On 30 November 2011, the European Commission has launched the new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020.Running from 2014 to 2020 with an €80 billion budget, the new, integrated funding system will cover all 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 and a single set of rules.Horizon 2020 will focus funds on three key objectives. It will support the EU’s position as a world leader in science with a dedicated budget of €24.6 billion. It will help secure industrial leadership in innovation with a budget of €17.9 billion. Finally, €31.7 billion will go to six key themes, among which “Smart, green and integrated transport”.In the field of transport, the work programme foresees research and innovation activities that will contribute to meeting the targets and objectives set by 2050 in the White Paper “Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area”. Activities will aim at drastically reducing transport’s emissions and lower its dependence on fossil fuels, and at optimizing transport performance and efficiency to reduce fatalities. Also, actions are expected to develop the next generation of innovative transport means, including smart control systems and efficient production processes. Finally, activities will target the development and implementation of European research and innovation policies for transport, prospective studies and technology foresight, in order to understand user behaviour, social acceptance, impact of policy measures, mobility patterns and trends and their implications.By the end of 2013, the Parliament and Council will be called to adopt Horizon 2020 by a legislative act.To know more about the Programme Horizon 2020, a dedicated website is available at:ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm?pg=h2020To download the full text of the Programme click here:
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