The globalization of Horizon Europe (FP9), the European Union’s (EU) key funding programme for research and innovation (R&I), has been an ambitious endeavour, expanding collaboration between excellent researchers and innovators across the globe. As the EU prepares for the design negotiations of Framework Programme 10 (FP10), it is crucial to understand what worked well in terms of the internationalization of Horizon Europe and what could be improved going forward. This report aims to serve as a gateway to fostering an open discussion on the operationalization of openness in international research and innovation cooperation between the EU and third countries to ensure mutual benefits. Based on the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from semi-structured interviews with participants from third countries that have engaged in negotiations on association to Horizon Europe, this report offers a comprehensive overview of the points of satisfaction and concerns of these third countries. These insights and recommendations are intended to assist the European Commission and third countries in fostering dialogue and designing a more inclusive and mutually beneficial FP10, enhancing global collaboration in research and innovation.
Voices from the Horizon: Third Countries’ Experiences Guiding the Design of FP10
