Agtel

Horizon 2020 and what it means for your business

I’m just back from the launch event for the European science and innovation funding programme Horizon 2020.

I was live tweeting from the event with hashtag #h2020, and here are some of the key take home messages relevant to SMEs like Agtel in Ireland and across Europe:

 
• Barbara Nolan, Head of Euorpean Commission Representation in Ireland says the programme is "not just for researchers"
 
• SMEs have been "mainstreamed" in this latest programme (which will follow on from FP7)
 
• Horizon 2020 "simplifies the whole landscape" says Alan Cross, DG RTD and it will help SMEs "make that leap" from lab to market
 
• It will have a new initiative to enable SMEs to apply for funding by themselves
 
• Horizon 2020 will offer new "inducement prizes" like X-prize as well
 
• Date for the diary: first Horizon 2020 calls out on 1/1/2014! But last FP7 call next year will pilot Horizon 2020 proposal style
 
• Irish presidency in 2013 could play decisive role in final adoption of Horizon 2020 says Barbara Nolan
 
• Some of the biggest changes are practical and Prof Yuri Volkov, TCD says he’s glad "timesheets are gone!" 
 
• Cellix’s Vivienne Williams giving the SME perspective says her company is "R&D top heavy" 
 
• Last FP7 call will probably "coincide with ESOF in Dublin" in July 2012 says Alan Cross

They’re the main points for SMEs, and the Forfás event next week will be next relevant Irish event. Science communication is key to the success of many of the Horizon 2020 initiatives, and we’re looking forward to seeing the programme roll out.

- Diarmaid ((JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))