Work Programme 2014-2015eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/china/documents/...2015/08/04 · Calls and Topics Targeting China - 2 - Horizon 2020 - What's in it for China Horizon

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Work Programme 2014-2015

Calls and Topics Targeting China

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Horizon 2020 - What's in it for China

Horizon 2020 is fully open to international participation in all fields and areas. Chinese

researchers, enterprises and institutions will be able to team up with their European

partners to participate in projects under Horizon 2020 and make best use of Europe’s

excellent opportunities in research and innovation. Through participation in Horizon 2020

China can gain great benefits from access to excellent knowledge, access to research data

and access and connection to world-leading scientific networks and research teams.

Chinese participation is welcomed in all Calls for Proposals of Horizon 2020. In addition, in

the 2014/2015 calls several topics are specifically flagged for targeted cooperation with

China. This documents provides an overview of these China related calls and topics in the

field of Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology, Energy, Water, Information and

Communications Technologies, Nanotechnology, Space and Polar research, and others. In

these flagged topics the participation of Chinese partners is strongly encouraged and will

add value to the proposals.

China has become one of the EU's key international partners in research and innovation

through the previous Framework Programme, FP7. China is in a position to fully contribute

to and benefit from Europe's research and innovation capacity under the same conditions

and financial rules for participation as their peers from other emerging economies and

industrialised countries. This means that Chinese participants will need to cover their

participation costs in Horizon 2020 projects with their own funds. To this end potential

Chinese participants are encouraged to contact their research and innovation funding

organisations to seek support for their participation in Horizon 2020.

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FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (FAB)

CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY SFS-1-2014: Sustainable terrestrial livestock production

SFS-01a-2014 Genetics and nutrition and alternative feed sources for terrestrial livestock production:

SFS-01b-2014 Tackling losses from terrestrial animal disease

Practical solutions for native and alien pests affecting plants

SFS-03b -2014 EU-China cooperation on integrated pest management(IPM) in agriculture

SFS-4-2014 Soil quality and function

SFS-13-2015 Biological contamination of crops and the food chain CALL –WASTE : A resource to recycle, reuse and recover raw materials WASTE-2-2014 A systems approach for the reduction, recycling and reuse of food waste

WASTE-7-2015 Ensuring sustainable use of agricultural waste, co-products and by-products

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SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION

TRANSPORT CALL Green vehicles GV-1-2014 Next generations of competitive Li-ion batteries to meet customer expectations

CALL Mobility for Growth

MG-5-5-2015 Demonstrating and testing innovative solutions for cleaner and better urban transport and mobility

ENERGY Call for competitive low-carbon energy LCE 18 – 2014 Supporting Joint Actions on demonstration and validation of innovative energy

solutions

LCE 18 – 2015 Supporting Joint Actions on demonstration and validation of innovative energy solutions

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AERONAUTICS

CALL Mobility for Growth

MG.1.8-2014-15 International cooperation in aeronautics MG.1.10-2015. International cooperation in aeronautics with China

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OTHER AREAS ICT Call information and communication technologies ICT-14-2014 Advanced 5G Network Infrastructure for Future Internet

WATER WATER-5-2014 Strengthening international R&I cooperation in the field of water

WATER-5b-2015 Strengthening international R&I cooperation in the field of water

WATER-5c-2015 Water Innovation: Boosting its value for Europe

HEALTH Call health co-ordination activities HC0 5 – 2014 Grant to the global Alliance for chronic disease:

prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes

SOCIETY Call Europe as a global actor INT-1-2014 Enhancing and focusing research and innovation cooperation with the Union’s key

international partner countries

INT-11-2014 European cultural and science diplomacy: exploiting the potential of culture and science in the EU’s external relations

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http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/calls/h2020-lce-2014-3.html

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INT-01-2015 Enhancing and focusing research and innovation cooperation with the Union’s

key international partner countries - proposals targeting Australia, USA, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and also Ukraine. order in t

INT-07-2015 Towards a new geopolitical he South and East Mediterranean region

INT-08- 2015 European cultural and science diplomacy: exploiting the potential of culture and science in the EU’s external relations

INT-08-2015 The European Union and the Eastern Partnership

Call Integrating society in science and innovation ISSI 5-2014 Supporting structural change in research organisations

to promote Responsible Research and Innovation

ISSI .5.2015 Supporting structural change in research organisations to promote Responsible Research and Innovation

POLAR RESEARCH Call Blue growth, unlocking the potential of seas and oceans

BG-2014-2015 European polar research cooperation

SME INSTRUMENT Call nanotechnologies, advanced materials, biotechnologies and advanced manufacturing and processing

NMP-25-2014-1 Accelerating the uptake of nanotechnologies, advanced materials or advanced manufacturing and processing technologies by SMEs

SPACE CALL LEI-Space Competitiveness of the European Space Sector

COMPET-06- 2015 International cooperation in Space

For further questions on calls please consult Horizon 2020 Participants Portal: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/home.html

Helpdesk: http://ec.europa.eu/research/index.cfm?pg=enquiries

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http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/home.html

http://ec.europa.eu/research/index.cfm?pg=enquiries

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Horizon 2020 Work Programme 2014-2015

Topics targeting China

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Food Agriculture and Biotechnology

(FAB)

Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Marine and Maritime Research and the Bio-economy

CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

SFS-1-2014/2015: Sustainable terrestrial livestock production

SFS-01a-2014 Genetics and nutrition and alternative feed sources for terrestrial livestock production

Call coordinator: Jean-Charles Cavitte e-mail: [email protected]

Publication date 2013-12-11 Deadline Date 2014-03-12 17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

Stage 2 2014-06-26 +17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

Budget €128,000,000 Main Pillar Societal Challenges

Status Open OJ reference OJ C361 of 11 December 2013

Specific Challenge: Due to the increasing demand for animal derived food and the mounting pressure over land use, further intensification and expansion of animal production is expected. Development of the livestock sector at EU and global level is challenging as it puts pressure on the environment, human health and the welfare of animals within the systems. Climate change is an additional pressure to the sustainability (e.g. productivity, health) of livestock systems. Increasing efficiency is required, while decreasing the environmental footprint and increasing quality, e.g. nutritional value. Livestock farming systems generate valuable products for human consumption including some from resources that cannot otherwise be converted into food (e.g. grass-based systems). They support the development of rural communities. Extensive livestock systems can contribute to the management and maintenance of ecosystems and may increase biodiversity. Means to improve sustainability and productivity of terrestrial livestock systems need to be sought through breeding, nutrition and health. New phenotypes linked to sustainable animal productivity could be developed and integrated into breeding schemes. Precision feeding could increase production efficiency by adapting accurately the needs and the delivery of feed to individual animals. The development of new or alternative feeds, in particular as protein sources, has the potential to minimise reliance on imports and increase European self-sufficiency. Livestock diseases reduce the efficiency of animal production and they have a major impact in terms of economic costs and animal welfare. Vaccination can be an efficient way to

mailto:[email protected]

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/JOHtml.do?uri=OJ:C:2013:361:SOM:EN:HTML

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control diseases and to reduce the use of antimicrobials. Deeper knowledge is required to develop safer, cheaper, novel, multivalent and more efficient vaccines. Farming systems need to be (re)designed in a holistic manner to best reconcile the various demands concerning productivity, sustainability and societal values, for now and the future. Scope: Proposals should address one of the following issue (A): A. [2014] Genetics and nutrition and alternative feed sources for terrestrial livestock production Proposals should address the diversity of production types. New traits linked to feed conversion efficiency and to sustainability (e.g. robustness) should be investigated and phenotypes should be used for modelling biological functions and develop predictive approaches of performances. Precision feeding including new management systems should be developed in order to fulfil the need of individual animals, taking into account their physiological, health and welfare status, and their genetic make-up. Activities should also investigate diversifying feed sources, in particular as protein inputs, including industry by-products, organic waste and alternative crops, and better use of local resources (e.g. pastures and forage crops). The potential of the new technologies, including their influence on food quality should be assessed. Demonstration activities of the most promising solutions should be organised. Involvement of the livestock industry is expected. This call also involves socio-economic aspects as new business models and management systems are needed for specific production systems. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, proposals are encouraged to include third country participants, especially those established in China [1]. Proposals should fall under the concept of 'multi-actor approach'[2]. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 7–9 million for (A) would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Proposals should show how some, or all, of the following impacts will be achieved:

New efficiency traits to be incorporated into breeding schemes of various farm species enabling selection of animals more adapted to environmental changes

Make Europe frontrunner in re-use of by-products and protein rich resources for feed

Minimize risk to public health by preventing and controlling animal diseases and reducing the use of antibiotics in the “One health” perspective

Increased level of animal welfare

Increased efficiency and profitability of animal agriculture

Improved overall sustainability and innovative capacity of the livestock sector

Increased societal acceptance

Type of action: Research and innovation actions [1] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the annex to the work programme. [2] See definition of 'multi-actor approach' in footnote 1 in the introduction of this Work Programme part.

http://fp6.cc.cec.eu.int:6021/ccm2/manage_codes.htm?mode=viewGeneralCode&access=firstView&code.codeId=31052923&code.validFromFormatted=22/11/2013&editMode=true#_ftn1


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SFS-1-2014/2015: Sustainable terrestrial livestock production

SFS-01b-2014 Tackling losses from terrestrial animal diseases

Call coordinator: Jean-Charles Cavitte e-mail: [email protected]





Specific Challenge: Due to the increasing demand for animal derived food and the mounting pressure over land use, further intensification and expansion of animal production is expected. Development of the livestock sector at EU and global level is challenging as it puts pressure on the environment, human health and the welfare of animals within the systems. Climate change is an additional pressure to the sustainability (e.g. productivity, health) of livestock systems. Increasing efficiency is required, while decreasing the environmental footprint and increasing quality, e.g. nutritional value. Livestock farming systems generate valuable products for human consumption including some from resources that cannot otherwise be converted into food (e.g. grass-based systems). They support the development of rural communities. Extensive livestock systems can contribute to the management and maintenance of ecosystems and may increase biodiversity. Means to improve sustainability and productivity of terrestrial livestock systems need to be sought through breeding, nutrition and health. New phenotypes linked to sustainable animal productivity could be developed and integrated into breeding schemes. Precision feeding could increase production efficiency by adapting accurately the needs and the delivery of feed to individual animals. The development of new or alternative feeds, in particular as protein sources, has the potential to minimise reliance on imports and increase European self-sufficiency. Livestock diseases reduce the efficiency of animal production and they have a major impact in terms of economic costs and animal welfare. Vaccination can be an efficient way to control diseases and to reduce the use of antimicrobials. Deeper knowledge is required to develop safer, cheaper, novel, multivalent and more efficient vaccines. Farming systems need to be (re)designed in a holistic manner to best reconcile the various demands concerning productivity, sustainability and societal values, for now and the future. Scope: Proposals should address the following issues (B): B. [2014] Tackling losses from terrestrial animal diseases The goal is to better understand the interaction between the immune system of swine, poultry and ruminants and their specific pathogens, in particular pathogens associated with high production losses and to develop innovative and multivalent vaccines taking into account the individual variability in vaccine responsiveness and different developmental stages. Both the use of current and new vaccine vectors (including DNA & DIVA vaccines) could be foreseen together with novel and easy-to-use delivery systems and efficient adjuvants with the aim of fostering an earlier onset of protection and a longer duration of immunity. New biomarkers and phenotypes would be valuable to help breeding strategies for increased disease resistance. Proposals should develop at least two vaccines at the demonstration level and address at least poultry and/or swine, and/or ruminants. Involvement of the animal pharmaceutical industry is expected to translate the finding into marketable products. Significant SME involvement should be ensured. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, proposals are encouraged to include third country participants, especially those established in China[1].



