On November 30, 2011 the European Commission has published a proposal for 'Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation'. Horizon 2020 will run from 2014-2020 and will integrate the European framework programme, the programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs (CIP) as well as the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). The EIT will not be part of the Specific Programme and is supposed to be financed by EUR 2.8 billion, of which a huge part is dedicated to the 'Knowledge and Innovation Communities' (KICs).

The overall budget, which the Commission has put forward will be EUR 80 billion.

Horizon 2020 has a single Specific Programme, which is subdivided into four 'parts' (rounded budgets):

I. 'Excellent Science' (EUR 24.6 billion):

• • European Research Council (EUR 13.2 billion)
  • Marie Curie Actions (EUR 5.8 billion)
  • Future and emerging technologies (FET) (EUR 3.1 billion)
  • Research Infrastructures (EUR 2.4 billion)

II. 'Industrial Leadership' (EUR 17,9 billion):

• • Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies (EUR 13.8 billion):
    This part encompasses the themes information and communication technologies, nanotechnologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and processing, space.
  • Enhancing access to risk finance for investing in research and innovation (EUR 3.5 billion)
  • Innovation in KMU (EUR 619 million)

III. 'Societal challenges' (EUR 31.7 billion):

• • Health, demographic change and wellbeing (EUR 8.0 billion)
  • Food security, sustainable agriculture and the bio-economy (EUR 4.2 billion)
  • Secure, clean and efficient energy (EUR 5.8 billion)
  • Smart, green and integrated transport (EUR 6.8 billion)
  • Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials (EUR 3.2 billion)
  • Inclusive, innovative and secure societies (EUR 3.8 billion)

IV. 'Non- nuclear Direct Actions of the Joint Research Center (JRC) (EUR 2 billion)

The JRC will contribute thematically to Part II 'Industrial Leadership' and Part III 'Societal Challenges'.The direct actions of the Joint Research Centre amounts to a budget of EUR 2 billion.

Activities in the field of nuclear energy are part of 'Horizon 2020', however the Commission has published a separate proposal under the Euratom Treaty.

The Commission proposal will be presented to the Competitiveness Council on December 6. The first calls for proposals under Horizon 2020 might be published by the end of 2013.

Rules for participation in "Horizon 2020"

Main changes in comparison to the 7^th Framework programme concern the following:

Funding rates (Article 22)

There will be only one single funding rate per project („action“) in “Horizon 2020”. The former distinction between different types of activities and organizations will be abolished. The default option will be a single funding rate of max. 100% of the total eligible costs per action.

The costs of actions with predominantly market-oriented activities (e.g. demonstrating, testing, piloting, experimental development) will be reimbursed by a rate of max. 70 %. A maximum funding rate of 75% is also foreseen for the co-funding international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary programmes (“programme co-fund actions”), which are not implemented by the European Commission.

Individual calls may also foresee lump-sum or scale of unit financing.

Indirect costs (Article 24)

According to the Commission’s proposal indirect costs will reimbursed via a flat rate of 20% of the total eligible direct costs. This excludes direct eligible costs for subcontracting and the costs of resources made available by third parties, which are not used on the premises of the beneficiary, as well as financial support to third parties.

By way of derogation, specific calls may also foresee lump-sum or scale of unit financing.

Time recording (Article 25)

In general, a comprehensive time recording is still required as documentation for hours dedicated to the project.

For persons working exclusively for the action, no time recording is required. In such cases, the participant will only be required to sign a declaration confirming that the person has worked exclusively for the action.

Certificates on the financial statements (Article 28)

Audit certificates shall be required for an EC contribution equal or higher than EUR 325,000 EUR by a participant.

Funding schemes (Article 48, 49)

In future, project funding mechanisms will increasingly include schemes such as inducement prizes and support in public procurement activities.

Dissemination of research results (Article 38-46)

Rules for the dissemination of research results are broadly based on the rules laid down for the 7^th Framework Programme.

The definition of research results (“results” formerly “foreground”) is now broadened to include not only new knowledge and information, but also data. Further, the Commission’s proposal foresees the expansion of the “open access”- scheme already having been in operation since the beginning of FP7.

Overview of the changes: Commission´s proposal till PGA