Horizon scanning and foresight in future enabling digital technologies (CSA)

Overview

Funding for collaborative initiatives that strengthen Europe’s leadership in horizon scanning and foresight for future enabling digital technologies. Targets consortia of academia, research organizations, industry (including SMEs), and civil society to co-create innovative technological visions and accelerate adoption.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising academia, research and technology organizations (RTOs), industry (including SMEs), and relevant stakeholders. Eligible countries include EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.

Funding Details

Maximum funding amount: 44,000,000 EUR. Eligible costs are reimbursed as a lump sum, as defined in the Horizon Europe lump sum decision.

What Is Funded

Activities supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and foresight in future enabling digital technologies, including:

• Establishment of forums for emerging technological visions.
• Co-creation of innovative ideas from fundamental research to proof of concept.
• Engagement with civil society and alignment with national/regional initiatives.
• Connection with EC-internal activities (e.g., FOSI4EIC, Competitiveness Coordination Tool).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range specified. Focus is on early-stage exploration and co-creation of future technologies, from fundamental research to proof of concept.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-17

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Notification to the granting authority (DG-CNECT and HaDEA) required before transferring ownership or granting exclusive licenses to results, with potential objections up to four years post-action.
• Standard Horizon Europe reporting and dissemination requirements apply.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Proposals must address restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
• Beneficiaries must comply with Horizon Europe’s financial and operational capacity requirements.
• Intellectual property and standardisation considerations are encouraged.