Safe Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) in the vehicle systems of the coming decade – Societal Readiness Pilot

This program aims to fund proposals that address the critical aspects of safe Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) in the evolving landscape of vehicle automation. It seeks to increase understanding of the synergies between drivers and advanced driving assistance systems, focusing on tailoring 'self-learning' HTI strategies to improve road safety and prevent accidents caused by mode confusion. The program emphasizes the development of advanced assessment tools and training methods for drivers, alongside a deep responsiveness to the needs and concerns of diverse social groups to ensure beneficial societal uptake and build trust.

This funding program supports innovation actions focused on developing advanced human-technology interaction (HTI) systems for future vehicle technologies. Projects should address a wide range of use cases to ensure relevance across various driving conditions and driver profiles. The program supports the development of tools, methods, and training approaches, with a strong emphasis on integrating societal readiness principles and the expertise of social sciences and humanities.

The funding for this program is provided as grants, specifically lump sum contributions, designed to support innovation actions in safe human-technology interaction in vehicles. The total allocated budget for this topic is 8,000,000 EUR, with individual grants expected to be up to 4,000,000 EUR each.

Participation in this Horizon Europe program comes with a set of general and specific conditions, ensuring proposals adhere to strict administrative, financial, and ethical guidelines. A key requirement for this Societal Readiness Pilot topic is the mandated involvement of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) expertise within consortia, aiming to ensure that technological developments are responsive to broader societal needs and concerns.

The application process for the Safe Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) program is a single-stage submission conducted through the European Commission's Funding & Tenders Portal. Applicants must prepare proposals using specific templates and adhere to detailed evaluation criteria, with decisions communicated following a defined timeline.

This funding program is firmly established within the comprehensive legal framework of the European Union, specifically governed by the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and its associated regulations. All operations, from financial management to grant agreements, are underpinned by specific EU legal acts, ensuring transparency and adherence to established European policies.