Pathways to Synergies

This program targeted research and innovation actors in EU Widening countries to improve their R&I capacity and reduce the innovation divide across Europe. It supported structured partnerships that focused on human capital development, international collaboration, and the effective valorisation of research outcomes.

This funding program supported activities that bridged the gap between different funding systems, specifically between regional and European approaches, and between consortium-based and single-beneficiary funding. It focused on two distinct pathways: developing human resources and fostering internationalisation (Pathway A), or valorising research results and enabling their uptake into the market (Pathway B).

This program provided financial support as grants for Coordination and Support Actions, with a substantial total budget allocated to foster synergies between different EU funding instruments. Individual projects received specific funding amounts designed as seed funding to leverage further investments.

Applicants had to adhere to specific conditions for admissibility, eligibility, and financial capacity, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Special emphasis was placed on consortium composition, particularly the involvement and contribution of Widening countries.

The application process was structured as a single-stage submission, with evaluation based on defined criteria and a specific procedure for ranking proposals. Although the call is now closed, future applicants should refer to the outlined steps and guidelines.

The 'Pathways to Synergies' program operated under the comprehensive legal framework of Horizon Europe, ensuring its legitimacy and alignment with broader EU research and innovation policies. Key governing documents established the program's mandate and operational guidelines.