A bold proposal is on the table: fast-tracking select Horizon Europe projects to access the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). This idea, put forward by EU Research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, aims to provide a boost to collaborative research and innovative startups. But here's where it gets controversial: not everyone is in the loop yet!
Zaharieva suggests creating an "accelerator" mechanism within Horizon Europe's Pillar 3, which would offer a streamlined path to funding for promising projects. This initiative is part of the close coordination promised between Horizon Europe and the ECF post-2028. The ECF, jointly managed by the Commission's research and industry directorates, is already set to influence priorities in Horizon Europe's Pillar 2.
However, the specifics of this mechanism remain unclear, even to some members of the EIC board. Ana Barjasic, a member of the board, acknowledged that while it aligns with current thinking, further details are needed.
"There is a general principle of complementarity, and it is expected that EIC companies access ECF support as they scale," Barjasic told Science|Business.
And this is the part most people miss: the potential impact on Europe's startup ecosystem. Zaharieva believes that large companies investing in European startups and buying their products and services is key to their growth and retention within the EU. She also highlighted the upcoming Scaleup Europe Fund, with a €5 billion target, which has already secured €1.5 billion from the private sector and an additional €1 billion from the EIC.
The EIC is expected to receive a significant portion of the €38.7 billion planned for Horizon Europe's Pillar 3, nearly tripling the current allocation. This funding boost will undoubtedly impact the startup landscape.
Finally, Zaharieva clarified that the 28th regime, a plan to simplify company creation across the EU, will be accessible to all companies, not just those deemed innovative.
So, what do you think? Is this fast-track access a game-changer for Europe's research and startup scene? Or does it raise concerns about fairness and competition? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
