Explained

Widening policy aims to bridge the research and innovation (R&I) gap in Europe and strengthen the European Research Area (ERA) by addressing lower research and innovation performance.

The ERA Policy Agenda (2025-2027) addresses Widening countries by implementing targeted actions that foster inclusivity and cohesion within the ERA. This includes enhancing access to excellence, boosting regional research capabilities, and facilitating the participation of underrepresented regions and institutions in R&I activities. Through strategic initiatives, the agenda seeks to balance disparities, support capacity building, and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across all Widening countries, ultimately striving for a more equitable and integrated research landscape in Europe.

Horizon Europe supports these objectives with a portfolio of complementary Widening actions:

– Encouraging partnerships between institutions in well-performing and lesser-performing countries to enhance research capabilities through Twinning and Teaming initiatives.

– Providing opportunities for researchers to collaborate internationally and gain experience in leading research environments. For example, Excellence Hubs drive innovation by connecting ecosystems across Widening countries, enhancing synergies among academia, industry, government, and society to foster global partnerships and collaborative efforts.

– Achieving structural changes at institutional, regional, and national levels to collectively reshape the R&I landscape: ERA Chairs and Twinning impact institutions, Excellence Hubs strengthen regional innovation, and Teaming centres boost research capabilities at national levels.

– Transforming higher education is largely driven by the European Excellence Initiative, which revitalises academic and research environments by mobilising investments from local and regional governments, resulting in comprehensive enhancements.

– Facilitating access and participation in Horizon Europe is achieved through the Hop-on facility and Pathways to Synergies initiatives, which assist institutions in Widening countries in joining ongoing R&I projects and funding programmes.

– Strengthening research ecosystems and talent development involves ERA Talents optimising career paths and fostering academic-business collaboration in Widening countries, boosting knowledge transfer and innovation. Additionally, ERA Fellowships bring global researchers to local projects, enriching research environments with diverse expertise.

On this page, you can find relevant resources and tools, ongoing projects, and insights on outcomes and impacts of Horizon Europe support for Widening.