Israel joined the European framework program for Research
and Innovation in 1996 and was the first country outside of Europe to join as
an Associated Country.
Already then, Israel identified the tremendous potential of
being part of the framework program, as well as the opportunities it brings. One
of the program's main assets is to bring together people from different countries,
sectors, and disciplines. This collaboration leads to the successful development
of cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough innovation.
The fact that each participant can bring his or her
expertise and experience to the project creates synergies and opens a new set
of tools and opportunities to fight common challenges such as climate change, the
energy crisis and health issues in order to build a better world.
In the past 26 years of Israeli association with the
European Program, the participation increased gradually and reached a peak with
Horizon2020 (2014-2020), in which 2051
Israelis participated in 1667 European projects, with a total budget of EUR
1.28B. 47% of the Israelis participants come from the academia, 42% from the industry, and the rest
from public institutions and civil society.
In December 2021, Israel officially joined Horizon Europe
(2021-2027) and we hope to see an ever-increased Israeli participation, including
in collaborative projects. Israel’s innovation spirit and the European
standards make us complementary and turn our partnership into an invaluable
asset.
Written by ISERD – the Israel Europe Directorate for
R&I, in the Israeli Innovation Authority, is the National Contact Point for
the program, represents Israel in the Program Committees, and promotes Israeli
participation in the program.