Much has understandably been made of what is no longer possible after Brexit but areas of cooperation do remain.
The EU Missions highlighted in the video above are intended to bring solutions to significant challenges. They cover adaption to climate change, restoring oceans, rivers, soil improvement, cancer treatment and support.
An ambitious portfolio, which is an offshoot of Horizon Europe, an EU research and innovation programme. This holds a budget of 95 billion euros, runs until 2027 and is open to UK universities, researchers, scientists, or businesses.
Whilst a few details are still to be formalised, the UK government has announced our involvement in Horizon Europe and the EU confirmed this. UK applicants can now make applications for grants on the same basis as those from EU countries.
The Core Criteria
Further details are available on the UK Research & Innovation website. Research is naturally supported, including ancillary activity such as travel, although the intention is also to bring in practical projects.
These could be linked to food production, methods of energy production, digital opportunities, civil security. Realistic goals, which can be achieved by 2030 will be an asset, as will creating an impact on wider society.
An underlying intention is to see the role of research and innovation change. Projects which will improve the relevance of research will be welcomed, with engaging citizens and those governing them a key point.
Importance To The UK
Access to funding is of course useful, although simply being involved is an economic benefit. After the separation of Brexit, the UK can renew research and innovation connections, be part of a network, build long term links.
Contact across different sectors will be part of projects, interaction with people offering varying knowledge, add on aspects such as supply chain opportunities. Business grows by cooperation, rather than isolation.
Horizon Europe is there to underpin vital research but is also about helping business to grow. Interaction between like minded people, or those who will benefit from each other’s skills is a path to growth.
Practical Considerations
We are part of Horizon Europe but this does not change other aspects of our relationship with the EU. The UK has left the single market and the customs union, taking part in Europe wide projects can require a little planning.
If you are travelling to Europe, there are circumstances where visas could be required. The temporary export of goods, or equipment can also be part of a visit. There are special schemes for a few categories but in the main, an ATA carnet will be required.
This shouldn’t put you off, using ATA carnets for Europe has been a success story since Brexit. An additional requirement but if they help UK skills to be part of building smart cities, or creating healthy soil, well worth the effort.