Open topic: Strengthen Europe's social model and sustainable competitiveness through productivity

Overview

Funding for research projects that analyze sustainable competitiveness in Europe, addressing geopolitical, environmental, and social challenges while providing policy recommendations to enhance productivity, welfare, and environmental standards. Targets consortia and organizations contributing to evidence-based solutions for Europe’s economic and social model.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, SMEs, public bodies, NGOs) from EU Member States, Associated Countries, and select non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions. Consortia are strongly encouraged.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €6,000,000 per project.
• Funding type: Lump sum.
• Total budget: Not specified.
• Co-funding: Not explicitly required, but projects must align with Horizon Europe’s funding rules.

What Is Funded

Projects must:

• Analyze sustainable competitiveness in Europe, considering geopolitical shifts, climate change, biodiversity loss, technological advancements, and demographic trends.
• Develop policy recommendations and innovative solutions (e.g., toolboxes) to boost productivity while maintaining high social and environmental standards.
• Address tensions and opportunities between competitiveness, Europe’s social model, and environmental goals.
• Encourage clustering and collaboration among selected projects and with the Social Transformations and Resilience partnership.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6 (technology validated in lab to demonstrated in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11T22:00:00Z.
• Deadline: 2026-09-22T22:00:00Z.

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 limited to 50 pages (lump sum projects).
• Mandatory submission of a detailed budget table using the provided template.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements apply.
• Dissemination: Results must be shared with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Ownership/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

• Projects must align with the Future of European Competitiveness (Draghi) report and Horizon Europe’s broader objectives.
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary research, including social sciences and humanities (SSH).
• Collaboration with existing partnerships and clustering with other funded projects is strongly encouraged.