Newsletter 14 June 2023 - Horizon Europe Cluster 4 Digital Industry and Space

Welcome to our latest newsletter - June 2023 - for Horizon Europe Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space. The objective of this newsletter is to provide you with relevent updates in relation to Horizon Europe Cluster 4 as well as related initiatives such as KDT and SNS.

With an overall budget in the region of €15.3 billion the Digital, Industry and Space cluster is the largest cluster in Horizon Europe. This broad cluster covers six specific focus areas (called "destinations").

Destination 1 - Climate neutral, circular and digitised production
Destination 2 - Increased autonomy in key strategic value chains for resilient industry
Destination 3 - World leading data and computing technologies
Destination 4 - Digital and emerging technologies for competitiveness and fit for the green deal
Destination 5 - Open strategic autonomy in developing, deploying and using global space-based infrastructures, services and data
Destination 6 - A human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies

The 2023-2024 Work Programme was published on 8th December 2022. This WP represents an investment of €2.8 billion.

The 2025 Work Programme will be a single year work programme. Work with the national representatives and the EC on this programme will commence Q4 2023 for Cluster 4. More information will follow.

Please kindly share this interim newsletter with your colleagues and encourage them to sign up to our mailing list here.

Forthcoming Calls for proposals under Cluster 4 - Digital

The last calls for topics in the Horizon Europe Cluster 4 Digital Industry and Space Work Programme 2023-2024 are approaching. The digital topics are in the following Destinations: 3; 4 and 6, described as follows, where you can view the topics by selecting the relevant link:

Destination 3: Three topics, budget €85 M- World Leading Data and Computing Technologies opens 15 November 2023, closes 19 March 2024. Main contacts: Gerard Kennedy, Stephen O'Reilly;

Destination 4: Eleven topics, budget €224.5 M - Digital and Emerging Technologies for competitiveness and fit for the green deal opens 15 November 2023, closes 19 March 2024. Main contacts: Gerard Kennedy, Stephen O'Reilly;

Destination 6: Four topics, budget €61 M - A human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies opens 15 November 2023, closes 19 March 2024. Main contacts: Gerard Kennedy, Stephen O'Reilly;

Cluster 4 Digital - Smart Networks and Service Joint Undertaking (SNS JU)

SNS R&I Work Programme for 2024 Draft Version 25.05.23 (Orientations - Work in Progress) is now available.

Following the recent SNS JU States Representative Group (SRG) meeting that that took place on 5th June in Gothenburg, Sweden, the SNS R&I Work Programme for 2024 Draft Version 25.05.23 (Orientations - Work in Progress) is now available. The current version is a draft working document produced in collaboration between the public and the private members of the SNS JU, following consultation by the private side, input from the SNS Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), the Networld Europe SRIA, as well as a portfolio and gap analysis carried out on the SNS funded projects. The overall content, including the scope and expected outcomes of each stream, will be finalized based on further consultation of JU members and of the SRG. This process is followed to maximize the participation of the interested stakeholders in defining the key European priorities on SNS activities for 2024.

Next steps for further assistance and advice:

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the SNS R&I Work Programme for 2024, Draft Version 25.05.23 (Orientations - Work in Progress) - please contact Gerard Kennedy, who is the Irish NCP for the SNS JU. Please note that if you wish to also comment on this document, please submit your comments to Gerard by close of business, 27th June. Please do not select reply to this e-mail, but instead, please use the following e-mail address: gerard.kennedy@enterprise-ireland.com

Submission Statistics for the SNS 2023 Call

Please see as follows the submission statistics for the call submissions that closed in April 2023.

112 proposals have been submitted. The breakdown per topic is:

HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-B-01-01: 34 proposals
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-B-01-02: 26 proposals
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-B-01-03: 17 proposals
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-B-01-04: 13 proposals
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-B-01-05: 6 proposals
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-B-01-06: 4 proposals
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-C-01-01: 4 proposals
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-CSA-01: 1 proposal
HORIZON-JU-SNS-2023-STREAM-D-01-01: 7 proposals.

Evaluation results are expected to be communicated in July 2023.

The Advanced Materials 2030 Initiative

On 7 February 2022, a Materials 2030 Manifesto was presented by high-level representatives from European research institutes and industries to Commissioner Gabriel. It stressed the importance of EU’s technology leaderships, strategic autonomy and the role of advanced materials. It invites stakeholders to combine more closely upstream research with industry driven applications in innovation markets.

Please check the new Advanced Materials 2030 Initiative Materials 2030 Initiative | (ami2030.eu) and the new published (April 2023) Strategic Research Agenda here.

The Raw Materials Act calls for a Coordinated Plan for Europe in Advanced Materials (please refer to Communication 'A secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials in support of the twin transition' here). The EU coordinated plan is the makings and it is expected to be launched by Q4 2023. More information will follow on impact to Horizon Europe programmes.