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The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 7–9 million for (B) would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Proposals should show how some, or all, of the following impacts will be achieved:

New efficiency traits to be incorporated into breeding schemes of various farm species enabling selection of animals more adapted to environmental changes

Make Europe frontrunner in re-use of by-products and protein rich resources for feed

Minimize risk to public health by preventing and controlling animal diseases and reducing the use of antibiotics in the “One health” perspective

Increased level of animal welfare

Increased efficiency and profitability of animal agriculture

Improved overall sustainability and innovative capacity of the livestock sector

Increased societal acceptance

Type of action: Research and innovation actions [1] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the annex to the work programme.

http://fp6.cc.cec.eu.int:6021/ccm2/manage_codes.htm?mode=createCode#_ftnref1

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SFS-3-2014 Practical solutions for native and alien pests affecting plants

SFS-03b-2014 EU-China cooperation on integrated pest management(IPM) in agriculture

Call coordinator: Panagiota MYLONA e-mail: [email protected]





Specific challenge: Native and alien pests

[1] cause increasing yearly losses to agriculture and forestry and

plant production costs. Invasive alien species and new pests and diseases impact negatively on native species (e.g. outcompete), affect food chains, change biodiversity patterns and disrupt terrestrial ecosystems (including inland water bodies) and landscapes, with further impacts on economic and recreational activities. Climate change is expected to favour the permanent establishment of many alien pests and change the distribution of already established pests. The prevention of the entry, establishment and spread of new alien pests is regulated by the Directive 2000/29/EC. More environmental friendly approaches in pest and disease control are sought, in line with the Directive 2009/128/EC. Given the high costs associated with the prevention/controlling of pests and invasive alien species and the reduction of their environmental impacts, there is a need to further develop integrated mechanisms of response measures (practical solutions), ranging from prevention of entry to novel Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Scope: Proposals should address one of the following issue (B): B. [2014] EU-China cooperation on IPM in agriculture Proposals should cover a number of farming systems (including organic) and aim at increasing productivity while preserving ecosystems and reducing pesticide residues in food. Pests affecting fruits and vegetables are of particular interest, when the exchange of information, best practices and technologies is a benefit for both EU and China farmers/growers and consumers. A variety of IPM practices should be sought to address pests, such as chemical ecology, biological control agents, intercropping, planning tools for farm and landscape, etc. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, the participation (also in terms of resources) of Chinese partners in research, innovation and demonstration activities is strongly encouraged[1]. Practical solutions for farmers/growers, close to the market, should be facilitated by the involvement of industry (including SMEs) aiming at IPM related technology transfer. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 3 million for (B) would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact:

Effective solutions for the prevention and management of pests and invasive alien species;

Scientific support to the development of relevant EU policies;

Significant economic gains/avoided losses for the European agriculture and forestry [A] and European and Chinese agriculture [B];

Increased product quality and lower environmental impact (e.g. lower level of chemicals, less new pests)

Development of science-based tools for developing strategies for improving the productivity and resilience of agriculture and forestry in the context of changing environmental conditions

Impact on a range of agricultural and forestry production and risk management practices Type of action: Research and innovation actions [1] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the annex to the work programme. [1] Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant products (ISPM No5, International Standards for Phytosanitary Terms 2010; FAO, 1990, revised FAO, 1995; IPPC, 1997)







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SFS-4-2014 Soil quality and function

Call coordinator: Annette SCHNEEGANS e-mail: [email protected]





Specific challenge: Agricultural soils provide the basis for crop and animal production and in turn are impacted by the different types of land use, water quality, management practices, choice of crops, cultivars and genotypes. Effects include not only changes to chemical and physical soil properties but also to the composition of the soil biological community and plant-soil-microbial interactions. Understanding this complex and fragile interplay is crucial for developing on-farm soil management and conservation practices to increase agricultural productivity whilst avoiding degradation of this virtually non-renewable resource in environmentally sustainable ways. Scope: Proposals should provide a comprehensive analysis of the various types of agricultural land use in Europe along with the effects of agricultural land use and management on soil properties and soil functioning. They should further propose ways by which the 'soil environmental footprint' of different cropping systems and management interventions can be established. Proposals should test new approaches to on-farm management that enhance key soil attributes for crop productivity and yield stability taking into account below and above ground aspects. Work should take into account various types of crop and livestock farming systems and pedo-climatic zones across the EU. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, proposals are encouraged to include third country participants, especially those established in China[1]. Proposals should fall under the concept of 'multi-actor approach'[2] and allow for adequate involvement of the farming sector in proposed activities. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 3–5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected Impact:

Improved capacity and methods to assess soil-management interactions and their impact on soil functions

widely accessible and cost efficient tools to monitor the 'health status' of agricultural soils by practitioners in the agricultural sector

increases in crop productivity, quality, and yield stability in conventional and organic farming systems through improved practices for soil husbandry including crop rotations

enhanced climate and environmental performance of agricultural activities (e.g. through reduced adverse impacts on agricultural soils)

support to CAP environmental objectives and development of further policies in the area.

Type of action: Research and innovation actions [1] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the annex to the work programme. [2] See definition of 'multi-actor approach' in footnote 1 in the introduction of this Work Programme part







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SFS-13-2015 Biological contamination of crops and the food chain

Call coordinator: Emanuela PICCO e-mail: [email protected]




Status Open OJ reference OJ C361 of 11 December 2013 OJ C361 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: The occurrence of biological contamination in various crops is of major concern as it has major implications for food and feed safety, food security and international trade. Worldwide, it is estimated that mycotoxins are responsible for losses of up to 5-10% of crop production. Contaminations are due to a series of events including weather conditions, possible climate change effects, land use, crop management and varieties as well as harvest and post-harvest techniques. Integrated approaches rather than isolated solutions are required to effectively control the incidence of mycotoxins in crops and reduce contamination throughout the feed and food chains. Scope: Proposals should aim at reducing the risk of mycotoxin contamination in crops and all along the feed and food chains. They should bring about technical, management and organisational solutions (including HACCP techniques) that are effective at the various stages of production as well as at pre- and post-harvest levels and also deal with the safe use of contaminated batches. Proposals should take into account the development of ICT solutions as well as reliable and cost effective control tools to policy-proposed solutions. Proposals should benefit conventional and organic supply chains and fall under the concept of 'multi-actor approach'[1] and allow for adequate involvement of the farming sector in proposed activities. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, proposals are encouraged to include third country participants, especially those established in China[2]. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 3–5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact:

a toolkit (plant resources, management tools, technologies) to effectively monitor and reduce the incidence of mycotoxin contaminants in crop production as well as in the food and feed supply chains.

contribution to legislation and standard setting

safe use options for contaminated batches

reduced occurrence of mycotoxin contamination in crops in order to improve productivity and competitiveness of European agriculture and food sectors.

reduced risks for human and animal health, and thus increase consumer confidence in agro-food products.

Type of action: Research and innovation actions [1] See definition of 'multi-actor approach' in footnote 1 in the introduction of this Work Programme part. [2] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the annex to the work programme.








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CALL –WASTE : A RESOURCE TO RECYCLE, REUSE AND RECOVER RAW MATERIALS

WASTE-2-2014 A systems approach for the reduction, recycling and reuse of food waste

Call coordinator: Avelino GONZALEZ GONZALEZ e-mail: [email protected]




Status Open OJ reference OJ C 361 of 11.12.2013

Specific challenge: Food waste has taken on disquieting proportions worldwide in all steps of the food production and supply chain but especially at consumer level. Before defining measures to reduce such waste at all stages it is necessary to develop a better understanding of business and consumer behaviour in relation to waste generation, handling, reuse and by-product valorisation. Technologies for the collection, sorting/grading, stabilisation and valorisation of food waste, by-products and packaging material need improvement or development. The aim is to optimise the performance of the whole food system, including packaging, catering and consumers, and achieve a secure and sustainable food supply, also for the poor. Scope: Proposals should both address approaches to reducing food waste and packaging materials generated at relevant stages of the food system and investigate ways of converting food waste into value-added by-products. A comprehensive methodology for evaluating food waste in all its components should be developed addressing quality, safety, sustainability, legislation and costs. Inter-disciplinary research methods include practical, close-to-market approaches for characterising possible new foods and feeds and identifying the risks and benefits related to the new production processes. A database/inventory should be developed of recyclable materials, valuable molecules, substances and materials originating from waste and by-products, also in view of future life cycle assessments (LCAs). Solid involvement of social sciences and humanities and civil society is a prerequisite to better understanding the socio-economic, cultural and environmental dimension of food waste and promoting change in the business and consumer environment for social innovation, while the use of ICT tools is expected to accelerate this. In line with the objectives of the EU's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, proposals are encouraged to include third country participants, especially those established in China

[1].

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 9 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact:

A significant contribution to achieving the European policy target of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030, including at the consumer level.

A reduction in waste management costs, and in environmental impacts, including emission of greenhouse gases.

Supporting a harmonised approach to EU food waste legislation and improved national implementation, and contribution to new standards.

An increase in the competitiveness of the European food and drink and chemical industry, in particular SMEs, as measured in terms of market share, turnover, cost effectiveness, employment and intellectual property, through the development of innovative applications of food waste.

Progress towards sustainable food consumption patterns leading to healthier consumers and as a result reduced national health costs. Type of action: Research and innovation actions




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WASTE-7-2015 Ensuring sustainable use of agricultural waste, co-products and by-products






Specific challenge: Agriculture generates co-products, by-products and waste streams that are currently not properly taken care of both in environmental and economic terms. In plant production (e.g. from arable, horticulture, fruit, wine, grassland sectors), losses take place at the farm and post-harvest levels and also down the chain at the level of the retail sector. Co-products or by-products are generated, for instance in the wine sector, which require sustainable use. Straw has been given significant attention in the last years as biomass feedstock and potential trade-offs with its relevance for soil improvement need to be considered. In livestock production, manure, litter and other effluents management is a challenge, in particular in industrial production systems. While these effluents can be used as fertiliser, they can also be sources of bio-energy or valuable bio-products. The impacts on the environment, with emissions to the air, soil and water need to be evaluated. It is important to consider the whole effluent chain to avoid pollution swapping and health issues, due to possible transmission of pathogens. Beyond reduction and recycling of agricultural waste, co-products and by-products, there may be opportunities for new processes enabling innovative uses of these materials, also outside the agricultural sector. Scope: Proposals should evaluate existing techniques and develop new and innovative approaches for efficient use of agricultural waste, co-products and by-products, thereby contributing to the creation of sustainable value chains in the farming and processing sectors (including the organic sector). A range of sector-specific case studies (in terms of sources of waste and uses as well as geographic coverage) should serve to test and take up proposed approaches and technologies. Research and innovation efforts should address crop co-products/by-products/waste as well as manure/effluents. On straw and other crop residues (including in mixture with manure), proposals should develop environmental safeguards such as sustainable extraction rates as well as guidance on optimal use of crop residues (in particular straw) for soil improvement, taking into account the need to maintain soil organic matter levels, and on farming practices to harvest and handle crop residues for alternative purposes. As regards manure and effluents, proposals should address some or all of the following areas:

nutrient, energy and biochemical recovery from manure and other effluents;

improved knowledge on the environmental impact of manure and other effluents, further developing measurements and good manufacturing practices, minimising impacts on water and air quality (emissions and odors);

sanitary implications of pathogens that can be transmitted from manure and possible control options;

management chains, from processing to transport and application. Involvement of industry (including strong participation from SMEs) should be ensured and pilot and/or demonstration activities should be performed. Knowledge platforms should be established. In line with the objectives of the EU’s strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, proposals are encouraged to include third country participants, especially those established in China

[1]. Proposals should fall under the concept of 'multi-actor

approach'[2]. This action allows for the provision of financial support to third parties in line with conditions set out in Part K of the General Annexes. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 7 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not





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preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Proposals are requested to foresee close interaction with the other proposals selected for funding through creation of a joint stakeholder platform and other joint structures. Expected impact:

Increased awareness and dialogue across sectors on availability, needs and options for smart use of agricultural waste, by-and co-products through creation of joint stakeholders platform and other joint structures.

