European innovation arrangements: which one fits your business?
In the Netherlands there are various arrangements and subsidies to encourage CSR. But that’s not it. There are also several European tools that can help improve the sustainability of your business. In particular Horizon 2020, INTERREG from 2014 to 2020, LIFE and Eurostars are relevant. Here's an overview.
Horizon 2020: stimulus for innovation and research
Horizon 2020 is an European program set up to boost European research and innovation. This program encourages the European Commission and the Dutch government, innovation in business and academia. They challenge the industry and academia to work together on solutions to social issues that arise across Europe. Think about food safety, aging, the transition to green energy and natural climate change. The National government for the Entrepreneurial Netherlands is the contact point (NCP) for this program.
Who can participate in Horizon 2020?
- Any organization that is active in research, technological development and innovation in an international context
- Individual researchers
Interreg 2014-2020: cooperation between regions
The European INTERREG subsidy is for innovative and sustainable projects that make Europe stronger. The projects from Interreg have parties from different countries working together. The program consists of several sub-programs, broken down by size of the cooperation area and to regions in Europe. Read more about the programs, their target groups and supporting capabilities in developing or carrying out your INTERREG project(s) for each program:
LIFE: development and environmental execution
LIFE is the EU program for the development and implementation of European nature and environmental policies. LIFE is for governments, businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The program supports development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and communication projects in the areas of:
- Nature and biodiversity (i.a. enhance the Natura 2000 areas)
- Environment and Resource Efficiency (pilots and demonstrations of innovative environmental technologies)
- Climate change (adaptation and mitigation).
Eurostars: for research performing SMEs
With Eurostars the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the European Commission stimulate investigating SMEs to conduct market-oriented technological development. The aim is faster development and growth of small businesses. These companies invest a specific part of their revenues or FTEs in applied research and experimental development.
Read more about Eurostars
