Europe’s research and innovation strategy is entering a decisive new phase. With the adoption of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2027, the European Union has clarified its priorities for funding, collaboration, and technological development. At the same time, preparations for the next long term EU budget and the European Commission Work Programme 2026 signal deeper structural changes ahead.
As Horizon Europe reaches its midpoint, this is a critical moment for organizations, researchers, startups, and SMEs to understand how Europe’s research and innovation strategy is evolving and how to position themselves for upcoming opportunities.
Europe’s Research and Innovation Priorities for 2025 to 2027
The updated Europe research and innovation strategy is built around three interconnected priorities that guide funding calls, partnerships, and policy instruments.
1. The Green Transition
Climate action remains central to European innovation. Research and funding focus on climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity protection, circular economy models, sustainable industry, and clean technologies. Projects supporting zero goals and environmental resilience are expected to remain highly competitive.
2. Digital Transition
Europe continues to invest in artificial intelligence, data driven solutions, advanced digital infrastructure, high performance computing, cloud and edge systems, and cybersecurity. Digital innovation now acts as a horizontal enabler across energy, health, manufacturing, mobility, and public services.
3. A Resilient, Competitive and Inclusive Europe
The third priority strengthens social resilience, public health, inclusion, and democratic governance. Innovation is increasingly evaluated not only as technological excellence but also as a measurable societal impact.
A core concept across all priorities is open strategic autonomy. Europe aims to develop and deploy critical technologies while reducing reliance on external actors, as outlined in the official Horizon Europe Strategic Plan published by the European Commission.
Long Term Investment and European Research Infrastructures
Alongside funding programs, the European Union is reinforcing the foundations that support research and innovation. The European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures aims to make European infrastructures more integrated, accessible, and resilient.
This includes improved access to advanced laboratories, data centers, supercomputers, pilot production lines, and large-scale testing facilities. Shared infrastructure enables researchers, startups, and companies to accelerate development and collaborate more efficiently across borders.
Looking ahead, the next long term EU budget covering the years 2028 to 2034 is expected to significantly expand EU research funding. Several European institutions have indicated that available funding could nearly double, enabling larger and more ambitious projects with greater impact.
What This Means for Researchers, Startups and SMEs
The evolving Europe research and innovation strategy creates concrete opportunities across sectors.
Funding opportunities will expand in climate technologies, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, health innovation, biodiversity, and social inclusion. Projects demonstrating real world impact will be prioritized, particularly those contributing to sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness.
Cross borders and interdisciplinary collaboration will remain essential. Horizon Europe strongly encourages partnerships between universities, research centers, startups, SMEs, corporates, NGOs, and public authorities.
At the same time, startups and SMEs gain better access to large-scale innovation ecosystems. Infrastructure investments and support mechanisms lower entry barriers and allow smaller actors to participate in high impact research and development efforts.
Projects that combine digital and green technologies such as artificial intelligence for climate monitoring, data platforms for circular economy models, or smart biodiversity tools are especially aligned with European innovation priorities.
How Organizations Can Prepare
Organizations aiming to benefit from upcoming opportunities can take several practical steps.
First, align internal roadmaps with Europe’s priorities, particularly the green and digital transitions and resilience. Projects integrating multiple priorities tend to be more competitive.
Second, build strong cross borders and multidisciplinary partnerships. Well-structured consortia remain a key success factor in European funding programs.
Third, explore how European infrastructures such as shared laboratories, data centers, and high-performance computing can reduce development costs and accelerate results.
Finally, monitor upcoming calls and new instruments closely, as the transition to the next budget period will unlock a new wave of opportunities.
From Research Policy to Industry and Market Innovation
Europe’s innovation agenda extends beyond research funding. The European Commission Work Programme 2026, titled Europe’s Independence Moment, outlines a broader economic and technological shift.
Its objectives include strengthening Europe’s industrial base, reducing dependencies in energy and critical technologies, simplifying regulation, fully leveraging the Single Market, and investing in key technologies such as artificial intelligence, clean technologies, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and next generation connectivity.
For businesses, the message is clear. Investment in technology, sustainability, and resilience aligns directly with the future direction of the European market.
The Role of JOIST Marketplace
As Europe’s research and innovation strategy evolves, organizations increasingly need commercial and technology driven collaboration rather than relying only on EU funded consortia.
JOIST Marketplace supports this shift by acting as a B2B hub for technology-enabled services. It connects organizations with providers offering artificial intelligence, internet solutions, software engineering, prototyping, integration, testing, user experience, and innovation services.
It also provides a space where organizations can post real business challenges and receive market-ready solutions. In this way, JOIST Marketplace bridges European strategic priorities with concrete commercial projects.
Through JOIST Marketplace, organizations can:
- Post a challenge and connect with solution providers,
- Explore provider profiles and find specialized partners
- Join as a provider and offer research, innovation, or technology services
Turning Strategy into Real Impact
Europe is reinforcing its commitment to research, technology, and innovation through increased funding, stronger infrastructures, and a clearer strategic direction. For researchers, startups, SMEs, and forward-looking organizations, now is the time to refine ideas, build partnerships, and move from strategy to implementation.
Post your challenge on JOIST Marketplace, connect with the right technology partners, or join as a provider to turn Europe’s research and innovation strategy into tangible business and societal impact.