Improved resource efficiency through reduction of waste and improved waste management in primary production.

Increased opportunities for valorisation of waste, by-and co-products resulting in environmental and economic benefits for the farming sector (development of new products and processes).

Enhanced competitiveness through more varied and/or new types of sources for bio-products and bio-energy in the agro-food (conventional and organic) and bioeconomy sectors.

Improved soil quality and crop productivity – through an optimal use of crop waste (taking into account the need to maintain soil organic matter levels) and nutrient recovery.

Improved water quality – reducing pollution and eutrophication of ground waters, and thus indirectly marine waters.

Improved air quality – by reducing livestock emissions.

Progress towards regulatory and standard development, in particular with respect to environmental protection and food safety.

Type of action: Research and innovation actions [1] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the General Annex. [2] The multi-actor approach aims at more demand-driven innovation through the genuine and sufficient involvement of various actors (end-users such as farmers/farmers' groups, advisors, enterprises, etc.) all along the project from participation in the planning of work and experiments, their execution up until the dissemination of results and the possible demonstration phase. The adequate choice of key actors with complementary types of knowledge (scientific and practical) should be reflected in the description of the project proposals and result in a broad implementation of project results. The multi-actor approach is more than a strong dissemination requirement or what a broad range of stakeholders can deliver: it should be illustrated with a sufficient quantity and quality of knowledge exchange activities and a clear role for the different actors in the work. This should generate innovative solutions that are more likely to be applied thanks to the cross-fertilisation of ideas between actors, the co-creation and the generation of co-ownership for eventual results. A multi-actor project needs to take into account how the objectives and planning of the project proposal are targeted to needs/problems and opportunities of end-users, as well as complementarity with existing research. Facilitation between actors and openness to involving additional players/groups of players during the project, for instance relevant EIP operational groups, is strongly recommended.



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► Sustainable Urbanisation

Transport

CALL GREEN VEHICLES

GV.1-2014. Next generations of competitive Li-ion batteries to meet customer expectations

Call coordinator: e-mail: :



Status Open OJ reference OJ C 361 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: It is important that next generations of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles incorporate

basic electric components, such as electric batteries and their constituent components, that are manufactured in Europe. This is not the case for the first generation of these vehicles that incorporate non-European battery technologies. The challenge to be addressed is the development of new materials, facilities and technologies for advanced Li-ion batteries to support the development of a strong European industrial base in this field. This challenge is complementary to the above mentioned battery electrochemistry topic pursuing longer terms solutions in the Advanced Materials Work Programme of 2014. Scope: Proposals should be based on a multidisciplinary approach to pursue the optimisation of the electrochemistry to hone parameters critical to customer acceptance: cost, safety aspects, resistance to high-power charging, durability, recyclability and the impact of hybridisation with other types of storage systems (e.g. ultracapacitors), as well as consideration of scale-up for manufacturing. In addition, better knowledge on the ageing mechanism and its modelling are needed in order to support test procedures and the development of standards. In line with the Union's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation [1] international cooperation to establish world-level standard is encouraged. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 5 to 8 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Research and innovation activities will bring European industry to a stronger position on the world market making it possible to launch new production in Europe while at the same time addressing the shortcomings of electric cars as compared to conventional cars (e.g. cost and weight reduction, safety, reliability, longevity and fitness for charging under real world conditions). The proposed solutions should demonstrate industrial scale prototypes improving cell-level energy densities by at least 20%, and costs by 20%, with respect to the best cell chemistries currently on the market. Type of action: Research and Innovation Actions



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Transport

CALL MOBILITY FOR GROWTH

MG.5.5-2015 Demonstrating and testing innovative solutions for cleaner and better urban transport and mobility

Call coordinator: e-mail:



Status Open OJ reference OJ C361/9 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: Many of Europe's urban areas are struggling to address the transport-related challenges they are facing. New technologies and innovative measures are emerging, but they are not taken up at a scale that is necessary to meet the targets of the Transport White Paper. Cities are hesitating to implement innovative solutions because little information is available on their effectiveness and on how to overcome the barriers to successful implementation. Special attention should be paid to issues related to vulnerable groups of citizens and gender issues. Scope: The first part of the topic addresses Innovation Actions to be carried out by city-led consortia, composed of four to five cities, led by at least two advanced cities, which are committed to establish living laboratories where innovative solutions can be implemented. The participating cities should demonstrate their common interests and their vision on how they will ensure a meaningful and close cooperation. Proposals should outline how the work will support effectively the cities' efforts to follow a viable path towards sustainable mobility. Each city should follow an integrated approach by demonstrating and testing under real life-conditions a set of complementary and reinforcing mobility solutions. The solutions should combine newly-emerging technologies, policy-based, and soft measures with a strong replication potential. They should cover an appropriate sub-set of the eight ‘CIVITAS measure categories’: collective passenger transport; demand management strategies; mobility management and travel awareness; safety and security; urban freight logistics; information systems and services; and clean fuels and low emission vehicles; car-independent lifestyles. A thorough impact and process evaluation, on the basis of a common framework using a clear baseline in each city, will provide qualitative and quantitative information on the results of the local solutions implemented. The effectiveness of proposed measures in achieving local policy objectives should be evaluated and the barriers to broad deployment identified together with recommendations on how to overcome them. This should be accompanied by effective mechanisms for cross-fertilisation of knowledge and best-practises among the consortium members and beyond. Proposals may include preparatory, take up and replication actions, research activities, as well as tools to support local planning and policy making. A demonstrated contribution to the development or revision of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans as well as furthering the Union’s strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation, especially with China[1], will be an advantage. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 12 to 18 million each for Innovation Actions would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Funding for major infrastructure works is not foreseen. The second part of the topic addresses a Support Action to facilitate cooperation between stakeholders



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involved in the projects under this topic, and from across CIVITAS 2020. It should further elaborate the common ‘CIVITAS Process and Impact Evaluation Framework’, support its implementation and contribute to local capacity building in deploying innovative mobility solutions. The action should include a clear communication and dissemination strategy to maximise impact and ensure the continuity of the ‘CIVITAS Secretariat’ as well as links with the CiVi-Net networks. This topic complements work under the ‘Smart Cities and Communities’ Call of the Energy Challenge. Expected impact: The Innovation Actions will produce added-value inputs to the development of European knowledge base on the effectiveness and impacts of innovative mobility solutions and approaches to their successful implementation. Clear commitments and contribution from participants to Europe-wide take up during and beyond the project are expected. The Support Action will help to promote take up of innovation by strengthening the mechanisms for urban transport policy making and planning as well as the technical capacity building in the participating cities. Dissemination, training and exchange activities will aim at a maximum reach of the target audience. Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions [1] According to EU-China High Level Dialogue on Transport agreement of 24/09/2012 and 'Joint Declaration on EU-China Urbanisation Partnership' (subject to finalisation of the appropriate arrangements).


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Energy

CALL FOR COMPETITIVE LOW-CARBON ENERGY


Call coordinator: Philippe SCHILD e-mail: : [email protected]




Specific challenge: Without a technological shift in our current energy system, the EU will fail on its 2050 ambitions to largely decarbonise the energy and transport sectors. The EU needs to accelerate innovation in cutting edge low carbon technologies and innovative solutions, and bridge the gap between research and the market. A European approach is essential to realise the ambition of seeing low carbon technologies effectively developed in view of bringing them to the market: it allows key players to come together on a continental scale; it helps to identify and to tackle the barriers holding back innovative products and services in the single market; and it allows different sources of private and public funding to be brought together. Today, EU funding remains a limited part of the overall funding across Europe. Implementation needs to be increasingly based on partnerships that build the necessary scale and scope, and achieve greater impact from scarce public and private resources. Scope: The proposals should aim at coordinating the research efforts of the participating Member States, Associated States and Regions in the areas and challenges targeted in this 'Competitive low-carbon energy' call or in the ‘Smart Cities and Communities’ call and to implement a joint transnational call for proposals resulting in grants to third parties with EU co-funding to fund multinational innovative research initiatives in this domain. Proposers are encouraged to implement other joint activities including additional joint calls without EU co-funding. Activities should focus on demonstrating and validating solutions that reached already TRL 5-6 and bringing them to TRL 6-7 (please see part G of the General Annexes). Lower TRL research activities necessary to support this work and forming an integral part of these proposals, will be in scope for funding, provided the bulk of the activities in the proposal remains focused on demonstrating and validating solutions. Appropriate user and general public acceptance, regulatory, market up-take (e.g. e.g. regulatory issues, capacity building and access to finance), social, environmental and resource efficiency aspects should be included. Opening up demonstration facilities for practice-oriented education and training is encouraged. As regards a possible ERA-NET in the area of ‘Smart Cities and Communities’, cooperation with emerging countries (e.g. China) is encouraged, without prejudice of their participation as partners in other initiatives, such as in call for Smart Cities and Communities. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of 10 to 20 million Euro would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Acceleration of the time to market of, affordable, cost-effective and resource-efficient technology solutions to decarbonise the energy system in a sustainable way, secure energy supply and complete the energy internal market. Reduction of the environmental footprint and the energy payback time. Strengthening the European industrial technology base, thereby creating growth and jobs in Europe. Type of action: ERA-NET Cofund

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/calls/h2020-lce-2014-3.html



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Planned Opening Date 10-12-2014


Total Call Budget €175,350,000 Main Pillar Societal Challenges

Status Forthcoming OJ reference OJ C361 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: Without a technological shift in our current energy system, the EU will fail on its 2050 ambitions to largely decarbonise the energy and transport sectors. The EU needs to accelerate innovation in cutting edge low carbon technologies and innovative solutions, and bridge the gap between research and the market. A European approach is essential to realise the ambition of seeing low carbon technologies effectively developed in view of bringing them to the market: it allows key players to come together on a continental scale; it helps to identify and to tackle the barriers holding back innovative products and services in the single market; and it allows different sources of private and public funding to be brought together. Today, EU funding remains a limited part of the overall funding across Europe. Implementation needs to be increasingly based on partnerships that build the necessary scale and scope, and achieve greater impact from scarce public and private resources. Scope: The proposals should aim at coordinating the research efforts of the participating Member States, Associated States and Regions in the areas and challenges targeted in this 'Competitive low-carbon energy' call or in the ‘Smart Cities and Communities’ call and to implement a joint transnational call for proposals resulting in grants to third parties with EU co-funding to fund multinational innovative research initiatives in this domain. Proposers are encouraged to implement other joint activities including additional joint calls without EU co-funding. Activities should focus on pre-commercial demonstrations and on validating solutions for these technology areas that accelerate their move towards commercialisation and competitive deployment, consistent with SET Plan objectives. Research activities necessary to support this work and forming an integral part of these proposals and solutions, will also be in scope for funding. Appropriate user and general public acceptance, regulatory, market up-take (e.g. e.g. regulatory issues, capacity building and access to finance), social, environmental and resource efficiency aspects should be included. Opening up demonstration facilities for practice-oriented education and training is encouraged. As regards a possible ERA-NET in the area of ‘Smart Cities and Communities’, cooperation with emerging countries (e.g. China) is encouraged, without prejudice of their participation as partners in other initiatives, such as in call for Smart Cities and Communities. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 10 to 20 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Acceleration of the time to market of, affordable, cost-effective and resource-efficient technology solutions to decarbonise the energy system in a sustainable way, secure energy supply and complete the energy internal market. Reduction of the environmental footprint and the energy payback time. Strengthening the European industrial technology base, thereby creating growth and jobs in Europe. Type of action: ERA-NET Cofund


