Contribution of basic skills to productivity, innovation, competitiveness and economic growth

Overview

Funding for research projects that analyze the contribution of basic skills (literacy, mathematics, science, digital, and citizenship) to productivity, innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth in the EU. Targets policymakers, education and training stakeholders, and researchers focusing on reducing disparities in skill acquisition and labor market outcomes.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, NGOs, and private organizations) from EU Member States, Horizon Europe-associated countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions. Consortia are encouraged, particularly those involving education and training stakeholders.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €6,000,000
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Total budget: Not specified

What Is Funded

• Rigorous quantitative research with a longitudinal perspective on the causal relationship between basic skills and economic outcomes (productivity, innovation, competitiveness, growth).
• Qualitative research complementing quantitative findings, particularly on education and training policies addressing gender, disability, and socioeconomic disparities in skill acquisition.
• Evaluation of policies or practices to reduce gaps in basic skills, including costs and inclusion aspects.
• Exploration of competences needed for effective learning with AI-based tools, barriers to female participation in STEM, teacher shortages, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
• Cooperation with education and training stakeholders and clustering with related Horizon Europe projects.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Part B of the application (research and innovation actions) limited to 50 pages.
• Mandatory submission of a detailed budget table using the provided template.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements apply.
• Dissemination: Expected to share findings with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Ownership and licensing: The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must align with the Horizon Europe Work Programme and address all expected outcomes.
• Strong emphasis on reducing disparities (gender, disability, socioeconomic) in basic skills and labor market outcomes.
• Encouraged to collaborate with other projects under the same call and the Social Transformations and Resilience Partnership.