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Danish research secures more than DKK 4 billion in EU funding

Danish companies and research institutions perform well in securing funding from the EU research and innovation programme Horizon 2020. Compared with other countries, Denmark ranks third when measured per capita.

Since the EU framework programme Horizon 2020 began in 2014, Danish researchers and companies have received DKK 4.12 billion for 967 different projects, according to the recent accounts from the European Commission. The overall share of funding to Denmark has fallen a little to 2.45 per cent from 2.52 per cent in October 2016. It has therefore fallen below the target of 2.5 per cent of the total budget, which is approx. DKK 558 billion for the period 2014-2020.

Despite the small decrease in overall share, Denmark maintains its ranking of the 10th most successful country in receiving funding from Horizon 2020. Measured per capita, Denmark ranks 3rd, which is an improvement on its 4th place ranking in October 2016.

- The billions of kroner that Denmark has secured in funding from the EU are an important boost for Danish researchers and companies. The funding helps lift Danish research and innovation to a higher level to the benefit of citizens and businesses. I know there is stiff competition for EU funding and the fine Danish ranking among other EU countries is testament to the fact that Danish researchers and companies are among the absolute elite, says Minister for Higher Education and Science Søren Pind.

The small decrease should be seen in light of Denmark performing extremely well in Horizon 2020's first year and it is not unsurprising that a small dip would follow. The Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education is currently working on a strategy to increase Danish participation in the framework programme, which is being carried out in close cooperation with Danish research and innovation environments.

The next account of Danish participation in Horizon 2020 is expected to be published in October 2017.

About Horizon 2020:

  • Horizon 2020 is the EU framework programme for research and innovation for the period 2014-2020 with a budget of approx DKK 558 billion. Since 2014, almost DKK 169 billion has been allocated in funding, of which Denmark has secured DKK 4.12 billion from the programme.
  • The programme offers project financing to researchers, companies, entrepreneurs, organisations and regions.
  • The EU-DK Support network provides advice on Horizon 2020 to Danish applicants.

For further information please contact:

Head of Division Katrine Nissen, Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education, tel: +45 7231 8240, e-mail: katn@ufm.dk
Press Officer Jakob Sejr Teichert, Ministry of Higher Education and Science, tel: 7231 9503 e-mail: jte@ufm.dk