Introduction
25% of the funds for international research and innovation in Horizon Europe are allocated through partnerships between the European Commission and public and/or private actors in the member countries and associated countries. Each partnership publishes calls for research and innovation projects within their area. The calls are either published under Horizon Europe or nationally.
There are three types of partnerships in Horizon Europe:
- Co-programmed partnerships include the European Commission, private and public actors such as industry and interest organizations, companies, and possibly also national research councils and other funding institutions. They allocate funds for research and innovation through calls in 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.'
- Co-funded partnerships include the European Commission and national funding institutions such as research councils or ministries. They allocate funds through national calls.
- Institutionalized partnerships are partnerships between the European Commission and industry consortia (an extended form of co-programmed partnerships) or partnerships between the European Commission and a group of member countries (an extended form of co-funded partnerships).
Partnerships are initiated at various times during Horizon Europe. In the period 2021-2024, 40 partnerships are initiated, from which researchers, companies, municipalities, etc. can seek funding, with many already underway. In the period 2025-2027, a smaller number of partnerships, not yet known, are expected to be initiated.
Health
Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC)
The purpose of the partnership is to bring together European agencies for risk assessment and regulation around a common research agenda to strengthen their capacity to address persistent or new challenges. The partnership will promote the use of new methods, tools, technologies, and information in chemical hazard identification and risk assessment. It will also support the development and use of human bio-monitoring capacity in Europe.
Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) is a co-funded partnership. The Danish Ministry of Environment is a Danish member. There is no co-funding from a Danish council or fund for the partnership, meaning Danish actors cannot apply for the open calls.
ERA4Health
The purpose is to fund joint efforts and programs in priority areas health research and innovation. The partnership focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. ERA for Health implements and promotes responsible research and innovation practices, including researcher-initiated clinical trials (IICS, from 2025).
ERA4health is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
Calls from the partnership are published on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking
The purpose is to support international collaboration, research, and capacity building. It aims to promote the development, evaluation, and implementation of interventions to prevent, identify, and treat infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.
Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking is an institutionalized partnership. The Danish partner is the State Serum Institute (SSI), and the Ministry of Health is the responsible ministry.
Calls from the partnership are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's own website.
Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)
The purpose of the partnership is to support the health sector and contribute to health innovation, enabling cross-sectoral technologies, knowledge, products, and services for a patient-centered health system.
Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) is an institutionalized partnership.
Calls from the partnership are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's own website.
One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (OH AMR)
The partnership will facilitate collaboration between various authorities and services responsible for antimicrobial resistance (health, agriculture, environment, industry, and economy). It will also work to achieve both European and global health policy goals.
One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (OH AMR) is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund contributing Danish co-funding.
Calls from the partnership are published on the Innovation Fund's website.
Personalised Medicine (EP PerMed)
The purpose is to improve health outcomes in sustainable health systems through research, development, innovation, and implementation of personalized medicine approaches for the benefit of patients, citizens, and society.
Personalised Medicine (EP PerMed) is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
Calls from the partnership are published on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Rare Diseases
The purpose of the partnership is to improve the lives of patients with rare diseases by developing diagnostics and treatments through interdisciplinary research and innovation programs and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Rare Diseases is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
Calls from the partnership are published on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Transformation of Health and Care Systems (THCS)
The purpose of the partnership is to support national and regional research and innovation programs along with capacity building, networking, dissemination, and other activities. It aims to promote the development of sustainable health and care systems with a focus on quality, efficiency, accessibility, and patient-centeredness.
Transformation of Health and Care Systems (THCS) is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
Calls from the partnership are published on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Digital, Industry and Space
Artificial Intelligence, Data and Robotics (ADRA)
The purpose of the partnership is to ensure that Europe maximally benefits from artificial intelligence, data, and robotics technology. It will promote new markets and attract investments with the aim of creating technical, economic, and societal value for businesses, citizens, and the environment.
ADRA is a co-programmed partnership, and its members are mainly from the industry.
The partnership's calls are found in the work program for 'The Digital Area, Industry, and Space' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal.
Clean Steel
The purpose of the partnership is to support the EU's goal of transforming the steel industry into a carbon-neutral industry. By 2027, the partnership will contribute to a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions and achieve a higher technological readiness level in selected areas. The ultimate ambition is to reduce CO2 emissions by 80-95% by 2050.
Clean Steel is a co-programmed partnership where members come from the steel industry and relevant research institutes.
The partnership's calls are found in the work program for 'The Digital Area, Industry, and Space' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal.
Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU)
The partnership’s vision is to promote, develop and support Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem. The aim is to strengthen and secure research, development and production capabilities across Europe within the semiconductor area. In addition, the partnership aims to support the digital transformation in all sectors of the economy and society, with a view to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness within digital technologies.
The Chips JU is an institutionalized partnership with members from industry and research institutions. The Innovation Fund Denmark contributes with Danish co-financing for open calls.
Calls are published on the Innovation Fund Denmark’s website, the partnership's own website, and the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal.
High Performance Computing (EuroHPC)
The partnership's vision is to develop Europe into one of the world's leading regions in the use of supercomputers. Additionally, the partnership will strengthen industry and Europe's research in digital transformation.
