{"id":54257,"date":"2025-01-07T11:37:35","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T11:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=54257"},"modified":"2025-01-07T11:37:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T11:37:35","slug":"republic-of-korea-joins-pillar-ii-of-horizon-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/republic-of-korea-joins-pillar-ii-of-horizon-europe\/54257\/","title":{"rendered":"Republic of Korea joins Pillar II of Horizon Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

As of January 1, 2025, the Republic of Korea officially joins Horizon Europe, marking a significant milestone in international research and innovation partnerships.<\/h2>\n

Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme<\/a>, stands as the largest initiative of its kind, boasting over \u20ac90 billion in funding spread across 2021 to 2027.<\/p>\n

With its global focus, the programme welcomes participation from researchers worldwide in most of its calls. Korea’s association with Pillar II of Horizon Europe represents a transformative step in advancing shared scientific goals and fostering groundbreaking innovation.<\/p>\n

This collaboration offers unprecedented opportunities for researchers and organisations, paving the way for deeper scientific cooperation to address global challenges.<\/p>\n

Formal negotiations<\/h3>\n

The journey toward this partnership began on May 22, 2023, when the European Commission and the Republic of Korea initiated formal negotiations. These talks underscored their shared commitment to tackling global challenges through research and innovation.<\/p>\n

Association with Horizon Europe is the EU’s most integrated form of international cooperation in research and innovation (R&I).<\/p>\n

For the first time, countries with significant scientific, technological, and innovation (STI) capacities beyond Europe’s immediate geography are being included. This agreement signifies Korea’s status as a key player in the global R&I landscape.<\/p>\n

By March 25, 2024, the negotiations concluded successfully, setting the stage for the Republic of Korea’s full association with Horizon Europe.<\/p>\n

Beginning in 2025, Korean researchers and organisations will gain access to Pillar II of Horizon Europe under the same terms as EU-associated countries.<\/p>\n

Horizon Europe Pillar II: Advancing global solutions<\/h3>\n

Pillar II of Horizon Europe is particularly noteworthy as it focuses on tackling global challenges and boosting industrial competitiveness<\/a>. It supports collaborative research in areas critical to societal progress, sustainability, and innovation.<\/p>\n

It moves beyond the societal challenges framework of Horizon 2020, focusing on interdisciplinary solutions to complex issues that improve lives, protect the planet, and enhance Europe’s technological and industrial competitiveness.<\/p>\n

Organised into six thematic clusters, Pillar II fosters innovation across health, cultural inclusivity, security, digital transformation, climate action, and sustainable resource management.<\/p>\n

These clusters drive advancements such as improving public health systems, strengthening democratic values, combating security threats, promoting digital and industrial leadership, addressing climate change, and enhancing food security.<\/p>\n

Pillar II also includes ‘Missions’ and Joint Research Centre (JRC) activities, ensuring cohesive, cross-cutting support. By integrating research and innovation, Pillar II of Horizon Europe builds a foundation for transformative progress in science, society, and industry.<\/p>\n

Strategic focus areas for collaboration<\/h3>\n

The association between Korea and Horizon Europe highlights a range of priority areas for intensified cooperation:<\/p>\n