South Korea is set to join the Horizon Europe programme in a significant stride towards bolstering international collaboration in research and innovation.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, alongside Korean Minister for Science and Information and Communication Technology, Lee Jong Ho, finalised negotiations, marking a pivotal moment in fostering cooperation under Horizon Europe.
South Korea will now join the esteemed group of nations associated with the Horizon Europe programme, the world’s largest research initiative.
The formal signing of the Association Agreement is slated to occur in the second half of 2024, pending the completion of ratification procedures on both sides.
This milestone will pave the way for Korea’s full-fledged participation in Horizon Europe commencing in 2025.
Ivanova commented: “I am happy to welcome Korea into the Horizon family. This is a milestone for our cooperation and great news for global science and innovation. Together, we will be able to tackle global challenges more effectively.”
A shift in international research collaboration
Traditionally, association with the EU’s research and innovation endeavours was extended to countries within the Union’s geographic proximity.
However, Horizon Europe represents a paradigm shift, welcoming like-minded nations with robust scientific and technological profiles, irrespective of their geographic location.
This shift in approach reflects the programme’s broader vision of fostering global partnerships in research and innovation.
Building on established cooperation
The collaboration between the EU and Korea in research and innovation dates back to the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which came into force in 2007.
Governed by the Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, this agreement has laid the groundwork for fruitful collaboration between the two entities.
Access to funding under Pillar II
Following the agreement, researchers and organisations in Korea will gain access to funding under Pillar II of Horizon Europe, the programme’s largest collaborative segment.
With a substantial budget of €53.5bn, Pillar II focuses on addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy sustainability, digital transformation, and healthcare innovation.
Horizon Europe: A gateway to global collaboration
Korea’s forthcoming association with Horizon Europe heralds a new chapter in international research collaboration, promising to drive innovation, address pressing global challenges, and foster a more interconnected global research community.
As the world looks towards a future shaped by innovation, this partnership stands as a pivotal milestone for collaborative solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.
To learn more about the transformative opportunities provided through Horizon Europe and the leading projects receiving funding, read our Horizon Europe eBook.