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► Aeronautics MOBILITY for GROWTH

CALL: MOBILITY FOR GROWTH 2014-2015

MG.1.8-2014-15. International cooperation in aeronautics

Call coordinator: Dietrich KNOERZER e-mail: [email protected]



Status Open OJ reference OJ C 361/9 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: In order to leverage resources, mitigate risks and establish long term relationships, the European aeronautics sector should identify topics of common interest and mutual benefit with other regions of the world, in particular where these address societal challenges such as a worldwide safe air transport system, common standards (including for environmental aspects) and win-win situations for technological development. Aeronautics has inherently and increasingly an international dimension because almost all current aircraft programmes involve stakeholders from many different countries. Relations with a number of countries have already been initiated[1] with different levels of maturity and experience, calling for ad-hoc approaches which respect the different situations. For the coming years, actions are called in the two following domains:

1. To establish or deepen links with countries, building on previously established cooperation where relevant, with the aim to identify subjects of common interest and mutual benefit.

2. To perform jointly research and innovation actions on topics of common interest, involving the appropriate funding from both sides.

Scope: Proposals should address fully one of the two following domains, the first is opened in 2014 and the second domain is opened in 2015: 1. Set up platform of communication between EU and Japan including research and innovation stakeholders (industry, research establishments, and academia) and aviation research and innovation funding authorities to maintain a common research and innovation roadmap. This could include organisation of workshops and short term studies to identify preferred areas of common interest and win-win situations, barriers and solutions for improved cooperation in research and technology development, and recommendations for future actions. Proposals should demonstrate good knowledge of research mechanisms in the EU and Japan and take into account past and on-going cooperation initiatives. 2. The proposed research and innovation actions should address topics of common interest between Europe and the international partners[2]. This may include joint development of technologies which can enhance safety, reduce the impact of aviation on the environment (e.g. innovative aircraft configuration, drag reduction, environmentally friendly aero engines, understanding the mutual impact of aviation on the environment and the climate), mature new materials and manufacturing processes for aeronautics components and structures (e.g. composite materials) and develop numerical and experimental tools for aircraft design (e.g. advanced measurement techniques, use of supercomputing for large scale multidisciplinary applications, modelling of flow physics). Expected impact: Regarding domain 1, the action will contribute to deepen and widen cooperation with Japan and maintain a

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common research and innovation roadmap. Actions could assess their impact by estimating the volume / funding of research and innovation actions which could be undertaken in cooperation between EU and Japan. Regarding domain 2, actions will demonstrate their potential to mature the level of readiness of technologies and concepts, identify how the project results will be of mutual benefit and evaluate the leverage effect resulting from the coordinating research and innovation funding of EU and international partner (Russia, Japan, Canada or China). Type of action: 1) 2014: Coordination and Support Actions; 2) 2015: Research and Innovation Actions [1] Seventh Framework Programme support actions with Canada(CANNAPE), Brazil - Latin America (Coopair-LA), Japan (SUNJET), China (Aerochina, GRAIN), South Africa (AeroAfrica-EU), Ukraine (AeroUkraine) and United States of America (CooperateUS) plus EU-US Memorandum of Cooperation on civil aviation research and the multinational aviation research forum (IFARs). [2] Discussion have been initiated with Russia, Japan, Canada and China; these actions are pending agreements between the EU and international partners and the content of the actions will be further specified in the light of the arrangements currently being defined with them.



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MG.1.10-2015. International cooperation in aeronautics with China

Call coordinator: Dietrich KNOERZER e-mail: [email protected]




Status Forthcoming OJ reference OJ C 361/9 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge:. In order to leverage resources, mitigate risks and establish long term relationships, the European aeronautics sector should identify topics of common interest and mutual benefit with other regions of the world, in particular where these address societal challenges such as a worldwide safe and environmental-friendly air transport system, common standards (including for environmental aspects) and win-win situations for technological development. Aeronautics has inherently and increasingly an international dimension because almost all current aircraft programmes involve stakeholders from many different countries. Several areas of mutual interest with China have been identified through previous actions, such as the FP7 support actions GRAIN (EU-China) and IFARs (multinational aviation research forum). Scope: For the coming years, coordinated research and innovation actions with China, involving the appropriate funding from both sides, should address one of the following specific areas of common interest between Europe and China: – Innovative methods and numerical technologies for airframe and engine noise reduction. For achieving noise reduction goals of Europe’s ‘Flightpath 2050’, advanced technologies are needed to further reduce the noise of the airframe and the engines including installation effects. The aim is to investigate experimentally and numerically innovative control approaches, in order to uncover technologies with a potential of achieving next step reductions in airframe and engine noise. Research should focus on advanced methods for simulation of noise generation mechanisms in complex geometries, and the investigation of passive and active control strategies. This includes multidisciplinary optimisation methodologies, in support of the design of advanced control systems for noise reduction with the lowest impact on performance, weight and cost. – Development of bio-sourced composite materials and environment-friendly multifunctional composites and structures for aeronautics applications. Current state-of-the-art composite materials used in aircraft production are mainly carbon-based. The next generation of aviation technologies should demonstrate significant progress towards global ambitious environmental targets. To achieve such targets, multifunctional bio-composite materials offer a significant potential and need to be further developed. Future joint research work should focus primarily on:

Design and manufacturing of bio-sourced polymeric resins, reinforcing fibres and honeycomb papers for aeronautics applications.

Application of bio-sourced composite materials for aircraft secondary structures and interior components.

Process engineering and simulation of bio-sourced multi-functional composite materials including properties such as structure-electric conductivity, structure-fire retardant and structure-damping composites.

– Flow control and advanced numerical tools for physical modelling of unsteady flows of aircraft and its components. The overall aerodynamic efficiency of future aircraft and their component will provide a significant contribution to the specific CO2 reduction of future aviation. Enhanced methods in numerical prediction and the use of high-performance computing (HPC) will contribute to faster and improved design processes. Research should focus on:

The development or enhancement of high fidelity numerical analysis tools for the quantitative investigation of turbulent drag reduction technologies.

The optimisation of algorithm efficiency and exploitation of high-performance computing (HPC).

Investigation and choice of the most efficient strategies for e.g. active suppression of turbulent skin friction or control of high-speed flow separation.

The flow control and turbulent mixing for turbomachinery applications.



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– Enhanced additive manufacturing of metal components and resources efficient manufacturing processes for aerospace applications. The demand for material efficient and sustainable production processes require new advanced technologies for the aerospace industry. Technologies that offer substantial potential are: o The current processes of Additive Manufacturing (AM) are promising, but still present building rates that are too low to be commercially viable for large components. The research should focus on modelling and simulation of the AM process of metal components, which can optimise the manufacturing process, decrease the cost and lead time, to improve quality and to accelerate the AM implementation in aerospace industries.

Powder hot isostatic pressing (HIPping) using titanium is promising for manufacturing of aircraft structures. Here the influence of the variability in composition of Ti powders needs to be assessed. The capability to manufacture large HIPped Ti structures with required consistency and repeatability has to be further developed for future commercialised processes.

The casting and welding of large titanium aerospace structures have been demonstrated, but they need to be enhanced for being compliant with industrial requirements such as dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU between EUR 1.3 to 1.8 million would allow each specific area to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of other proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Actions will demonstrate their potential to mature the level of readiness of technologies and concepts, identify how the project results will be of mutual benefit and evaluate the leverage effect resulting from the coordinating research and innovation funding of EU and China. Type of action: Research and Innovation Actions

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► Other Areas

ICT - INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

ICT-14-2014 Advanced 5G Network Infrastructure for Future Internet



Budget €125,000,000 Main Pillar Industrial Leadership

Status Open OJ reference OJ C361 of 11.12.2013

Specific Challenge: As Internet usages are proliferating communications networks are faced with new shortcomings. Future networks will have to support in 2020 mobile traffic volumes 1000 times larger than today and a spectrum crunch is anticipated. Wireless access rates are today significantly lower than those of fixed access, which prevents the emergence of ubiquitous low cost integrated access continuum with context independent operational characteristics. Communication networks energy consumption is growing rapidly, especially in the radio part of mobile networks. The proliferation of connected devices makes it very difficult to maintain similar performance characteristics over an ever larger portfolio of technologies and requirements (e.g. Ultra High Definition TV vs. M2M, IoT). Heterogeneity of access technologies entails unsustainable cost with increasing difficulties to integrate an ever larger set of resources with reduced opex. Network infrastructure openness is still limited. It prevents the emergence of integrated OTT (cloud)-network integration with predictable end to end performance characteristics, and limits the possibility for networks to become programmable infrastructures for innovation with functionalities exposed to developers' communities. These are key issues for the competitiveness of the communication industry world-wide are globally researched in the context of future 5G integrated, ubiquitous and ultra-high capacity networks. Scope: a. Research & Innovation Actions: proposals are expected to cover one or more of the strands identified below, but not necessarily all of them Strand Radio network architecture and technologies The challenge is to support an anticipated 1000 fold mobile traffic increase over a decade and to efficiently support very different classes of traffic/services. Actions may address the following topics: - Network architecture, protocols and radio technologies capable of at least a ten times increase in frequency reuse, making possible low cost spectrum exploitation including for new frequency ranges above 3,6 GHz. It covers real time and flexible radio resource allocation as a function of traffic/user distribution with possibility to guarantee and differentiate/prioritize quality of service. The work takes into account novel requirements from cloud networking, from a multiplicity/diversity of connected devices and services to be served and content delivery/cell broadcast/caching requirements. Reduction of energy consumption, significant bandwidth increase in current mobile bands and end-to-end latency are key drivers. - Versatile low cost ubiquitous radio access infrastructure equally supporting low rate IoT and very high rate (>> 1Gbit/s) access, enabling service access capability over radio links similar to those of fixed access and a fixed-mobile seamless access continuum, and integrating satellite access where appropriate; - Flexible and efficient radio, optical or copper based backhaul/fronthaul integration with low latency, compatible with access traffic increase and additional signalling increase for multi cell operations; - Innovative architectures for 5G transceivers and micro-servers, with identification and prototyping of key


