Horizon 2020 is the EU Research and Innovation programme running over 7 years (2014-2020). The European Commission undertook an interim evaluation of the programme to assess the progress of the different components of Horizon 2020 and to understand the achievements, efficiency and EU added value of the programme. The consultation closed on 15 January 2017.

Universities Scotland responded to this consultation to highlight the value Scottish HEIs place on Horizon 2020 and its EU added value, give views on improving implementation of Horizon 2020 and to give recommendations for the next European wide research and innovation programme. Our recommendations include a continued focus on funding excellent research, the importance of more ‘bottom up’ social sciences and humanities research, the need to grow resources for research and suggestions as to how to create synergies between Horizon 2020 and Structural Funds.

Read our response to the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 here.

Information on the consultation can be found here: