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Open Call: Strengthen Europe’s Social Model and Sustainable Competitiveness through Productivity

Deadline: 23-Sep-2026

The European Commission is inviting proposals under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions framework to explore how Europe can remain competitive and socially resilient in a rapidly changing global environment.

The programme focuses on understanding how Europe can adapt to:

  • Geopolitical shifts and global power realignments
  • Changing global trade patterns
  • Technological transformation and innovation trends
  • Climate change and environmental degradation
  • Biodiversity loss and ecosystem pressures
  • Demographic changes including aging populations and migration

The central aim is to strengthen Europe’s long-term:

Key Research Themes

Sustainable competitiveness

Projects should analyse how Europe can maintain and improve competitiveness while ensuring sustainability. This includes:

  • Productivity growth in green and digital economies
  • Innovation capacity across sectors
  • Industrial transformation and resilience
  • Strategic autonomy and economic security

Geopolitical and Economic Shifts

Research should explore:

  • Global trade restructuring and supply chain changes
  • Economic competition between major global regions
  • Impacts of geopolitical instability on Europe
  • Financial and industrial policy responses

Climate and Environmental Challenges

Projects are expected to address:

  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation impacts
  • Biodiversity loss and ecosystem decline
  • Resource efficiency and circular economy transitions
  • Environmental sustainability in economic systems

Technological Transformation

Key areas include:

  • Digital transformation and AI-driven economies
  • Automation and labour market changes
  • Innovation ecosystems in Europe
  • Technology adoption and competitiveness gaps

Demographic Change

Research should also examine:

  • Aging populations and labour shortages
  • Migration patterns and workforce integration
  • Social protection systems under demographic pressure
  • Long-term sustainability of welfare systems

Policy Context and Rationale

Europe is facing multiple structural transformations occurring simultaneously. These include climate change, digital disruption, shifting global alliances, and demographic aging.

This call supports evidence-based policymaking by generating insights into:

  • How to balance competitiveness with social welfare
  • How to maintain economic growth while achieving climate goals
  • How to strengthen resilience in uncertain global conditions
  • How to preserve the European social model

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to deliver:

  • Analytical frameworks for sustainable competitiveness
  • Policy recommendations for EU institutions and member states
  • Data-driven assessments of economic and social trends
  • Scenario modelling for future European development
  • Evidence on trade-offs between growth, welfare, and sustainability

Funding Details

  • Programme: Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
  • Total budget: €12,000,000
  • Funding scope: Competitive research and innovation projects
  • Topic focus: Sustainable competitiveness and European social model

Who Can Apply

Eligible participants include:

  • Universities and higher education institutions
  • Research organisations and think tanks
  • Private sector companies and SMEs
  • Public sector organisations and government bodies
  • International organisations

Additional eligibility rules:

  • Any legal entity worldwide may apply
  • Includes non-associated third countries under Horizon Europe conditions
  • Participation allowed for international organisations

Other eligible structures:

  • Beneficiaries
  • Affiliated entities
  • Associated partners
  • Entities without legal personality (under specific conditions)
  • EU bodies and agencies
  • Joint Research Centre (JRC)
  • Associations and interest groupings

How to Apply / How It Works

Step 1: Understand the call scope

  • Review Horizon Europe RIA requirements
  • Align proposal with sustainable competitiveness objectives

Step 2: Build a research consortium

  • Include multidisciplinary partners
  • Combine economics, political science, environmental science, and technology expertise
  • Engage policy and industry stakeholders

Step 3: Design research methodology

  • Use quantitative economic modelling
  • Include qualitative policy analysis
  • Incorporate scenario-based forecasting

Step 4: Define policy impact

  • Show relevance for EU competitiveness strategy
  • Address welfare system sustainability
  • Provide actionable policy recommendations

Step 5: Submit proposal

  • Submit via Horizon Europe funding portal
  • Ensure compliance with eligibility and participation rules
  • Meet all call-specific requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overly narrow economic analysis without social dimension
  • Lack of integration between sustainability and competitiveness
  • Weak policy relevance or absence of EU-level implications
  • Insufficient interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Ignoring demographic or environmental dimensions
  • Lack of forward-looking scenario analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the main goal of this funding call
    • To strengthen Europe’s sustainable competitiveness and social model by studying
      • Economic productivity
      • Welfare systems
      • Environmental sustainability
      • Technological transformation
      • Geopolitical and demographic changes
  • What is the total funding available
    • The total budget is €12 million
  • Who can apply
    • Any legal entity worldwide
    • Including
      • Universities and research institutions
      • Companies and SMEs
      • Government bodies
      • NGOs and think tanks
      • International organisations
  • Is international participation allowed
    • Yes
    • Non-associated third countries and international organisations may participate under Horizon Europe rules
  • What are the main research themes
    • Sustainable competitiveness
    • Geopolitical and economic shifts
    • Climate and environmental challenges
    • Technological transformation
    • Demographic change and welfare systems
  • What type of projects are expected
    • Interdisciplinary research projects combining
      • Economics
      • Social sciences
      • Environmental studies
      • Technology and innovation analysis
  • What is the expected policy relevance
    • Projects must support EU policymaking by providing
      • Evidence-based analysis
      • Strategic recommendations
      • Future scenario modelling

Conclusion

This Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action supports strategic research on how Europe can remain competitive while ensuring social welfare and environmental sustainability. By analysing geopolitical, technological, demographic, and climate-related transformations, the programme aims to generate evidence that strengthens the European social model and informs long-term EU policy decisions.

For more information, visit European Commission.