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hardware building blocks supporting low cost implementation of the identified spectrum usage scenarios. - Experiment based research preparing for large scale demonstrator and test-beds, leveraging where possible experimental facilities available in EU Member States or Associated Countries. Strand convergence beyond last mile The challenge is to support the integration of a ubiquitous access continuum composed of cooperative, cognitive fixed and heterogeneous wireless resources, with fixed optical access reaching at least the 10 Gb/s range and functionalities allowing unified control. Beyond technological aspects, access sharing issues related competition and support of new business models must be part of the requirements. Actions may address: - Solving the management heterogeneity of different technologies and protocols used to deploy fixed and heterogeneous wireless networks; - Architectures to i) optimise the reuse of (possibly virtualised) functionality across heterogeneous access technologies and their location (centralised vs. decentralised) in the network; ii) optimise the reuse and sharing of infrastructures across heterogeneous networks. Strand network management The challenge is to radically decrease network management opex through automation whilst increasing user perceived quality of service, of experience and security. Actions may address: - Novel simplified (low opex) approaches to overall management of the network, addressing both the network level management (e.g. Self-organising networks –SON) and the service level management with metrics enabling to map user perceived quality of services with the state of the underlying network infrastructure and enabling to value traffic data; - Combination of software defined network implementations with autonomic management of resources; - Network security across multiple virtualised or SDN domains, with analysis of risks and vulnerabilities, definition of threat models and authentication mechanisms across multiple domains. Intelligence driven security and data analytics may be considered. b. Innovation Actions: proposals are expected to cover one or more of the strands identified below, but not necessarily all of them. Strand Network virtualisation and Software Networks. Significant work is on-going globally on the way equipment services and network applications can be designed and deployed, with a highly flexible, manufacturer-independent model of controlling reconfigurable resources supporting changing/emerging application requirements. Actions may address large scale validation, testing and standardisation in following domains: - Virtualisation: i) of network functionalities at infrastructure level, with physical resources reused by concurrent processes, with open interfaces (API) virtual machines; ii) of the implementation of network services running on top of the infrastructure, taking a broad approach to network services (routing, NAT, firewalls..), beyond fully programmable nodes as high‐speed, forwarding devices. Migration paths and co-existence with legacy networking devices is to be considered. - Orchestration logic (SDN), enabling network programmability, automation of cross domain network configuration, simplification and programmability of devices, moving towards Operating System (OS) like orchestration mechanism of the software components of the network. Open source approach may be considered. - Tighter integration between the application/service layers and the networking layers, with full landscape aware decision capability enabling improved reconfiguration capability and time to reconfigure. - Support of open network functionalities for dynamic integration with third party and OTT cloud environments offering guaranteed and negotiable end to end SLA's including security aspects, and enabling exposure of network resources to third party application developers c. Support Actions: proposals are expected to cover one or more of the themes identified below, but not necessarily all of them. In order to ensure coherence and maximum impact of the PPP, additional activities are foreseen: - Overall programme integration through projects cooperation agreement and analysis of the outcomes generated by the various PPP projects (project portfolio analysis); - Horizontal supervision of the societal perspective of the addressed technologies - Monitoring of the openness, fairness and transparency of the PPP process, including sector commitments and leveraging factor;

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- Analysis of international activities in the relevant 5G domains and identification of international co-operation opportunities, in view of fostering global solutions, standards and interoperability; - Support to standardisation bodies through early identification of promising technologies; - Support to spectrum policy: spectrum requirement identification and operational analysis, also covering more efficient use of licensed spectrum; - Development and maintenance of a "5G web site" acting as a "one stop" shop for 5G activities under the PPP, including also economic, spectrum and regulatory aspects. - Roadmaps for key PPP technologies and for experimental requirements and facilities Expected impact: a. Research & Innovation actions At macro level, the target impact is to keep and reinforce a strong EU industrial base in the domain of network technologies, which is seen as strategic industry worldwide. Retaining at least 35% of the global market share in Europe regarding future network equipment would be a strategic goal. At societal level, the impact is to support an ubiquitous access to a wider spectrum of applications and services offered at lower cost, with increased resilience and continuity, with higher efficiency of resources usage (e.g. spectrum), and to reduce network energy consumption. At operational level, following impacts are sought: - 1000 times higher mobile data volume per geographical area. - 10 times to 100 times higher number of connected devices. - 10 times to 100 times higher typical user data rate. - 10 times lower energy consumption for low power Machine type communication. - 5 times reduced End-to-End latency (5ms for 4G-LTE). - Ubiquitous 5G access including in low density areas . - European industry driving the development of 5G standards, at least for the radio part, and to retain control of 5G SEP (standards essential patents), 20% as a minimum. International co-operation with countries having bold R&D initiatives in the field (Korea, Japan, US, China) may be considered on a win-win basis. - Availability of a scalable management framework enabling deployment of novel applications, including sensor based applications, with reduction of network management opex by at least 20%. Availability of security/authentication metrics across multi domain virtualised networks. b. Innovation actions At macro level, the target impact is i) to create an NFV/SDN industrial capability in Europe with European providers able to compete on a US dominated market by 2020; ii) to reach large scale operational deployment of NFV/SDN based networks in Europe by 2020. At operational level, following impacts are expected. - network function implementation through generic IT servers (target) rather than on non-programmable specific firmware (today). - Fast deployment of large scale service platforms on top of network infrastructures, from 90 days (today) to 90 minutes (target). - Trustworthy interoperability across multiple operational domains, networks and data centres. International co-operation with countries having bold R&I initiatives in the field (Korea, Japan, US, China) may be considered on a win-win basis. c. Support actions The expected impact relates to the PPP management as a strategic European programme including projects cooperation, exploitation of results, dissemination and standardisation, coherent and systematic research approach, support to roadmapping and constituency building. Types of action: a. Research & Innovation Actions – Proposals requesting a Large contribution are expected b. Innovation Actions – Proposals requesting a Large contribution are expected c. Coordination and Support Actions

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Water

Call: WATER INNOVATION: BOOSTING ITS VALUE FOR EUROPE

WATER-5a- 2014/2015 Strengthening international R&I cooperation in the field of

water


Publication date 2013-12-11 Deadline Date 2014-04-08



Specific challenge: Sustainable water supply and sanitation is fundamental to the food security, health, survival, societal well-being and economic growth in developing countries, especially in Africa. Developing countries are also particularly vulnerable to water-related problems which are expected to be exacerbated in the future by more frequent and severe floods and droughts due to climate change. A prerequisite for tackling these challenges is a profound analysis of water resources at cross-boundary catchment scales, pressures on water resources and conflicts in water use that require sound approaches to water management, taking into consideration broader socio-economic factors and greater gender balance in decision making. International cooperation can play an important role in mitigating negative effects. At the same time, the EU should aim to strengthen international cooperation also with emerging economies, especially China and India, through strategic partnerships in the field of water. This will allow for joint development of technological solutions that, capitalising on the mutual knowledge and experience of the water industry in EU Member States and these countries, have a great potential for further replication and market uptake. Building on its leadership in international water-related negotiations, the EU will promote its experience in water policy and river management in order to share best practices. Scope: Proposals shall address the following issue: Strategic cooperation partnerships[1] for water research and innovation between Europe and the rest of the world, promoting the creation of networks of companies (including SMEs), entrepreneurs, not for profit organisations, policy makers, regulators and funding bodies to create business and social opportunities. In line with the EU’s strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation[2] proposals contributing to implementing on-going international activities and partnerships where the EU Member States are jointly committed to providing a more coherent approach to research and innovation (e.g. EU/Member States-India research and innovation partnership on water, China-Europe Water Platform) that aim at establishing a shared strategic research and innovation agenda will be given priority. Expected impacts: Creation of market opportunities for European water innovations outside Europe, thus supporting the implementation of the EIP 'Water' and its priority areas. Support to the implementation of the objectives set by the Strategic Forum for International Science and Technology Cooperation[1]. Type of action: Coordination and support actions [1] http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/index.cfm?lg=en&pg=sfic-general [1] This activity directly aimed at supporting the promotion of coherent and effective cooperation with third countries is excluded from the delegation to EASME and will be implemented by the Commission services. [2] COM(2012)497

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WATER-5b-2015 Strengthening international R&I cooperation in the field of

water





Status Forthcoming OJ reference OJ C 361 of 11.12.2013

Topic: A coordination platform Specific challenge: Sustainable water supply and sanitation is fundamental to the food security, health, survival, societal well-being and economic growth in developing countries, especially in Africa. Developing countries are also particularly vulnerable to water-related problems which are expected to be exacerbated in the future by more frequent and severe floods and droughts due to climate change. A prerequisite for tackling these challenges is a profound analysis of water resources at cross-boundary catchment scales, pressures on water resources and conflicts in water use that require sound approaches to water management, taking into consideration broader socio-economic factors and greater gender balance in decision making. International cooperation can play an important role in mitigating negative effects. At the same time, the EU should aim to strengthen international cooperation also with emerging economies, especially China and India, through strategic partnerships in the field of water. This will allow for joint development of technological solutions that, capitalising on the mutual knowledge and experience of the water industry in EU Member States and these countries, have a great potential for further replication and market uptake. Building on its leadership in international water-related negotiations, the EU will promote its experience in water policy and river management in order to share best practices. Scope: Proposals shall address the following issue: A coordination platform[1] for scientists, decision makers, practitioners and other key stakeholders representing a number of African countries throughout the duration of Horizon 2020 to identify opportunities and constraints for the sustainable management of water and other natural resources and ecosystems and for the development of cost-effective climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in Africa. In line with the EU's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation[2] international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with Africa. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 3 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impacts: Better preparedness in Africa to address water and climate change vulnerabilities, with less fragmentation of efforts, better monitoring and forecasting tools, and enhanced knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Type of action: Coordination and support actions [1] This activity directly aimed at supporting the promotion of coherent and effective cooperation with third countries is excluded from the delegation to EASME and will be implemented by the Commission services. [2] COM(2012)497


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WATER-5c-2015 Water Innovation: Boosting its value for Europe



Publication date 11-12-2013 Deadline Date 21-04-2015 17:00:00

Stage 2 08-09-2015 17:00:00 (



Topic: Development of water supply and sanitation technology, systems and tools, and/or methodologies to manage risks associated with water supply and sanitation and/or cross-boundary water management issues, or integrated water resources management systems for sustainable agriculture and food security, sustainable environment protection and economic growth, focused on the non-EU Mediterranean countries and/or Africa. Proposals should connect to local knowledge, socio-economic development cultures, policy institutions and implementing bodies, and take into account the gender dimension where relevant. In line with the EU's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation[1] international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with non-EU Mediterranean countries and/or Africa. Proposals should include participation of organisations from the above-mentioned regions is considered essential. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 2 and 3 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impacts: Application of innovative technological approaches/solutions adapted to local conditions, operational and effective application of integrated water management, better identification of water vulnerability by policy makers, advanced regulatory and economic instruments, improved capacity building of local actors, and increased economic and social well-being at local and regional levels in the non-EU Mediterranean countries and Africa. Support to internationally agreed water-related goals, including in the context of the post-2015 development framework and Rio+20 follow up, by bridging the water and sanitation gaps. Type of action: Research and innovation actions [1] COM(2012)497

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HEALTH

CALL: HEALTH CO-ORDINATION ACTIVITIES

HC0 5 - 2014 Grant to the global Alliance for chronic disease: prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes

Call coordinator: Nathalie VERCRUYSSE e-mail: [email protected]



Status Open OJ reference OJ C 361 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: In the past twenty years the global death rate from diabetes has doubled and the World Health Organisation (WHO) is predicting that this will increase by two thirds by 2030. It is currently estimated that 347 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes with more than 80% from low-and middle-income countries. Of those suffering from diabetes, type 2 comprises 90% of this population around the world. Halting the rise in prevalence of diabetes has been identified as one of the 9 WHO non communicable diseases global voluntary targets to be met by Member States by 2025 With the burden of this chronic non-communicable disease ever-increasing the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) partnership, of which the Commission is a member, has agreed to launch a call for proposals on the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, with a focus on implementation and intervention research in low- and middle-income countries and in vulnerable populations in high income countries. Scope: Proposals must focus on type 2 diabetes. Proposals should generate new knowledge on interventions and their implementation for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in low and middle income countries, and in vulnerable populations in high income countries. Proposals must focus on existing approaches to prevention and control of type 2 diabetes rather than development of new treatments. Proposals may address prevention or treatment of specific complications of type 2 diabetes. Proposals may focus on a wide range of prevention and/or treatment strategies. This may include programmes addressing (one of or combinations of):

Changes to lifestyle and behaviour resulting from the provision of an environment that supports and promotes better health. This may include community-wide approaches, or other strategies targeting individuals at high risk. For example, population prevention strategies designed to address unhealthy diets and physical inactivity as risk factors for diabetes;

Structural interventions or policies designed to promote improved health outcomes. For example, evaluating the contribution of public policies to diabetes prevention efforts, or monitoring the potential effects of such policies if adopted and implemented;

Delivery of relevant health care and health interventions;

Approaches to implementing accessibility of or adherence to, pharmaceutical, nutritional or other promising or proven interventions.

