-Annual European Horizon Strategic Plan: A Research and Innovation Framework Promoting Green and Digital Transformation

Key Chapter Title List

1. Introduction
2. Executive Summary
3. Key Strategic Orientations: Research and Innovation
4. How the Horizon Europe Pillars Contribute to Achieving the Key Strategic Orientations
5. European Partnerships
6. EU Missions
7. International Cooperation
8. Research Security
9. Specific Issues
10. Cluster Impact Summary

Document Introduction

This strategic plan is formulated by the European Commission as the guiding framework for the implementation phase (2025-2027) of the EU's largest Research and Innovation (R&I) program—Horizon Europe. The plan aims to ensure that the EU's R&I investments precisely serve the purpose of addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, digital transformation, and population aging. Centered around the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade agenda, it seeks to build a more resilient, competitive, and democratic Europe.

The core of the plan establishes three interconnected key strategic orientations: the green transition, the digital transformation, and building a more resilient, competitive, inclusive, and democratic Europe. To ensure the achievement of objectives, the strategic plan elaborates in detail how the three pillars (Excellent Science, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Innovative Europe) and the "Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (ERA)" section work synergistically. In particular, through the six thematic clusters under the second pillar (Health; Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society; Civil Security for Society; Digital, Industry and Space; Climate, Energy and Mobility; Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment), the strategic orientations are translated into specific expected impacts and R&I actions. The plan also specifies that nine new European partnerships will be launched in the next three years, while continuing to advance the existing five EU Missions.

Methodologically, this strategic plan is based on a comprehensive strategic plan analysis conducted by the European Commission and extensively incorporates consultation feedback from member states, associated countries, stakeholders, and the public, adopting a co-design approach. The document particularly emphasizes the ongoing importance of open international cooperation. However, in light of geopolitical changes and security concerns, it also introduces a "Research Security" chapter, requiring necessary measures to protect the EU's strategic assets, interests, and security while maintaining openness.

This strategic plan is not only an internal document guiding the formulation of Horizon Europe's work programs but also an important communication tool. It provides a clear overview of R&I priorities and funding opportunities for a broader audience within and outside the EU, including policymakers, private investors, potential applicants, and the public. Simultaneously, the plan emphasizes the importance of generating synergies with other EU funding programs and national R&I activities to maximize the overall impact of R&I investments on science, the economy, and society.