EuroHPC is an institutionalized partnership with members from, among others, the industry.
Calls are published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's website.
Made in Europe
The purpose of the partnership is to be a driving force for a sustainable and competitive manufacturing industry in Europe. The partnership will serve as a platform for adapting national and regional production technologies.
Made in Europe is a co-programmed partnership where members come from the European manufacturing industry.
The partnership's calls are found in the work program for 'The Digital Area, Industry, and Space' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal.
Metrology
The purpose of the partnership is to contribute to making Europe a global leader in metrology research, competing with China and the USA. Europe needs a metrology system that offers good solutions, supports innovative products, responds to societal challenges, and enables effective design and implementation of rules and standards that support public policy.
Metrology is an institutionalized partnership.
Calls are published on the partnership's website.
Photonics
The purpose of the partnership is to contribute to the digital transition towards a greener and healthier Europe. The goal is to accelerate photonic innovations, ensure Europe's technological independence, strengthen European competitiveness, and ensure long-term job creation and prosperity.
Photonics is a co-programmed partnership, and its members come from the industry and research institutes.
The partnership's calls are found in the work program for 'The Digital Area, Industry, and Space' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal.
Processes4Planet
The purpose of the partnership is to make the European process industry carbon-neutral while remaining competitive. The partnership will contribute to transitioning process industries such as cement, chemicals, and steel to achieve the EU's climate goals by 2050.
Processes4Planet is a co-programmed partnership, where members represent the European process industry.
The partnership's calls are found in the work program for 'The Digital Area, Industry, and Space' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal.
Smart Networks and Services
The purpose of the partnership is to develop technology and intelligent networks and services in line with the EU's industrial strategy and cybersecurity considerations. The partnership will support European actors in developing technology for 6G systems as the basis for future digital services by 2030.
SNS JU is an institutionalized partnership, and its members mainly come from the industry.
Calls will be published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's website.
Climate, Energy and Mobility
Built4People
The partnership's vision is to develop building environments with high quality, low emissions, and energy- and resource efficiency using a user-oriented approach. The collaboration covers the entire value chain and aims to develop sector-specific innovation clusters throughout the EU.
Built4People is a co-programmed partnership with members, representing public authorities, businesses, and research.
The partnership regularly announces calls in the work programme for 'Climate, Energy, and Mobility' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal.
Clean Aviation
The partnership aims to work towards climate-neutral aviation by 2050 according to EU goals, through innovative research and innovation solutions.
Clean Aviation is an institutionalized partnership with members from both the industry, public authorities, and research institutions.
Calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's own website.
Clean Energy Transition (CETP)
The partnership aims to accelerate energy transition in all dimensions, involving joint research and innovation programs from regional to national and global levels with support from industry, public organizations, research, and citizen organizations. The goal is to make Europe a leader in energy innovation and the first climate-neutral continent.
Clean Energy Transition (CETP) is a co-funded partnership, with contributions from the Innovation Fund Denmark and EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program) for Danish co-funding.
Calls from the partnership are published on the respective websites of Innovation Fund Denmark and EUDP.
Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (JU)
The partnership aims to accelerate the development and deployment of European clean hydrogen technologies and contribute to a sustainable, carbon-free, and fully integrated energy system. The focus is on the production, distribution, and storage of clean hydrogen to address sectors that are challenging to make carbon-free, such as heavy industry and transport.
Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (JU) is an institutionalized partnership with members from the industry, public authorities, and research institutions.
Calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's own website.
Connected and Automated Driving (CCAM)
The partnership aims to make Europe a leader in innovative and automated mobility technologies and services. By 2030, the partnership will demonstrate user-oriented and well-integrated concepts with increased safety and reduced CO2 footprint.
Connected and Automated Driving (CCAM) is a co-programmed partnership, with members representing public authorities, businesses, and research.
The partnership regularly announces calls in the work programme for 'Climate, Energy, and Mobility' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal.
Driving Urban Transitions (DUT)
The partnership aims to involve all stakeholders responsible for urban and city-region development (local authorities, municipalities, businesses, and citizens) and contribute to creating innovative, systemic, and human-centered solutions, tools, methods, and services to support the transition of cities and city-regions.
Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) is a co-funded partnership, with contributions from the Innovation Fund Denmark.
Calls from the partnership are published on the Innovation Fund Denmark's website.
European Battery Value Chain (Batt4EU)
The partnership aims to support the development of a world-class European research and innovation ecosystem for batteries, envisioning industrial leadership for Europe in designing and manufacturing batteries for the next generation of both stationary and mobile applications. The partnership focuses on sustainable materials, recycling, and reuse.
European Battery Value Chain (Batt4EU) is a co-programmed partnership, with members representing public authorities, businesses, and research.
The partnership regularly announces calls in the work programme for 'Climate, Energy, and Mobility' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal.
Europe's Rail
The partnership aims to promote the development and deployment of innovative technologies (especially digitization and automation) in the railway sector and follow up on the goals of the EU's Green Deal.
