CLUSTER 4 - DIGITAL, INDUSTRY AND SPACE
Progress in digital and industrial technologies, including in space, shape all sectors of the economy and society. They transform the way industry develops, produce new products and services, and are central to any sustainable future. The COVID-19 crisis of 2020 has shown the necessity to strengthen Europe’s industrial base, enhancing its resilience and flexibility both in terms of technologies and supply chains to reduce EU dependencies on third countries. It has also created a new urgency around addressing key societal challenges like sustainability or inclusiveness. In a globalized world of heightened uncertainties and volatile geopolitical interests, what is at stake is not only Europe’s prosperity and economic competitiveness, but also its ability to autonomously source and provide crucial raw materials, technologies, and services that are safe and secure for the industry as a whole. This is not about protectionism. This is about upholding the EU’s strategic interests.
As Europe gears up for a more resilient, green, and digital recovery, the EU needs to maintain a strong industrial and technology presence in key parts of digital and other supply chains, in industrial ecosystems while safeguarding its ability to access and operate safely in space. This is critical not only to be able to compete globally, but also to protect its citizens, deliver services and products of the highest quality, and preserve its values and socio-economic model. To come out of the crisis faster, it will not only need to develop but also deploy technologies and reshape its industries and services towards a new reality, ensuring that industry can become the accelerator and enabler of this change, as stated in the European Commission’s ‘New Industrial Strategy for Europe’ supporting the Green Deal and announcing the Circular Economy Action Plan, digital strategies ‘Shaping Europe’s Digital Future’, ‘Data’ ‘Artificial Intelligence White Paper and ‘Space Strategy for Europe’. To deliver on a green and digital transformation according to European values, Europe must master digital, space and key enabling technologies and reintegrate some of its supply chains into the EU. Increased adaptability and resilience to improve production response, recovery and preparedness will also include continuous investments in upskilling and reskilling of the workforce.
Main topics of the Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space;
- Manufacturing technologies
- Key digital technologies including quantum technologies
- Emerging enabling technologies
- Advanced materials
- Artificial intelligence and robotics
- Next generation internet
- Advanced computing and Big Data
- Circular industries
- Low carbon and clean industries
- Space including earth observation
TYPES OF ACTION UNDER CLUSTER 4
Horizon Europe calls can have different types of action (funding schemes).
The type of action specifies: the scope of what is funded, the reimbursement rate, specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding, among others.
Research & Innovation actions
EU funding rate – 100%
Activities aiming to establish new knowledge and/or to explore the feasibility of a new or improved technology, product, process, service or solution. For this purpose they may include basic and applied research, technology development and integration, testing and validation on a small-scale prototype in a laboratory or simulated environment. Projects may contain closely connected but limited demonstration or pilot activities aiming to show technical feasibility in a near to operational environment.
Innovation actions
EU funding rate – 70% (except non-profit, which are still funded 100%)
Activities directly aiming at producing plans and arrangements or designs for new, altered or improved products, processes or services. For this purpose they may include prototyping, testing, demonstrating, piloting, large-scale product validation and market replication.
Coordination & support actions - 100%
Accompanying measures such as standardisation, dissemination, awareness-raising and communication, networking, coordination or support services, policy dialogues and mutual learning exercises and studies.
HOW TO APPLY
Work programmes announce the specific research and innovation areas that will be funded. The forthcoming Calls for Proposals will be accessible through the one-stop-shop Funding and Tenders Portal.
When published, each Call gives more precise information on the research and innovation issues that applicants for funding should address in their proposals.