Proposals should focus on implementation research, to examine what works, for whom and under what contextual circumstances, and how interventions can be adapted and scaled up in ways that are accessible and equitable. Proposals may address prevention or treatment of specific complications of type 2 diabetes. Proposals may also focus on gestational diabetes. Proposals may focus on specific societal groups but a clear justification should be provided as to why the group has been chosen and how the choice will assist the funders in delivering their aim to address health inequities at a local and/or global level. Proposal should

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focus on implementation research into interventions for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes that are applicable in low resource settings. However, in some settings, proposals may incorporate work to establish baseline data on prevalence of diabetes and its risk factors to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Proposals may include these aspects if they do not duplicate existing evidence available. All proposals should:

Focus on research into implementation of prevention and/or treatment strategies derived from existing knowledge and research.

Develop an improved understanding of the key barriers and facilitators at local and national levels that affect the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Include an assessment of equity and gender gaps in diabetes prevention and treatment.

Demonstrate a sound understanding of the local health system context.

Provide evidence of a health economics dimension such as cost effectiveness of the proposed intervention and its scalability.

Describe a clear proposed pathway to embedding the intervention into policy and practice after the study which addresses how:

Local and/or national policy makers will be engaged both at the start of the project as well as the end.

The project outcomes/evidence will be utilised for the scaling up of the intervention on a local, national and international level.

Future scaled-up implementations will fit within the local social, cultural and economic context.

Identify obstacles such as inequities and equity gaps including gender that will be taken into account in the design of an implementation strategy.

Be proposed by a multidisciplinary project team, including local researchers as co-investigators where applicable.

Include local stakeholders such as patient groups or community groups. Expected impact:

Reducing health inequalities and inequities, including gender, in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in both a local and global context.

Pursuing knowledge translation and exchange approaches that are designed to maximize the public health benefits of research findings within different health contexts.

Providing evidence to inform local health service providers, policy and decision makers on the effective scaling up of the interventions at the local, national and regional levels. For example, applicants could address affordability for users and the financial implications for implementing organisations and funders or might assess scalability to various socio-political contexts.

Contribute to the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases.

Appropriate leveraging of existing programmes and platforms (e.g. research, data, and delivery platforms).

Contribute to the WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs (2013-2020) as proposals will demonstrate alignment with international and/or national commitments to halt the rise in prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

Contribute to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The GACD aims to develop a network of researchers that can enhance cumulative learning across individual projects, and work towards understanding how socio-economic, cultural, geopolitical and policy contexts have influenced results and how findings might be adapted and applied in different settings. The funded researchers should meet annually to discuss their research and share information and data in order to develop approaches to standardise data collection, and wherever feasible to use these standardised approaches in their respective projects Type of action: Research and innovation actions

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Society

CALL : EUROPE AS A GLOBAL ACTOR

INT-01-2014 Enhancing and focusing research and innovation cooperation with the Union’s key international partner countries - proposals targeting Russia and China

Call coordinator: Diego Sammaritano e-mail: [email protected]




Specific Challenge: The aim is to get the best value out of the Union’s cooperation with its most important international partners and to generate more impact by enhancing and focusing international cooperation activities, by:

Stimulating research actors from the Union and its international partners towards increased cooperation, notably through Horizon 2020 and through the partner's funding programmes;

Supporting the identification and implementation of targeted international cooperation activities with sufficient scale and scope;

Contributing to eliminating remaining obstacles to cooperation between actors from the Union and its international partners;

Scope: Proposals should support the main objective of the Union's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation (COM(2012) 497) to enhance and focus the Union's cooperation activities, by: Supporting the policy dialogue on research and innovation between the Union and the partner in question by identifying areas where targeted international cooperation activities would be of mutual benefit (notably by taking a forward looking approach) and where there is the potential to generate sufficient scale and scope. This should be based on existing objective information and analysis and in particular that provided through previous actions supported through Union funding with the partner in question; Supporting in a flexible manner the implementation of activities agreed within the policy dialogues between the Union and the partner in question, as well as contributing to increasing the coordination and strengthening of the synergies between the activities and programmes of the Member States, the Associated Countries and the international partner in question. Where appropriate, this should include seeking complementarity and coherence with on-going activities of the Strategic Forum for International Cooperation (SFIC); Encouraging cooperation between research and innovation actors from the Union and the partner in question, by promoting the opportunities offered by Horizon 2020 towards the international partner. This should include notably the setting up of web-based information systems, but it can also involve the organisation of awareness raising and information dissemination activities or the organisation of brokerage events, conferences or workshops; Ensuring that progress is made towards establishing appropriate framework conditions for international cooperation between the Union and the partner in question, notably by identifying remaining obstacles for cooperation and by supporting the development of solutions to eliminate these, while jointly promoting measures which facilitate international cooperation (e.g. on open access, scientific visa, IPR, peer review, research integrity etc).;

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This should be underpinned by an analysis of the cooperation patterns between the Union and the partner in question, notably through Horizon 2020 and previous Framework Programmes. This should also provide information on the type of participants (including their position in the partner's research and innovation system) wishing to engage with European researchers through the Union's funding programmes and their reasons for doing so. In this work programme, the following international partners are: Australia, USA, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and also Ukraine. Proposals should be made by consortia consisting of balanced partnerships between European and international partners, ensuring adequate involvement of public authorities and other stakeholders (e.g. funding agencies, research organisations, industry, civil society) of the participating countries. On the European side, broad involvement across all Member States and Associated Countries is expected, either within the consortium or through appropriate outreach activities by the consortium to other Member States and Associated States. Proposals should build on the results of existing cooperation initiatives, and in particular those funded through the Seventh Framework Programme Capacities part 'Activities of International Cooperation'. Type of action: Coordination and support actions A maximum of one proposal will be supported per international partner from the list provided above. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a Union contribution of EUR 1.95 million per proposal for a duration of three years would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately for the proposals targeting USA, China, Brazil and Russia. For the proposals targeting Australia, Ukraine and South Africa, the Commission considers that proposals requesting a Union contribution of EUR 1 million per proposal for a duration of three years would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

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INT-11-2014 European cultural and science diplomacy: exploiting the potential of culture and science in the EU’s external relations



Total call budget €25,000,000 Main Pillar Societal Challenges


Specific challenge: At a time when other major global players, such as China or South Korea, are stepping up their public diplomacy efforts around cultural issues, including science and education, cultural diplomacy becomes also an emerging interest in the European Union. A number of recent initiatives have been launched by the European Commission and the European Parliament to reinforce the link between EU foreign and cultural policies. The Commission's "European Agenda for Culture in a Globalising World" has led to the establishment of a Member States' expert group on culture and external relations (taking China as a test case), which has delivered a report with recommendations. Following its 2011 resolution on “Cultural dimensions of EU external actions”, the European Parliament has launched a Preparatory Action on culture in external relations, implemented by the Commission. These initiatives are based on the assumption that European cultural heritage and the long-standing experience with protecting it, as well as European science, need to be promoted, and therefore included in a broader global strategy. Effective and coherent EU cultural and science diplomacy cannot only be a major means of furthering inter-cultural dialogues with third countries and regions, but it can also help in promoting trade in (cultural) goods and services to and from the EU. Moreover, it provides a significant tool for projecting Europe's immensely rich and diverse cultural heritage to the world and of allowing the EU to contribute to the global governance of culture and science. Inversely, cultural and scientific exchanges can also contribute to facilitating diplomatic relations. Scope: Research should analyse and compare in depth EU and EU Member States’ bi- and multilateral cultural relations with major third countries and regions in EU's neighbourhood and beyond, as well as international organizations. It should emphasize the institutional set-up, processes and contents of the EU's external cultural activities and how cultural issues are embedded into its external relations more generally. As part of this exercise, science and technology cooperation - as significant complement of cultural diplomacy - should explicitly be examined. The role of the Council of Europe and the multilateral dimensions of global cultural relations within UNESCO should equally be investigated. Special attention should be paid to the role of non-governmental and private sector organisations as well as cooperation of cultural professionals and scientists. Research could compare the EU and its Member States with other major, and often very active global players (e.g. the US, China or South Korea). The broader social, political and economic developments that EU diplomatic activities in the cultural and scientific domain are embedded into should be accounted for when researching this issue. Expected impact: Research that will look into the evolutionary nature of multiple cultural ties between Europe and specific countries and world regions, also from a historical perspective, is expected to furnish a critical overview of the existing EU and Member State external cultural and science policies. It will explore incentives for joint action and reveal possibilities for achieving synergies and coordination. It will highlight best practices and effective cooperation, but also inconsistences and shortcomings in political and economic terms. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the potential for and challenges facing European Union cultural and scientific diplomacy and the embedding of culture into its external relations more widely. They will allow for drawing policy implications on the set-up, the role of different EU institutions and services in, as well as the contents and processes of such diplomacy. Type of action: Research and innovation actions


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INT-01-2015 Enhancing and focusing research and innovation cooperation with the Union’s key international partner countries - proposals targeting Australia, USA, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and also Ukraine.

Call coordinator: Diego Sammaritano e-mail: [email protected]





Topic: Enhancing and focusing research and innovation cooperation with the Union’s key international partner countries - proposals targeting Australia, USA, Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine INT-01-2015 Topic Description Topic Conditions & Documents Submission Service Please note that this topic is for proposals targeting Australia, USA, Brazil, South Africa and Ukraine ONLY. Proposals targeting Russia and China were the subject of the topic INT-01-2014. Specific Challenge: The aim is to get the best value out of the Union’s cooperation with its most important international partners and to generate more impact by enhancing and focusing international cooperation activities, by: − Stimulating research actors from the Union and its international partners towards increased cooperation, notably through Horizon 2020 and through the partner's funding programmes; − Supporting the identification and implementation of targeted international cooperation activities with sufficient scale and scope; − Contributing to eliminating remaining obstacles to cooperation between actors from the Union and its international partners; Scope: Proposals should support the main objective of the Union's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation (COM(2012) 497) to enhance and focus the Union's cooperation activities, by: − Supporting the policy dialogue on research and innovation between the Union and the partner in question by identifying areas where targeted international cooperation activities would be of mutual benefit (notably by taking a forward looking approach) and where there is the potential to generate sufficient scale and scope. This should be based on existing objective information and analysis and in particular that provided through previous actions supported through Union funding with the partner in question; − Supporting in a flexible manner the implementation of activities agreed within the policy dialogues between the Union and the partner in question, as well as contributing to increasing the coordination and strengthening of the synergies between the activities and programmes of the Member States, the Associated Countries and the international partner in question. Where appropriate, this should include seeking complementarity and coherence with on-going activities of the Strategic Forum for International Cooperation (SFIC); − Encouraging cooperation between research and innovation actors from the Union and the partner in question, by promoting the opportunities offered by Horizon 2020 towards the international partner. This should include notably the setting up of web-based information systems, but it can also involve the organisation of awareness raising and information dissemination activities or the organisation of brokerage events, conferences or workshops; − Ensuring that progress is made towards establishing appropriate framework conditions for international cooperation between the Union and the partner in question, notably by identifying remaining obstacles for cooperation and by supporting the development of solutions to eliminate these, while jointly promoting measures which facilitate international cooperation (e.g. on open access, scientific visa, IPR, peer review, research integrity etc).; − This should be underpinned by an analysis of the cooperation patterns between the Union and the partner in question, notably through Horizon 2020 and previous Framework Programmes. This should also provide information on the type of participants (including their position in the partner's research and innovation system) wishing to engage with European researchers through the Union's funding programmes and their reasons for doing so. In this work programme, the following international partners are: Australia, USA, Brazil, Russia, China,



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South Africa, and also Ukraine. Proposals should be made by consortia consisting of balanced partnerships between European and international partners, ensuring adequate involvement of public authorities and other stakeholders (e.g. funding agencies, research organisations, industry, civil society) of the participating countries. On the European side, broad involvement across all Member States and Associated Countries is expected, either within the consortium or through appropriate outreach activities by the consortium to other Member States and Associated States. Proposals should build on the results of existing cooperation initiatives, and in particular those funded through the Seventh Framework Programme Capacities part 'Activities of International Cooperation'. Type of action: Coordination and support actions A maximum of one proposal will be supported per international partner from the list provided above. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a Union contribution of EUR 1.95 million per proposal for a duration of three years would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately for the proposals targeting USA, China, Brazil and Russia. For the proposals targeting Australia, Ukraine and South Africa, the Commission considers that proposals requesting a Union contribution of EUR 1 million per proposal for a duration of three years would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

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INT-07-2015 Towards a new geopolitical order in the South and East Mediterranean region






Specific challenge: For several years, the political landscape of the South and East Mediterranean countries (SEMCs) has been evolving, affecting the geopolitical order of the whole SEMCs and Middle East area. Regimes that had been established for many decades in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya were overthrown while other political destabilisations and conflicts arose in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. Strong tensions exist between the political establishment and forces that emerged in these processes of transformation. The SEMCs and Middle East region is often considered as one entity while each country and region has its own reality social and cultural history and values, political formations, powerful bodies – sometimes interconnected with neighbours or other regional powers in the area – influence the political situation on the internal and external scene. The political transformations that the region is facing, from war, conflict, revolution or transition, have also major impacts on the local population. This topic aims at better understanding these different realities and how they have developed over time in order to assess the complex developments in the region. The future of the area will have significant implications both on the regional and international scenes, as well as on the relationship between Europe and the South and East Mediterranean countries. The current and future role of the EU in the Middle East will also have to be investigated. Scope: Research should contribute to enhance knowledge on SEMCs and the Middle East area in assessing the key factors that affect the former and new leaderships and analysing the main political dynamics of the region in the broader sense of the term (including adjacent regions). It should identify the interconnections between the different countries at the geostrategic level. Research should assess the role of internal and external actors: political bodies, religious factions, communities, elites and minorities but also the role of other players (Gulf countries, China or Russia) in the geopolitical game over time. In order to better understand interrelations of social, cultural, religious, gender and political factors and developments in the region, research should draw on a multitude of disciplinary perspectives including, for instance, sociological, historical, economic and anthropological research. Specific attention should be paid to the role of religions (Sunnis and Shias) and their influence on political factions (such as Wahhabis, Salafis, Islamic movements, Hamas, Hezbollah and Muslim Brotherhood) as well as their use of various media. Their political influence at the country, regional and international levels should be investigated. The current situation and the future of ethnical or religious minorities (Christian minorities, role of different tribes, Kurds, Druzes, Alaouites,…) in the SEMCs and Middle East should also be explored. Research should look at the potential risk of destabilisation of the region and the effects on the population both at national and macro-regional levels (especially studying the question of refugees, migration and relocation as well as the state of women’s rights). The impact of diverse and rapidly changing migratory patterns from, to and through these countries should be analysed from a geo-political perspective, both in terms of regional cooperation as well as with regards to SEMCs relations with EU countries. Research will also identify the role of civil society and the existing cleavages or tensions that may emerge between different groups of the population (such as current and future elites but also the role of both rural and urban citizens and of gender relations) in the geopolitical and political process. Research should also build scenarios about potential developments and futures in the area over the 20 years. Broad participation of international partners from the Mediterranean region and the Middle East in proposals submitted to this call is strongly encouraged.


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The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 1.5 and 2.5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Research is expected to advance knowledge on the geostrategic and geopolitical developments in the SEMCs and in the Middle East. It will focus on the existing and emerging social, cultural, political, gender and religious factors that affect the region. The topic should also contribute to better understanding of the current and future role of the EU in the region. Type of action: Research and innovation actions

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INT-08-2015 The European Union and the Eastern Partnership






Specific challenge: The European Union's Eastern and North-Eastern neighbours include six post-Soviet countries of strategic importance with whom the EU has sought to reinforce relationships since the 1990s. Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and the three countries of the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) form together part of the EU's Eastern Partnership. The relations that the Union maintains with these countries are structured around bilateral and multilateral strategies aimed at establishing durable political, economic and cultural ties. This includes intensified research and innovation collaboration through the newly established Panel on Research and Innovation. Major concerns for the EU's foreign policy towards this region include democracy, human rights, the rule of law and socio-economic stability. Other recurring issues pertain to good governance, migration and mobility, trade, sustainability and energy security. To date, political and socio-economic transition processes in this complex region have been rather slow. Potential reasons for this relate to internal problems and uneven developments in the six countries, but also to historical legacies, culture and the geostrategic context in which the Partnership evolves. All these factors need to be understood and accounted for if the European Union wants to design policies that durably support transition processes in this region. Scope: Research should include stock-taking of existing bilateral relations between the EU and all countries in the region as well as between these countries inter se. It should explicitly adopt the perspective of the examined countries so as to promote the understanding within the EU of the region and its challenges. Emphasis should be put on the adaptation of economies and societies of the Eastern Partnership countries to European standards. This is closely linked to the need for determining conditions necessary for the successful implementation of association agreements. Research should also examine societal development such as the evolving activities of civil society in these countries. Given the recent focus on the Caucasus in Call SSH 2013.4.1-1 ("Security and democracy in the neighbourhood: the case of the Caucasus"), and based on the findings of the research financed under this Call, specific attention should be paid to Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Key issues forming part of the partnerships and recurring problems in bilateral relations should be addressed, comparing individual EU Member States' and Associated Countries' approaches and the EU's policies. As part of this exercise, research should also examine if and how scientific cooperation and the mobility of researchers can contribute to an increased understanding between the EU actors and the countries and people of the region and to addressing societal challenges of shared concern. The geostrategic environment in which the Eastern Partnership evolves - including especially the role of Russia, but also of Turkey - should be taken into account. Contrasting European approaches toward the region with those of third countries (especially USA and China) could equally be of interest. Based on the research findings, EU policy options vis-à-vis Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine per se as well as to the region and its broader geostrategic environment in general should be assessed. Broad participation of international partners from the EU's Eastern Partnership countries in proposals submitted to this call is strongly encouraged. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 1.5 and 2.5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.


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Expected impact: Research on the EU's relations with key countries in the studied region will provide sound insights into the major problems facing this region as well as into the key advances and remaining challenges in the political, economic and cultural relationships between the EU and these countries. It will thus not only contribute to a better understanding of the EU's partners, but also reveal major challenges to the European Union's neighbourhood strategy and policies. This will allow for identifying significant policy implications for the EU's approach to each of the countries individually and to the region on the whole. Type of action: Research and innovation actions

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INT-011 2015 European cultural and science diplomacy: exploiting the potential of culture and science in the EU’s external relations






Specific challenge: At a time when other major global players, such as China or South Korea, are stepping up their public diplomacy efforts around cultural issues, including science and education, cultural diplomacy is also of increasing interest in the European Union. While there is a strong history of cultural diplomacy both within Europe and between Europe and the wider world, a number of recent initiatives have been launched by the European Commission and the European Parliament to reinforce the link between EU foreign and cultural policies. The Commission's "European Agenda for Culture in a Globalising World" has led to the establishment of a Member States' expert group on culture and external relations (taking China as a test case), which has delivered a report with recommendations. Following its 2011 resolution on “Cultural dimensions of EU external actions”, the European Parliament has launched a Preparatory Action on culture in external relations, implemented by the Commission. These initiatives are based on the assumption that European cultural heritage and the long-standing experience with protecting it, as well as European science, need to be promoted, and therefore included in a broader global strategy. Effective and coherent EU cultural and science diplomacy cannot only be a major means of furthering inter-cultural dialogues with third countries and regions, but it can also help in promoting trade in (cultural) goods and services to and from the EU as a basis for building relationships. Moreover, it provides a significant tool for projecting Europe's immensely rich and diverse cultural heritage to the world and of allowing the EU to contribute to the global governance of culture and science. Inversely, cultural and scientific exchanges can also contribute to facilitating diplomatic relations and cultural diplomacy can be (co-)delivered by actors in a “bottom up” manner. Scope: Research should analyse and compare in depth EU and EU Member States’ bi- and multilateral cultural relations with major third countries and regions in EU's neighbourhood and beyond, as well as international organizations. It should emphasize the institutional set-up, aims, processes and contents of the EU's external cultural activities and how cultural issues are embedded into its external relations more generally as well as examine how successful these activities are in building relationships. As part of this exercise, science and technology cooperation - as significant complement of cultural diplomacy - should explicitly be examined. The role of the Council of Europe and the multilateral dimensions of global cultural relations within UNESCO should equally be investigated. Special attention should be paid to the role of non-governmental and private sector organisations as well as cooperation of cultural professionals and scientists. Research could compare the EU and its Member States with other major, and often very active global players (e.g. the US, China or South Korea). The broader social, political and economic developments that EU activities in the cultural and scientific domain are embedded into should be accounted for when researching this issue. The participation of international partners in proposals submitted to this call is encouraged. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 1.5 and 2.5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Research that will look into the evolutionary nature of multiple cultural ties between Europe and specific countries and world regions, also from a historical perspective, is expected to furnish a critical overview of the existing EU and Member State external cultural and science policies. It will explore incentives for joint action and reveal possibilities for achieving synergies and coordination. It will highlight best practices and effective cooperation, but also inconsistences and shortcomings in political and economic terms. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the potential for and challenges facing


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European Union cultural and scientific diplomacy and the embedding of culture into its external relations more widely. They will allow for drawing policy implications on the set-up, the role of different EU institutions and services in, as well as the contents and processes of such diplomacy. Type of action: Research and innovation actions

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Society

CALL INTEGRATING SOCIETY IN SCIENCE AND INNOVATION


Call coordinator: Philippe SCHILD e-mail: :


Budget €22,000,000 Main Pillar Science with and for Society


Specific challenge: Many barriers exist to practical implementation of RRI in research organizations. Therefore it is crucial to encourage the modernisation of institutional practices and culture in research institutions, Higher Education Institutions and funding agencies, to promote Responsible Research and Innovation. It also aims at supporting common actions by research institutions to identify and implement the best systemic organisational approaches to increase Responsible Research and Innovation uptake in research organizations. Scope: This topic aims at developing a Responsible Research and Innovation Plan covering five RRI keys (societal engagement, gender equality and gender in research and innovation content, open access, science education and ethics) in each participating institution. The proposals shall include an analysis of the main problems and challenges, as well as a set of specific implementing actions aiming at the necessary structural change on the basis of specific situation and challenges. Action Plans shall be accompanied by an implementation roadmap. The RRI plans shall:

Conduct impact assessment / audit of procedures and practices in order to identify RRI barriers at organisation level;

Implement innovative strategies to address RRI barriers;

Develop the RRI dimension in research content and programmes;

Set targets and monitor progress via indicators at organisation level.

