Rethinking sustainable competitiveness beyond traditional perspectives: role and contribution of the Social Economy

Overview

Funding for research projects exploring the role of the social economy in advancing sustainable competitiveness and shared prosperity in the EU, with a focus on innovation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Targets interdisciplinary research teams, social economy actors, and stakeholders from public and private sectors.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, SMEs, non-profits, public bodies) from EU Member States, Horizon Europe-associated countries, and select third countries with specific funding provisions. Consortia are encouraged, particularly those involving social economy actors, private sector partners, and public institutions.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 5,000,000 EUR per project.
• Funding rate: Typically 100% of eligible costs for non-profit entities; 70% for for-profit entities (unless otherwise specified).
• Budget form: Lump-sum funding model.

What Is Funded

Research activities addressing:

• The sustainable competitiveness of social economy entities, including cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations, and social enterprises.
• Development of frameworks, indicators, and metrics to measure the social economy’s contribution to sustainable competitiveness, shared prosperity, and environmental outcomes (e.g., biodiversity preservation).
• Case studies, literature reviews, and policy recommendations to enhance the social economy’s role in EU competitiveness, aligned with the EU Green Deal and Kunming-Montreal Agreement.
• Interdisciplinary approaches combining economics, sociology, environmental science, and public administration.
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration with social economy actors, private sector, and policymakers.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) requirements. Projects should demonstrate a robust research design and potential for policy or practical impact.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-12
• Deadline: 2027-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Proposals must adhere to the page limits and templates outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
• Evaluation follows standard Horizon Europe criteria (excellence, impact, implementation).

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting requirements as per Horizon Europe lump-sum grant agreements.
• Dissemination of results, including policy recommendations and best practices.
• The granting authority may retain rights to object to the transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe-associated countries, and select third countries with specific funding provisions (see Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes).
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must align with the EU’s political priorities on sustainable competitiveness, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
• Emphasis on societal innovation beyond technological solutions.
• Collaboration with social economy stakeholders is strongly encouraged.