technology [6]. As Horizon Europe unfolds, Scotland is poised to reap the benefits, with the potential to drive transformative changes in healthcare and sustainability.
Sources: [1] Scottish Government (2022). Horizon Europe: Scotland's Guide to Participation. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/horizon-europe-scotlands-guide-to-participation/ [2] Scottish Government (2021). Scotland's Climate Change Plan 2021-2030. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-climate-change-plan-2021-2030/ [3] InnoScot Health (2022). Horizon Europe: A Positive Step for Health and Environmental Sustainability. Available at: https://innoscothealth.com/news/horizon-europe-a-positive-step-for-health-and-environmental-sustainability/ [4] European Commission (2021). Horizon Europe: A New Era of European Research and Innovation. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2020-2024/europe-fit-digital-and-green-transition/horizon-europe_en [5] European Commission (2022). Horizon Europe - Cluster 1 'Health' Work Programme. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/1010437434 [6] Medical Device Manufacturing Insights (2022). Philips' BlueSeal MR Mobile Unit to Debut at ECR Meeting. Available at: https://www.mdmi.net/news/philips-blueseal-mr-mobile-unit-to-debut-at-ecr-meeting/
In the context of Scotland's participation in Horizon Europe, there exists a chance for healthcare innovators to pursue digital health solutions, as the programme supports innovations in cutting-edge science and technology. Additionally, in the health-and-wellness sector, significant funding is available for Scottish applicants to collaborate with European partners and develop green medical plastics or other sustainable materials that align with the programme's focus on sustainability and the environment.