The proposals shall include a methodology for impartially monitoring and assessing the progress made throughout the duration of the project. This activity could be dedicated to a specific partner organisation or subcontracted. The proposals should include an international dimension in particular with the following countries: Brazil, Republic of South Africa, India, Canada, Australia, Russia, United States of America, Japan and China. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 2 and 4 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Activities shall produce tangible and measurable results in terms of organisational process and structures. They will improve the uptake of Responsible Research and Innovation in research organisations, as the Plans will continue to be implemented in the medium / long term. In the medium term, institutional change shall be scalable to research institutions across EU 28 and Associated countries, thus contributing towards European Research Area (ERA) objectives. In the long term, the action will increase research institutions' ability to generate innovation that reflects societal needs. Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions.

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Call coordinator: Philippe SCHILD e-mail: :



Total Call Budget €22,000,000 Main Pillar Science with and for Society


Specific challenge: Many barriers exist to practical implementation of RRI in research organizations. Therefore it is crucial to encourage the modernisation of institutional practices and culture in research institutions, Higher Education Institutions and funding agencies, to promote Responsible Research and Innovation. It also aims at supporting common actions by research institutions to identify and implement the best systemic organisational approaches to increase Responsible Research and Innovation uptake in research organizations. Scope: This topic aims at developing a Responsible Research and Innovation Plan covering five RRI keys (societal engagement, gender equality and gender in research and innovation content, open access, science education and ethics) in each participating institution. The proposals shall include an analysis of the main problems and challenges, as well as a set of specific implementing actions aiming at the necessary structural change on the basis of specific situation and challenges. Action Plans shall be accompanied by an implementation roadmap. The RRI plans shall:

Conduct impact assessment / audit of procedures and practices in order to identify RRI barriers at organisation level;

Implement innovative strategies to address RRI barriers;

Develop the RRI dimension in research content and programmes;

Set targets and monitor progress via indicators at organisation level. The proposals shall include a methodology for impartially monitoring and assessing the progress made throughout the duration of the project. This activity could be dedicated to a specific partner organisation or subcontracted. The proposals should include an international dimension in particular with the following countries: Brazil, Republic of South Africa, India, Canada, Australia, Russia, United States of America, Japan and China. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 2 and 4 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Activities shall produce tangible and measurable results in terms of organisational process and structures. They will improve the uptake of Responsible Research and Innovation in research organisations, as the Plans will continue to be implemented in the medium / long term. In the medium term, institutional change shall be scalable to research institutions across EU 28 and Associated countries, thus contributing towards European Research Area (ERA) objectives. In the long term, the action will increase research institutions' ability to generate innovation that reflects societal needs. Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions.


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Polar research

CALL : BLUE GROWTH, UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF SEAS AND OCEANS

BG-15-2014 European polar research cooperation


Opening Date 11-12-2013



Status Closed OJ reference OJ C361 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: Nowhere is climate change more evident than in the high latitudes. Increased shipping for transport and tourism purposes, highly variable fish stocks, increased oil and gas exploration and mining are challenges and opportunities faced in polar regions that require sound scientific knowledge of vulnerabilities and risks in order to develop appropriate regulatory policies. In the 2012 Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council 'Developing a European Union Policy towards the Arctic Region', the Commission and the High Representative point out that the EU will 'support research and channel knowledge to address the challenges of environmental and climate changes in the Arctic'. Rapid environmental changes in the Arctic and parts of the Antarctic continent have global impacts both by accelerating global warming and in a geo-strategic and socio-economic dimension. European countries operate world class research infrastructures in both Arctic and Antarctic regions and are leading in many fields of polar research with regards to climate, ecosystems, life in extreme environments, pollution monitoring and other aspects. Making the most efficient use of these resources and the latest scientific developments, for addressing the abovementioned challenges requires a high degree of coordination within Europe and beyond. Scope: Proposals should coordinate polar research in Europe and develop a comprehensive European Polar Research Programme. By setting up a continuous stakeholder dialogue the action should communicate user needs to the appropriate scientific community and/or research programme managers. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation (COM (2012) 497) proposals should contribute to implementing the Transatlantic Research Alliance, launched by the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation in May 2013, and should benefit from the inclusion of partners from the US and Canada[1]. Cooperation is as well encouraged with partners from other third countries, such as Russia, Japan, China, India and Latin American countries [2], also by supporting Belmont forum cooperative research actions. This initiative strives for enhanced coordination with international research organisations and programmes related to polar research (e.g. AMAP[3], WCRP[4], and JPI[5] 'Climate') as well as with relevant operational services including Copernicus. It is also expected to provide support to the coordination and optimisation of existing monitoring and modelling programmes and related infrastructures and work towards interoperability of and open access to observational and modelling data and related products. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 2 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: Substantially increase the scale and ambition of polar research cooperation in Europe. Increase the coherent and efficient use of European resources.

Improve global cooperation.

Induce a step change in the domain of open data access, quality control and interoperability.

Contribute to policy advice at national and EU level and support to the EU's international commitments with respect to the Arctic Council, the Montreal protocol, and UNFCCC

[6] and others


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related to polar sciences. Type of action: Coordination and support actions

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SME Instrument

CALL ON NANOTECHNOLOGIES, ADVANCED MATERIALS, BIOTECHNOLOGY ANDADVANCES MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING

NMP-25-2014-1

Accelerating the uptake of nanotechnologies, advanced materials or advanced manufacturing and processing technologies by SMEs


Intermediate deadlines(s)

2014-06-18 +17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

2014-09-24 +17:00:00 (Brussels local time)

Budget €25,102,000 Main Pillar Industrial Leadership

Status Open OJ reference OJ C361/9 of 11 December 2013

Specific challenge: Research results should be taken up by industry, harvesting the hitherto untapped potential of nanotechnologies, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing technologies. The goal is to create added value by creatively combining existing research results with other necessary elements,[1] to transfer results across sectors where applicable, to accelerate innovation and eventually create profit or other benefits. The research should bring the technology and production to industrial readiness and maturity for commercialisation after the project. Scope: The SME instrument consists of three separate phases and a coaching and mentoring service for beneficiaries. Participants can apply to phase 1 with a view to applying to phase 2 at a later date, or directly to phase 2. In phase 1, a feasibility study shall be developed verifying the technological/practical as well as economic viability of an innovation idea/concept with considerable novelty to the industry sector in which it is presented (new products, processes, design, services and technologies or new market applications of existing technologies). The activities could, for example, comprise risk assessment, market study, user involvement, Intellectual Property (IP) management, innovation strategy development, partner search, feasibility of concept and the like to establish a solid high-potential innovation project aligned to the enterprise strategy and with a European dimension. Bottlenecks in the ability to increase profitability of the enterprise through innovation shall be detected and analysed during phase 1 and addressed during phase 2 to increase the return in investment in innovation activities. The proposal should contain an initial business plan based on the proposed idea/concept. The proposal should give the specifications of the elaborated business plan, which is to be the outcome of the project and the criteria for success. Funding will be provided in the form of a lump sum of EUR 50 000. Projects should last around 6 months. In phase 2, innovation projects will be supported that address the specific challenge and that demonstrate high potential in terms of company competitiveness and growth underpinned by a strategic business plan. Activities should focus on innovation activities such as demonstration, testing, prototyping, piloting, scaling-up, miniaturisation, design, market replication and the like aiming to bring an innovation idea (product, process, service etc) to industrial readiness and maturity for market introduction, but may also include some research. For technological innovation a Technology Readiness Levels of 6 or above (or similar for non-technological innovations) are envisaged; please see part G of the General Annexes. Proposals shall be based on an elaborated business plan either developed through phase 1 or another means. Particular attention must be paid to IP protection and ownership; applicants will have to present convincing measures to ensure the possibility of commercial exploitation ('freedom to operate'). Proposals shall contain a specification for the outcome of the project, including a first commercialisation



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plan, and criteria for success. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU between EUR 0.5 and 2.5 million would allow phase 2 to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Projects should last between 12 and 24 months. In addition, in phase 3, SMEs can benefit from indirect support measures and services as well as access to the financial facilities supported under Access to Risk Finance of this work programme. Successful beneficiaries will be offered coaching and mentoring support during phase 1 and phase 2. This service will be accessible via the Enterprise Europe Network and delivered by a dedicated coach through consultation and signposting to the beneficiaries. The coaches will be recruited from a central database managed by the Commission and have all fulfilled stringent criteria with regards to business experience and competencies. Throughout the three phases of the instrument, the Network will complement the coaching support by providing access to its innovation and internationalisation service offering. This could include, for example, depending on the need of the SME, support in identifying growth potential, developing a growth plan and maximising it through internationalisation; strengthening the leadership and management skills of individuals in the senior management team and developing in-house coaching capacity; developing a marketing strategy or raising external finance. Expected impact: Enhancing profitability and growth performance of SMEs by combining and transferring new and existing knowledge into innovative, disruptive and competitive solutions seizing European and global business opportunities. Market uptake and distribution of innovations tackling the commercial uptake of nanotechnologies, advanced materials and advanced production technologies in a sustainable way. Increase of private investment in innovation, notably leverage of private co-investor and/or follow-up investments. The expected impact should be clearly described in qualitative and quantitative terms (e.g. on turnover, employment, market seize, IP management, sales, return on investment and profit). Type of action: SME Instrument (70% funding) [1] http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/innovation/files/swd-2012-458_en.pdf


http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/innovation/files/swd-2012-458_en.pdf

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Space

CALL LEI-Space Competitiveness of the European Space Sector-2015

COMPET 06-2015 International cooperation in Space



Total Call Budget €39,000,000 Main Pillar Industrial Leadership


Specific challenge: Europe has a long-standing tradition of international collaboration in space sciences with missions open to international partnerships or by participating to missions of partners (e.g., with USA, Japan, Russia, China, and India). With the increasing international competition in space science Europe should continue to play a leading role in planetary science shaping the research in the field including the elaboration of planetary protection guidelines. Scope: In line with the objectives of the Union's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation (COM(2012)497), international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with space powers active in planetary science. The diverse range of competences spread among universities, research institutes, and space agencies in different countries in the world, should be harnessed in this proposal in view of establishing a coordinated authoritative position in the planetary protection research field. Networking, experts meetings and workshops resulting in recommendations for further action and guidelines for future missions are part of the effort. The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 750 000 would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Expected impact: This activity would allow reviewing the planetary protection status of outer Solar System bodies including small Solar System bodies. That may include to establish a new categorisation and the measures that should be taken (or not) to protect them from Earth-sourced biological and organic contamination. Addressing the categorisations of future missions to the outer Solar System and making recommendations will help improving the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Planetary Protection Policy and help to resolve scientific uncertainties associated with current knowledge. This action should provide the basis for a regular exchange of information on the issue of planetary protection and identify also opportunities for European scientists to participate in future international missions. Type of action: Research and innovation actions.
