Horizon 2020: key achievements and projects

Horizon 2020 was the European Union's research and innovation framework program for the 2014-2020 period. With a budget of €80 billion, Horizon 2020 sought to boost economic growth and create jobs by funding innovative projects. In this article, we explore its main achievements, focus areas, and examples of outstanding projects.  

What is Horizon 2020? 

Horizon 2020, also known as H2020, was the EU's flagship program designed to support research, technological development and innovation. Its main objective was to ensure that Europe produced world-class science, removed barriers to innovation and facilitated public-private collaboration in the delivery of innovative solutions. 

HORIZON 2020 FOCUS AREAS

Horizon 2020 was structured into three main pillars:

• Science: including the European Research Council (ERC), Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, and research infrastructures.
• Industrial leadership: focused on key technologies and support for innovative SMEs.
• Societal challenges: addresses issues such as health, climate change, food security, and clean energy.

Horizon 2020 highlights 

Throughout its lifetime, Horizon 2020 funded thousands of projects that have led to significant advances in a variety of areas. Some of the most notable achievements include:

• Progress in renewable energy and sustainability: innovative projects in solar and wind energy that have improved efficiency and reduced costs
• Advances in medicine: development of innovative treatments for rare and chronic diseases

• Information and communication technologies: innovations in artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity

   

Who was involved in Horizon 2020?

Horizon 2020 was open to a variety of participants, including researchers, universities, companies and non-profit organizations. Calls for proposals were published regularly on the EU Participation Portal.
 

Examples of the participation of CIRCE - Technology Center in projects funded by Horizon 2020

Horizon 2020 supported a wide range of innovative projects, of which CIRCE - Centro Tecnológico participated as a partner in some, and as a leader (coordinator) in others. Below, we mention some outstanding examples:

• FLEXIGRID: this project aims to develop solutions for a more flexible and secure electrical grid, improving the integration of renewable energies.
• INCIT EV: promoting the deployment of electric vehicles in Europe through user-centered charging solutions for urban and long-range environments.
• REDOL: sustainable waste management through the circular economy and advanced digital technologies, optimizing the reuse and recycling of materials.

From geothermal farms in Iceland to large Turkish refineries, from the Martini distillery in Italy to a residential neighborhood in Belgium, our projects cross borders for a more sustainable Europe.

Discover all the European projects in which CIRCE has participated.
 

CIRCE accompanies you in the participation in European R&D&I framework calls

Our team includes professionals specialized in:

• Complete elaboration of H2020 proposals
• Technical and administrative management of funded H2020 projects
• Positioning in the main European platforms, associations and forums related to energy and environment

As a result, from CIRCE we can provide a comprehensive service to entities that want to access these funds, whether they already have experience or not, accompanying them through their European journey.

• 100 million euros obtained for the partners of the projects we coordinate.
• +36% Success rate in the proposals prepared by CIRCE (Spanish average of 13.3%).
• 72 Projects (2014-2020)
• 22 coordinated projects (2014-2020)
• +70M€ total return for Spanish companies
• +30 accompanying contracts signed from companies to public administration

At CIRCE we coordinate the submission of around 10 proposals each year and participate in around 50 in total, mobilizing more than €250M per year among our partners, helping them to finance their R&D&I and internationalize their activities.

CIRCE'S PRESENCE ON EUROPEAN PLATFORMS

CIRCE's entrepreneurial nature has led it to take part in the main European associations related to the energy sector. CIRCE plays an active role in these forums, even being the founder of some of them, such as SPIRE, the European association of intensive industries.

In this way, CIRCE is in a privileged position that allows it to know first hand the trend and evolution of the sector, and to provide a highly innovative know-how to develop project proposals that meet the requirements and needs established by the European Union.

Horizon 2020's impact on Europe

Horizon 2020 had a significant impact on the European economy and society. The program not only fostered innovation and competitiveness, but also contributed to solving some of the continent's most pressing challenges. The benefits of Horizon 2020-funded projects will continue to be felt for years to come.

Horizon 2020 represented a milestone in the history of research and innovation in Europe. Its success has laid the foundation for the current Horizon Europe program, which will continue to support innovative projects and foster economic and social growth. For more information on the results and legacy of Horizon 2020, you can visit the official Horizon 2020 website.