Library FAQ
Who prepared and adopted this Work Programme?
It was prepared following the advice of the EIC pilot Advisory Board and adopted by the European Commission.
Who should read the European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2022?
Potential applicants and those interested in the EIC, as it is the annual legal document setting out how the EIC will allocate its funding for the year.
Does the report name or single out specific projects or proposals?
No. No specific projects or proposals are mentioned to avoid singling out entities and to protect sensitive or confidential information.
How are the signals aligned with EU policy priorities?
They are linked with the new EIC taxonomy for deep tech and aligned with EU policy priorities such as the New European Innovation Agenda, STEP, the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the Pharmaceutical Strategy, and the European Chips Act.
How many signals are featured in the report?
34 signals were selected for the final report.
How many signals were identified in the initial quantitative phase?
An initial larger set of 260 signals was identified via quantitative methods.
How were the signals identified and selected?
A two-step approach: quantitative identification of an initial set of 260 signals via data mining and scientometric analytics (with JRC support), followed by qualitative review and final selection led by EIC Programme Managers and 32 external experts.
Into which macro-areas are the signals organised?
Signals are organised into three macro-areas: Green; Health and Digital; and Industry and Space.
Should the signals be interpreted as forecasts of future EIC funding priorities?
No. While signals can inform priorities and monitoring, they should not be interpreted as forecasting indicators of upcoming funding decisions, which require further in-depth analysis and benchmarking.
What are plant-based biohybrid sensors?
Sensors that use plants and their metabolic processes as living sensing devices that can self-generate signals (e.g., bioluminescence or colour changes) in response to environmental stimuli for applications in precision agriculture and monitoring.
What data sources and timeframe were used to identify signals?
EIC internal data from submissions at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-4) between February 2018 and December 2023, including both funded projects and proposals that were not funded.
What does the report mean by 'signals'?
Early observable indications of potential future advancements that could have significant effects if further developed or combined with other signals; useful for anticipating shifts and informing policy.
What is plant-based biomanufacturing and metabolic reprogramming?
Plant-based biomanufacturing uses plants to synthesise complex molecules (e.g., proteins, enzymes, biopharmaceuticals) sustainably; metabolic reprogramming manipulates cellular metabolic processes to influence cell behaviour and stress responses, together offe...
What is the EIC Tech Report 2024?
A watchlist and overview of promising emerging developments (signals) identified from EIC internal data, highlighting early-stage technologies and innovations with potential short- to mid-term impact.
What is the objective of future-oriented monitoring in this report?
To emphasise the value of identifying and tracking early-stage ideas within EIC data, enabling collective monitoring of their development into impactful innovations that can inform discussions and evidence-based policymaking.
What is the role and mission of the EIC as described in the report?
The EIC is the EU’s flagship programme to support deep tech from early-stage research to market scale-up, positioning Europe at the forefront of global innovation; it has a budget of over €10 billion.
What is tri-parental plant breeding?
A breeding technique where fertilisation occurs among three parents (one mother and two fathers) to combine genomes and traits, accelerating selection and enabling creation of polyploid plants with enhanced resilience without direct genetic modification.
Which EIC programmes provided the data for this report?
Data were derived from the EIC Pathfinder instrument under Horizon Europe and the final stage of the FET programme in the EIC pilot under Horizon 2020, including bottom-up/open calls and targeted/topic-driven calls.
Who led the qualitative review and final selection of signals?
EIC Programme Managers led the qualitative review and final selection in collaboration with 32 external experts.
Why is the agrifood sector a focus for EIC monitoring and support?
Because agriculture works with living organisms in changing conditions, integrates multiple enabling technologies, is the largest global employer, requires long development cycles, has complex global supply chains, and depends on social sciences as well as STE...
Why were both funded and unfunded proposals included in the analysis?
Including both ensures early-stage ideas are captured regardless of funding outcomes, since unfunded proposals may still demonstrate scientific or technological excellence but were not selected for reasons beyond those criteria.
Does the EIC support diversity and underrepresented regions?
Yes. The EIC outperforms the market in supporting women-led companies (20% of funding to women-led companies) and supports entrepreneurs across all EU regions, while taking active steps to promote untapped potential in central and eastern Europe.
How does the EIC award funding and set priorities?
A majority of funding is awarded through open calls with no predefined thematic priorities, complemented by a challenge-driven approach via EIC Programme Managers who direct funding toward EU policy priorities such as REPowerEU, the New Industrial Strategy and...
How does the EIC help companies connect with investors and corporates?
Beyond funding, all beneficiaries receive tailor-made Business Acceleration Services that facilitate connections with corporates, public procurers and potential investors; Transition calls also connected beneficiaries with over 100 corporates and public procur...