The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) and Horizon Europe, when operating individually, provide significant support for research, development, and innovation. Supporting synergies in their use and implementation may deliver additional gains in terms of innovation results, close the innovation gap in Europe, and promote economic growth.

However, to actively promote the combination of both funds is no simple matter given the different aims and nature of the funds. Further, the combination of various EU funding sources is complex due to differing rules, eligibility criteria, and time-frames (for calls, policy cycles, etc.) between EU-funded programmes.

Despite their differences, there are also major complementarities and synergies that should be utilized. Horizon Europe focuses on tackling major societal challenges, maximising the competitiveness impact of research and innovation and raising and spreading levels of excellence in the research base. ESIFs have a strong emphasis on governance via the smart specialisation process and the definition of clear objectives on building knowledge and innovation capacity.

However, the process of synergy is sluggish, with complex interactions existing between different innovation actors. The successful deployment of a strategic perspective combining different funding instruments and policy frameworks may substantially boost competitiveness, welfare and growth in the EU regions.

To achieve this objective, it is crucial to align strategies and implementation modalities and complement existing and future roadmaps. The aim of this meeting is to explore breakthroughs in the synergies between the Horizon Europe and regional policy instruments.

PROGRAMME

14:00-14:15 - WELCOME

Christian EHLER, MEP and STOA First Vice-Chair

14:15-15:45 PRESENTATIONS

Synergies-post 2020: a comprehensive approach from strategic to operational synergies with regional policies

Anna PANAGOPOULOU, Research & Innovation Outreach, DG Research, European Commission

EIT, powering innovation across Europe's regions

Martin KERN, European Institute of Innovation & Technology

Synergies for innovation

Mikel LANDABASO ALVAREZ, Joint Research Centre, European Commission

Cohesion policy and smart specialisation

Peter BERKOWITZ, Smart and Sustainable Growth Unit, DG Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission

Synergies and complementarities between EU programmes

Paul WEBB, Horizon budget and MMF synergies Unit, DG Research, European Commission

15:45-16:00 CLOSING REMARKS

Christian EHLER, MEP and STOA First Vice-Chair