Europe's Rail is an institutionalized partnership with members from the industry, public authorities, and research institutions.
Calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's own website.
Single European Sky Aviation Research 3 (SESAR 3)
The partnership will contribute to strengthening digital air traffic management and making the European airspace the most efficient and environmentally friendly in the world. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness and development of the European aviation sector after the pandemic. Key areas include improving connectivity, air-ground automation, increased flexibility in airspace management, and safe drone use.
Single European Sky Aviation Research 3 (SESAR 3) is an institutionalized partnership with members from the industry, public authorities, and research institutions.
Calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal and the partnership's own website.
Towards Zero-emission Road Transport (2ZERO)
The partnership aims to accelerate the development of emission-free road transport in Europe, promoting European leadership in innovation, production, and services. A central challenge is introducing competitive heavy long-distance vehicles.
Towards Zero-Emission Road Transport (2ZERO) is a co-programmed partnership, with its members representing public authorities, businesses, and research.
The partnership regularly announces calls in the work programme for 'Climate, Energy, and Mobility' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal.
Zero-emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT)
The partnership aims for the EU to lead and accelerate the transformation of maritime transport. By 2030, the collaboration will develop and demonstrate zero-emission solutions, enabling emissions-free maritime transport by 2050.
Zero-emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) is a co-programmed partnership, with its members representing public authorities, businesses, and research.
The partnership regularly announces calls in the work programme for 'Climate, Energy, and Mobility' in Horizon Europe.
The calls are published on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal.
Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Accelerating Farming Systems Transition
The purpose of the partnership is to expedite the transition to sustainable agriculture in Europe through research, open innovation, and the establishment of "Living labs."
It is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark and the Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP) contributing Danish co-funding for calls and other activities.
Calls are published on the respective websites of the Innovation Fund Denmark and GUDP. The partnership is expected to commence in 2024.
Animal Health and Welfare
The partnership aims to provide new knowledge to enhance the control of infectious diseases in animals (livestock production and aquaculture) and strengthen preparedness for future threats to animal and public health. The partnership will contribute to promoting evidence-based policy formulation and management in animal health and welfare.
Animal Health and Welfare is a co-funded partnership with the participation of Aarhus University.
The partnership will offer both internal and open calls. There is no co-funding from a Danish council or foundation, meaning Danish actors cannot apply for open calls. The partnership is expected to start in 2024.
BiodivERsA+
The purpose of the partnership is to support the EU's biodiversity strategy towards 2030.
BiodivERsA+ is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
The partnership regularly announces calls. Calls are published on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Circular Bio-based Europe (CBE-JU)
The purpose of the partnership is to contribute to the efficient use of biological resources and promote climate neutrality, as well as sustainable and circular production and consumption in line with the EU's Green Deal.
It is an institutionalized partnership consisting of various companies organized in The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and the European Commission.
Calls are realized through annual work programs and are published on the EU’s Funding & Tenders portal and the partnerships’ own website.
FutureFoodS
The ambition of the partnership is to deliver knowledge and solutions that can contribute to transitioning our consumption and production of food in a sustainable direction.
Safe and Sustainable Food Systems is a co-funded partnership, with the Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP) contributing Danish co-funding for calls and other activities.
Calls are published on GUDP's website. The partnership is expected to start in 2024.
Sustainable Blue Economy
The purpose of the partnership is to contribute to the EU's Green Deal and support policies for a climate-neutral, sustainable, and productive blue economy that preserves biodiversity.
Sustainable Blue Economy is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
The partnership offers ongoing calls, which are published on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Water Security for the Planet (Water4All)
The purpose of the partnership is to ensure water supply and quality in Europe through research and innovation and contribute to promoting collaboration between different actors in the water sector.
It is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
Partnership calls can be found on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Other partnerships
European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)
The partnership aims to develop and provide European research and innovation infrastructure, allowing Europe's approximately 2 million researchers to store, share, and reuse research data across national borders and disciplines. EOSC is a co-programmed partnership.
Open calls from the partnership can be found in Horizon Europe's Infrastructure work program and on the EU's Funding & Tenders portal.
Innovative SME's/Eurostars
The purpose of the partnership is to help innovative SMEs increase their research and development capacity and productivity while supporting SMEs' path to global value chains and new markets. It is a co-funded partnership, with the Innovation Fund Denmark contributing Danish co-funding.
Calls from the partnership are published on the Innovation Fund Denmarks website.
Other websites about partnerships in Horizon Europe
If you want to learn more about partnerships, visit:
- Webinar: Guide til Horizon Europe-partnerskaber (danish)
- European Commission's website on partnerships
- ERA-LEARN's dissemination platform on Horizon Europe partnerships
Here, you can find information about individual partnerships, history, guides, reports, and webinars on specific topics. - Overview of partnerships and opportunities for Danish researchers and universities on DACOB's website (pdf)
DACOB (Danish Local, Regional, and Research Co-Op Brussels) is a collaboration between representatives of Danish municipalities, regions, and universities in Brussels. - Innovation Fund Denmarks website
The fund co-funds selected partnerships and implements national calls within them. Check current calls on their website.