Horizon 2020

Question 1

The 2014-2020 European programme for research and innovation is?

a. Horizon 2020;
b. Innovation Union;
c. Europe 2020;
d. …

Answer 1

a. Horizon 2020;

Question 2

Which executive agencies manage Horizon 2020?

Answer 2

Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME)
Executive Agency for the European Research Council (ERCEA)
Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA)
Research Executive Agency (REA)

The answers all have at least two of these listed, plus: European Research Council, European Science Foundation, Joint Technology Initiatives thrown in to confuse you.

Question 3

What are the aims and areas of Horizon 2020?

Answer 3

Correct answer: excellent science, industrial leadership, societal challenges.
At least one of these appears in every answer, often two. In addition: support to SMEs, support to joint technology initiatives. The point is – they all sound plausible.

Question 4

How much is the Horizon 2020 budget?

Answer 4

80 billion euro.

Question 5

Which is the most financed part of the H2020 Budget?

Answer 5

Societal challenges.

Question 6

According to Financial Regulation, can an international organisation apply for Horizon 2020?

a. b. no options
c. yes always
d. yes, if they satisfy call criteria and work programme

Answer 6

d. yes, if they satisfy call criteria and work programme

International European interest organisations will also be eligible to receive funding from Horizon 2020. These are international organisations, the majority of whose members are Member States or associated countries, and whose principal objective is to promote scientific and technological cooperation in Europe.

Question 7

What is the Innovation Union?

Answer 7

The Innovation Union was a past research and innovation policy (concluded in 2015?). The plan contained over 30 action points and aimed to do 3 things

1. make Europe into a world-class science performer
2. remove obstacles to innovation like expensive patenting, market fragmentation, slow standard-setting and skills shortages
3. revolutionise the way public and private sectors work together, notably through Innovation Partnerships between the European institutions, national and regional authorities and business.