Horizon Europe is a 7-year European Union scientific research initiative, successor of the Horizon 2020 programme and the earlier Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. (Description provided by Wikipedia, Image from the organization)
SEOUL, March 25 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea will become the first Asian country to join Horizon Europe, the world’s largest multilateral research and innovation (R&I) funding program, Seoul’s science ministry said Monday.
Science Minister Lee Jong-ho and his European counterpart, Iliana Ivanova, have reached an agreement on South Korea’s participation in the European Union’s (EU) R&I initiative, according to the ministry.
Both sides also agreed to undertake the necessary domestic procedures to finalize this agreement, it added.
Upon confirmation of the agreement, South Korea will become the first Asian and the third non-EU country to join Horizon Europe as an associated member starting next year.
The country will engage in Pillar II of the program, which focuses on conducting joint research to address global challenges and strengthen industrial competitiveness, the ministry said.
The decision to invite South Korea reflects the EU’s recognition of the nation’s outstanding scientific, technological and innovative prowess, coupled with its commitment to an open-market economy, the ministry noted.
Currently, New Zealand and Canada have joined the program with a budget of 95.5 billion euros (US$103.3 billion) for 2021-2027.
“Participating as an associated country in Horizon Europe, the world’s largest multilateral research and innovation program, will open up greater opportunities for both Korea and the EU to enhance research competitiveness through joint research,” Lee said.
“We are committed to complete the process leading up to the signing of the association agreement by the end of this year, so that Korean researchers can start participating in Horizon Europe with an associated country status starting from 2025,” he added.
(Yonhap)
