As of January 1, 2025, the Republic of Korea officially joins Horizon Europe, marking a significant milestone in international research and innovation partnerships.
Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme, stands as the largest initiative of its kind, boasting over €90 billion in funding spread across 2021 to 2027.
With its global focus, the programme welcomes participation from researchers worldwide in most of its calls. Korea’s association with Pillar II of Horizon Europe represents a transformative step in advancing shared scientific goals and fostering groundbreaking innovation.
This collaboration offers unprecedented opportunities for researchers and organisations, paving the way for deeper scientific cooperation to address global challenges.
Formal negotiations
The journey toward this partnership began on May 22, 2023, when the European Commission and the Republic of Korea initiated formal negotiations. These talks underscored their shared commitment to tackling global challenges through research and innovation.
Association with Horizon Europe is the EU’s most integrated form of international cooperation in research and innovation (R&I).
For the first time, countries with significant scientific, technological, and innovation (STI) capacities beyond Europe’s immediate geography are being included. This agreement signifies Korea’s status as a key player in the global R&I landscape.
By March 25, 2024, the negotiations concluded successfully, setting the stage for the Republic of Korea’s full association with Horizon Europe.
Beginning in 2025, Korean researchers and organisations will gain access to Pillar II of Horizon Europe under the same terms as EU-associated countries.
Horizon Europe Pillar II: Advancing global solutions
Pillar II of Horizon Europe is particularly noteworthy as it focuses on tackling global challenges and boosting industrial competitiveness. It supports collaborative research in areas critical to societal progress, sustainability, and innovation.
It moves beyond the societal challenges framework of Horizon 2020, focusing on interdisciplinary solutions to complex issues that improve lives, protect the planet, and enhance Europe’s technological and industrial competitiveness.
Organised into six thematic clusters, Pillar II fosters innovation across health, cultural inclusivity, security, digital transformation, climate action, and sustainable resource management.
These clusters drive advancements such as improving public health systems, strengthening democratic values, combating security threats, promoting digital and industrial leadership, addressing climate change, and enhancing food security.
Pillar II also includes ‘Missions’ and Joint Research Centre (JRC) activities, ensuring cohesive, cross-cutting support. By integrating research and innovation, Pillar II of Horizon Europe builds a foundation for transformative progress in science, society, and industry.
Strategic focus areas for collaboration
The association between Korea and Horizon Europe highlights a range of priority areas for intensified cooperation:
- Established areas of focus
- 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT): Driving the next generation of connectivity and smart technologies.
- AI and nanoelectronics: Advancing cutting-edge solutions for automation, safety, and innovation.
- Clean energy and climate action: Collaborating on sustainable energy technologies and climate resilience.
- Infectious diseases and epigenome research: Addressing global health challenges with innovative medical research.
- Emerging fields of interest
- Antimicrobial resistance: Combating the growing threat of drug-resistant pathogens.
- Automated driving systems: Developing safer and more efficient transportation technologies.
- Disaster resilience and polar research: Enhancing security and understanding of vulnerable ecosystems.
This comprehensive approach ensures that collaboration spans both long-standing priorities and new frontiers of mutual benefit.
Boosting researcher mobility
Beyond thematic cooperation, Horizon Europe and Korea emphasise the importance of researcher mobility.
Programmes like the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions will play a vital role in fostering international exchange and collaboration.
Korean researchers will gain access to these initiatives, enhancing their global engagement and professional development.
This integration of mobility schemes will also strengthen networks between academic institutions, industries, and research organisations, ensuring the cross-pollination of ideas and expertise.
A win-win partnership for the future
The Republic of Korea’s association with Horizon Europe represents a win-win scenario for both parties.
For the EU, Korea’s robust STI capacity adds valuable expertise and resources to the programme. For Korea, access to Horizon Europe fosters innovation, expands research horizons, and enhances its global scientific standing.
The collaboration also aligns with the EU’s broader goals of fostering international partnerships that contribute to global progress.
With shared commitments to innovation and addressing societal challenges, the EU and Korea are poised to make significant strides together.
