Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness

Projects to address Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.

This category brings together organisations from across Europe and beyond to work on shared priorities, develop practical solutions and support wider social, economic and environmental impact.

Pillar 2 accounts for more than half of the Horizon Europe budget, with €53.5 billion allocated for 2021 to 2027.

Who this is for

Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness is aimed at collaborative projects that bring together partners from across the innovation chain.

• Businesses, especially SMEs and large companies
• Research and technology organisations
• Universities
• Public authorities
• Charities
• Healthcare organisations
• Other organisations with relevant expertise

Most opportunities under this pillar require a consortium. This usually means at least three independent legal entities from three different EU member states or associated countries. One of these three entities must be from an EU member state.

Horizon Europe Pillar 2 opportunities including clusters

Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness is organised into six themes, known as clusters. Each cluster focuses on a different challenge area and includes related EU funding opportunities.

Cluster 1: Health and Cancer Mission

Opportunities for research and innovation linked to health, healthcare systems, disease prevention, treatment and wellbeing.

Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Opportunities for research and innovation linked to culture, heritage, democracy, social inclusion and the creative sectors.

Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society

Opportunities for research and innovation linked to security, resilience, disaster response, cyber security and protection of citizens.

Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space

Opportunities for projects linked to digital technologies, industrial innovation, advanced manufacturing, data, artificial intelligence and space.

Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility

Opportunities for projects linked to climate action, clean energy, transport, mobility and the transition to a low carbon economy.

Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Opportunities for projects linked to food systems, agriculture, natural resources, biodiversity, bioeconomy and environmental sustainability.

EU Missions

Large-scale, ambitious research and innovation initiatives targeting specific measurable goals in areas including cancer, climate adaptation, oceans, soil and smart cities.

New European Bauhaus

A cross-cutting Horizon Europe initiative supporting sustainable, inclusive and aesthetically high-quality design solutions for living environments.

EU Partnerships

European Partnerships bring the European Commission and private and/or public partners together to address some of Europe’s most pressing challenges through concerted research and innovation initiatives

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