SMEs in Europe experience great difficulty in exploiting innovations born of scientific research

The European Court of Auditors is conducting an audit of EU’s innovation support scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups. In particular, the auditors will assess the relevance and effectiveness of the ‘SME instrument’, launched in 2014. They will also examine whether the European Commission has addressed the challenges facing SMEs with a Read more about SMEs in Europe experience great difficulty in exploiting innovations born of scientific research[…]

EGNSS applications fostering green, safe and smart mobility

Specific Challenge: The specific challenge of this topic is to develop innovative EGNSS based applications. These should lead to low emission (CO2 and air pollutants), safer, more secure, lower cost and higher performance mobility, and transport solutions that respond to the increased mobility needs of people and goods whilst improving transport service continuity. Scope: Proposals Read more about EGNSS applications fostering green, safe and smart mobility[…]

Refurbishment and re-manufacturing of large industrial equipment (IA)

Specific Challenge: In line with the circular economy, lifetime extension can limit high replacement costs of major industrial infrastructures. This can be achieved through refurbishment, re-manufacturing, re-use, upgrading, in-situ repair, improved maintenance and more conservative utilisation of large industrial equipment of the kind used in manufacturing. These actions can significantly extend the useful life of Read more about Refurbishment and re-manufacturing of large industrial equipment (IA)[…]

Regenerative medicine: from new insights to new applications

Specific Challenge: Regenerative medicine offers hope for untreatable disease and the ageing population, improved quality of life and reduced medical costs. However, so far, regenerative medicine has not yet proved itself in the clinic beyond rare diseases or conditions of limited public health importance. With recent scientific discoveries opening up new approaches to regenerative medicine, Read more about Regenerative medicine: from new insights to new applications[…]

Large scale implementation of digital innovation for health and care in an ageing society

Specific Challenge: An ageing population is increasing demand-side pressures on public health and social care providers across Europe. These pressures undermine the long-term sustainability of existing models for delivering care services to the ageing population. The challenge is to scale up outcome-based innovative digital health and care solutions across EU borders through joining up actions Read more about Large scale implementation of digital innovation for health and care in an ageing society[…]

Technologies for first responders

Specific Challenge: Resilience is critical to allow authorities to take proper measures in response to severe disasters, both natural (including climate-related extreme events) and man-made. Innovation for disaster-resilient societies may draw from novel technologies, provided that they are affordable, accepted by the citizens, and customized and implemented for the (cross-sectoral) needs of first responders. Scope: Read more about Technologies for first responders[…]

Quantum Technologies Flagship kicks off with first 20 projects

The Quantum Technologies Flagship, a €1 billion initiative, was launched today at a high-level event in Vienna hosted by the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Flagship will fund over 5,000 of Europe’s leading quantum technologies researchers over the next ten years and aims to place Europe at the forefront of the Read more about Quantum Technologies Flagship kicks off with first 20 projects[…]

Inter-relations between climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem services

Specific Challenge: The Paris Agreement notes the importance of taking action to ensure the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity in the context of combatting climate change and adapting to its impacts. An improved understanding of the interactions and feedbacks between ecological processes and climate change, together with evidence-based guidance, is crucial Read more about Inter-relations between climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem services[…]

New grants offer €250 million for world class science

Twenty seven research groups across Europe have won highly-coveted ERC Synergy Grants. Worth in total €250 million, this funding enables groups of two to four lead researchers to bring together complementary skills, knowledge and resources to jointly address research problems at the frontiers of knowledge. The grants are part of the EU’s research and innovation Read more about New grants offer €250 million for world class science[…]

Research initiative with a key funding body in Japan

The EU and Japan has concluded a new agreement to encourage top Japanese researchers to join teams in Europe that are funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The initiative is a collaboration with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and is the second of its kind for the ERC with a Japanese funding body. It Read more about Research initiative with a key funding body in Japan[…]

Research and innovation for advanced Li-ion cells

Specific Challenge: The high growth rate of electrified vehicles (xEV) with substantial unit forecasts is driving the demand for electrochemical battery cells. To achieve a significant market share for European suppliers, global competitiveness for xEV batteries has to be achieved. For the future it is important that European industry and research have the system knowledge Read more about Research and innovation for advanced Li-ion cells[…]

Supporting research organisations to implement gender equality plans

Specific Challenge: Gender equality is a key priority set with the Member States and Associated countries in the European Research Area. Research funding and performing organisations and universities are invited to implement institutional change through Gender Equality Plans (GEPs). The Council conclusions of 1/12/2015 acknowledged the contribution of gender equality to the quality of research and innovation. Read more about Supporting research organisations to implement gender equality plans[…]