European Commission Considers Creating a Single Competitiveness Fund for Research and Innovation

Science|Business reports that the European Commission is discussing a significant change in the financing of research and innovation as part of the upcoming multiannual financial framework (2028–2034), including the preparation of the tenth Framework Programme (FP10). There are discussions about merging several current programs, such as Horizon Europe (HE), Digital Europe (DIGITAL), the EU4Health Program, the European Defence Fund (EDF), and others, into a single fund called the Competitiveness Fund. This fund aims to simplify funding and increase flexibility in allocating resources for key projects, which should boost productivity and innovation in the EU.

Proponents argue that the current funding structure is overly complex and fragmented, complicating access to funds, especially for industrial sectors. The new fund would have unified eligibility rules and governance, potentially reducing administrative burdens and accelerating access to funding.

This proposed change is expected to spark extensive debate among member states, with the first legislative proposals scheduled for 2025.

More information on these preliminary discussions can be found on Science|Business, as well as Euractiv and POLITICO.