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PA and Creative UK ‘delighted’ UK has rejoined the Horizon Europe research programme
The Publishers Association (PA) and Creative UK have welcomed the news that the UK has rejoined the Horizon Europe programme, the EU’s flagship science research scheme.
From today (7th September 2023), UK-based institutions and scientists will be able to apply for money from the £81bn (€95bn) fund.
The UK has been excluded from the scheme since 2020 because of a disagreement over the Northern Ireland Protocol after having agreed associated membership as part of the Brexit trade deal.
As part of the new deal made with the EU, the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.
The government’s announcement stated: “Horizon will give UK companies and research institutions unrivalled opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI. This will not only open up cooperation with the EU, but also Norway, New Zealand and Israel which are part of the programme – and countries like Korea and Canada which are looking to join too.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy.
“With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe. We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers.”
Dan Conway, chief executive of the PA, welcomed the news. “We are delighted to see that the UK has rejoined the Horizon programme today,” he said. “The crucial access this provides to researchers and institutions across the UK will undoubtedly benefit society and further drive innovation and international collaboration where we need it most. Publishing supports the government’s ambition for the UK to be a science superpower and one of the best places in the world to conduct research. This is a great stepping stone in supporting the UK research ecosystem and academic publishers will continue to contribute to its success.”
Likewise, Creative UK chief executive Caroline Norbury has highlighted the deal’s “transformative potential” to increase investment in the creative industries for start-ups and innovation.
She said: “Creative UK very much welcomes today’s news. Cross-border collaboration through research and development is crucial to fuelling the power of creativity to drive innovation, and access to the Horizon Europe programme promises to turbo-charge this potential.
“Investment in creativity means investing in the ideas of our talented creatives and innovators, and today’s agreement will support just that. In unlocking access to Horizon Europe funds, the UK’s creative sector will now be able to benefit from €170m made available by the new European Knowledge and Innovation Community, which Creative UK co-founded. This initial investment seeks to increase the innovation capacity and competitiveness of Europe’s Cultural and Creative Industries, and is expected to leverage a further €700m for start-ups and innovation.
“The transformative potential of investments such as these are precisely why Creative UK is working tirelessly to ensure the UK’s cultural sector and creative industries continues to play a leading role in global collaboration. As Horizon Europe opens its doors to the UK once more, we will be equally determined in ensuring our creative economy makes the very best of the opportunity today’s agreement represents.”
