Deadline: 23-Sep-2026

The European Commission is inviting proposals under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions framework to strengthen evidence on how basic skills contribute to productivity, innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth across Europe. The call supports large-scale research projects examining literacy, mathematics, science, digital skills, citizenship skills, and socio-emotional skills, while also addressing inequalities, AI-supported learning, inclusion, and workforce challenges in education systems.

The programme has a total budget of €12 million, with individual project grants expected between €3 million and €4 million. Eligible applicants include legal entities worldwide that meet Horizon Europe participation requirements.

What Is the Horizon Europe Basic Skills Research Call?

This Horizon Europe funding opportunity supports research projects designed to improve understanding of how basic skills affect economic performance, labour market outcomes, innovation capacity, and long-term social resilience.

The programme specifically focuses on generating evidence that can help policymakers improve education and training systems across Europe.

The call encourages interdisciplinary and data-driven research examining the relationship between foundational skills and economic growth, while also addressing inclusion, equity, digital transformation, and lifelong learning.

Main Objectives of the Programme

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen evidence on the economic value of basic skills
• Improve understanding of productivity and innovation drivers
• Support inclusive lifelong learning systems
• Reduce educational inequalities
• Address labour market skill gaps
• Encourage women’s participation in STEM
• Promote effective AI-based learning tools
• Improve educational inclusion for persons with disabilities
• Support evidence-based policymaking in education and training

What Are “Basic Skills” in This Programme?

The call defines basic skills broadly as essential competencies required for participation in society, education, employment, and economic development.

Key Skill Areas Include:

Literacy Skills

The ability to:

• Read
• Write
• Understand information
• Communicate effectively

Mathematics and Financial Literacy

This includes:

• Numeracy
• Problem-solving
• Financial decision-making
• Quantitative reasoning

Science Skills

Scientific understanding and analytical thinking relevant to innovation and modern economies.

Digital Skills

Skills related to:

• Technology use
• Digital communication
• Data literacy
• AI-supported learning environments

Citizenship Skills

Competencies supporting:

• Civic participation
• Democratic engagement
• Social responsibility
• Critical thinking

Socio-Emotional Skills

The programme also explores how emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration, and adaptability interact with technical skills to support economic growth.

Why This Research Matters

Strengthening European Competitiveness

The European Commission recognizes that strong foundational skills are critical for:

• Innovation
• Economic productivity
• Workforce adaptability
• Technological competitiveness
• Social resilience

Countries with stronger education outcomes often experience better long-term economic performance.

Addressing Evidence Gaps

Despite significant policy focus on education and skills, direct evidence linking basic skills to economic growth remains limited.

One major challenge is the lack of robust longitudinal research tracking educational outcomes over time.

This programme seeks to fill that gap through rigorous, evidence-based research methodologies.

Supporting Lifelong Learning

The initiative supports research across all education and training pathways, including:

• School education
• Vocational education and training (VET)
• Higher education
• Adult learning
• Continuing professional development

Key Research Priorities

1. Economic Impact of Basic Skills

Projects should examine how basic skills contribute to:

• Productivity growth
• Labour market outcomes
• Innovation performance
• Economic resilience
• Competitiveness

Both short-term and medium-term economic impacts are relevant.

2. Reducing Inequalities in Education and Skills

Research should explore effective strategies for reducing disparities related to:

• Gender
• Disability
• Socioeconomic background
• Geographic inequalities
• Social exclusion

3. Women in STEM

The programme encourages research on improving participation of women in:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

Projects may examine barriers, interventions, and long-term workforce impacts.

4. AI-Based Learning Tools

The initiative supports research on:

• Artificial intelligence in education
• Adaptive learning systems
• Digital learning environments
• Technology-enhanced teaching methods

Projects should assess both opportunities and risks.

5. Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

Research should identify ways to improve:

• Educational accessibility
• Inclusive teaching practices
• Assistive technologies
• Equal participation in learning systems

6. Teacher Shortages and Workforce Challenges

Projects may investigate:

• Teacher recruitment
• Retention strategies
• Professional development
• Workforce sustainability in education systems

Expected Research Approaches

Quantitative Longitudinal Research

The programme strongly encourages:

• Longitudinal datasets
• Statistical modelling
• Comparative analysis
• Evidence-based policy evaluation

Research should demonstrate methodological rigor and measurable outcomes.

Complementary Qualitative Research

Qualitative approaches may also be used to:

• Explore lived experiences
• Understand institutional barriers
• Assess implementation challenges
• Support contextual analysis

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects are expected to generate:

• Evidence-based policy recommendations
• Improved understanding of education-to-economy links
• Insights into reducing educational inequalities
• Recommendations for lifelong learning systems
• Data supporting inclusive education reforms
• Research on costs and effectiveness of policy interventions

Collaboration and Partnership Requirements

Stakeholder Engagement

The programme encourages cooperation with:

• Education institutions
• Policymakers
• Labour market stakeholders
• Research organisations
• Civil society organisations

Horizon Europe Clustering

Projects are encouraged to collaborate with related Horizon Europe initiatives, especially projects focused on:

• Youth transitions
• Education and employment pathways
• Social inclusion
• Labour market resilience

Social Transformations and Resilience Partnership

Engagement with the Social Transformations and Resilience Partnership is also recommended.

Funding Details

Total Budget

The total budget available for this topic is:

• €12 million

Expected Grant Size

Individual projects are expected to receive:

• Between €3 million and €4 million

Funding Framework

The programme is funded under:

• Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants Include:

• Universities
• Research institutes
• Public bodies
• NGOs
• International organisations
• Private sector entities
• Education and training organisations

Geographic Eligibility

Participation is open to:

• EU member states
• Associated countries
• Non-associated third countries
• International organisations

Applicants must comply with Horizon Europe participation rules.

Additional Eligible Participants

The programme may also allow participation from:

• Affiliated entities
• Associated partners
• Certain entities without legal personality

Subject to programme conditions and eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Horizon Europe Eligibility Rules

Applicants should verify:

• Organisational eligibility
• Consortium requirements
• Topic-specific conditions
• Funding eligibility status

Step 2: Build a Strong Research Consortium

Competitive proposals often include:

• Interdisciplinary expertise
• International partnerships
• Policy research specialists
• Education and labour market experts
• Quantitative research teams

Step 3: Develop a Rigorous Research Proposal

Applications should clearly explain:

• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Longitudinal analysis plans
• Policy relevance
• Inclusion strategy
• Expected impact

Step 4: Include Stakeholder Engagement Plans

Strong proposals should demonstrate collaboration with:

• Policymakers
• Education providers
• Labour market actors
• Community organisations

Step 5: Submit Through the Horizon Europe Portal

The call uses a:

• Single-stage application process

Applicants should ensure all administrative and technical documentation is complete before submission.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Use Strong Quantitative Evidence Methods

The call strongly prioritizes rigorous longitudinal and statistical analysis.

Demonstrate Policy Relevance

Clearly explain how findings will support European education and economic policy development.

Address Inclusion and Equality

Projects focusing on reducing inequalities may be particularly competitive.

Integrate AI and Digital Learning Perspectives

Research connected to digital transformation and AI-supported learning aligns closely with programme priorities.

Build Cross-Sector Partnerships

Collaboration across education, research, labour market, and policy sectors can strengthen applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak Methodological Design

Insufficient quantitative rigor may reduce competitiveness.

Limited Policy Relevance

Projects should provide actionable recommendations, not only theoretical analysis.

Ignoring Inclusion Dimensions

Applications should address diversity, accessibility, and equality considerations.

Narrow Stakeholder Engagement

Strong stakeholder collaboration is expected throughout the research process.

Poor Alignment With Horizon Europe Priorities

Applicants should clearly connect proposals to broader EU competitiveness, resilience, and lifelong learning goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the total funding available?

The total budget for this Horizon Europe topic is €12 million.

How much funding can each project receive?

Expected project grants range between €3 million and €4 million.

What research topics are supported?

The programme supports research on basic skills, productivity, economic growth, lifelong learning, inclusion, AI-based learning tools, STEM participation, and educational inequalities.

Who can apply?

Any eligible legal entity worldwide may apply, including universities, research organisations, NGOs, public bodies, and international organisations, subject to Horizon Europe participation rules.

Is international participation allowed?

Yes. Organisations from non-associated third countries and international organisations may participate if they meet eligibility conditions.

What research methods are preferred?

The programme strongly encourages rigorous quantitative and longitudinal research methods, while also allowing complementary qualitative approaches.

Does the call require collaboration?

Yes. Collaboration with education stakeholders and related Horizon Europe projects is strongly encouraged.

Conclusion

The Horizon Europe Basic Skills Research Call represents a major investment in understanding how education, foundational skills, and lifelong learning contribute to Europe’s economic resilience, productivity, and competitiveness.

By funding large-scale, evidence-based research projects, the European Commission aims to generate actionable insights that improve education systems, reduce inequalities, strengthen workforce readiness, and support long-term innovation and growth across Europe.

Research organisations that combine rigorous methodology, policy relevance, inclusion strategies, and strong stakeholder partnerships are likely to be well-positioned for success under this funding opportunity.

For more information, visit European Commission.