Submission summary for D1 and D2 in 2023

The deadline for the full proposal submission for Destination 1 and Destination 2 in Cluster 4 was April 20th and for the two STAGE calls was March 7th. The summary of submissions can be found below.

PROPOSAL NUMBERS for the 2 STAGE Submission Deadline March 7th (results are out):
Call HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-TWO-STAGE_stage 1 has closed on the 7th March 2023.
97 proposals have been submitted.
The breakdown per topic is:
•          HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-32: 13 proposals
•          HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-33: 47 proposals
•          HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-34: 31 proposals
•          HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-37: 06 proposals

PROPOSAL NUMBERS Full submission proposals Deadline April 20th (results in July 2023):

Call HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01 has closed on the 20th April 2023.
210 proposals have been submitted.
The breakdown per topic is:
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-02             51: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-04             31: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-07             42: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-08             04: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-31             14: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-33             06: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-36             06: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-37             06: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-40             14: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-42             26: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-43             02: proposals
·       HORIZON-CL4-2023-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-45             08: proposals

Summary of Comments in the Evaluation Report Sheet for STAGE 1:

Excellence:
·       The progress beyond state of the art is not sufficiently detailed for all the specific technologies.
·       The starting TRL is not fully aligned with the topic requirements. The planned increase in TRL is not adequately justified.
·       The proposal lacks clarity in some parts of the methodology.
·       The reduction and substitution of harmful chemicals are not sufficiently substantiated.
·       The technical robustness of AI, machine learning methods are not sufficiently explained.
·       The strategy to bring together and integrate expertise and methods from different disciplines is not sufficiently explained.
·       The measurability of objectives is not fully substantiated with specific, quantified key performances.
·       Citation of recent research in the state-of-the art description is outdated.
·       Machine learning and AI algorithms, and the validation approach are insufficiently described.
·       Some parts of the methodology are not clearly described, as for instance the interconnection in material development.
·       The open-access aspects are focused more on scientific publications and lack information on early and open sharing of research.
·       The specific objectives do not adequately address the need to undertake a proof of concept of the product in real-life case studies.
·       Gender dimension in the proposed work is not appropriately considered.
·       The contribution of the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines is not sufficiently considered.
·       FAIR principals in data management are insufficiently discussed.
·       There are no sufficient details on the potential links with past and ongoing EU projects.

Impact:
·       It is not sufficiently clear how the quantification of the expected outcomes and impacts were determined.
·       The potential negative environmental impact is not sufficiently considered.
·       Potential barriers and measures to address them are not specific enough.
·       Mitigation of barriers concerning certification and regulatory barriers are not sufficiently described.
·       The strategy for the management of intellectual property is not adequately outlined to support the exploitation of results.
·       The societal impact in terms of environmental monitoring and personal healthcare for EU citizens is not considered in adequate detail.
·       The technological impact is not sufficiently elaborated.
·       End-users and stakeholders are identified only as a general level.
·       Sustainable manufacturing approaches have not been considered in adequate depth.
·       The market opportunities are not enough specific to the proposal.
·       There is no sufficient detail provided concerning baselines, benchmarks, assumptions, or KPIs that would allow for target verification.
·       The exploitation strategies are not sufficiently detailed.

Submission information for the 2023 "Digital" Destinations

The 2023 calls for proposals for the 3 Digital Destinations (D3, D4 & D6) closed on 29 March. The submission statistics are as follows:-

Destination 3: World leading data and computing technologies

HORIZON-CL4-2023-DATA-01-02: 29 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DATA-01-04: 66 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DATA-01-06: 3 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DATA-01-07: 1 proposal

Destination 4: Digital and emerging technologies for competitiveness and fit for the green deal

HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-01: 51 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-02: 11 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-11: 36 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-12: 36 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-32: 4 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-33: 16 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-40: 9 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-41: 5 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-43: 2 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-50: 10 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-51: 30 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-53: 23 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-56: 4 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-57

Destination 6 - A human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies

HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-01: 49 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-02: 7 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-03: 27 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-04: 5 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-05: 9 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-11: 5 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-12: 4 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-13: 2 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-14: 1 proposal
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-21: 57 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-22: 18 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-23: 7 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-31: 5 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-32: 7 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-33: 4 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-51: 7 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-52: 6 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-53: 9 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-54: 10 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-62: 2 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-63: 3 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-64: 3 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-65: 4 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-66: 1 proposal
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-81: 6 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-82: 1 proposal
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-91: 5 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-92: 7 proposals
HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-93: 6 proposals

Evaluation results are expected to be communicated in July 2023.

Update on the EU Chips Act

Work is continuing on the EU Chips Act. According to the current timeline, the Act is expected to be signed by the European Parliament on 11 - 14 September with publication in the Official Journal shortly thereafter. Entry into force will be 3 days after the publication (end of September/beginning of October).

In parallel, the adopton of the Single Basic Act Amendment (which governs the Joint Undertakings) is also continuing with publication in the Official Journal and entry into force planned for the same time as the Chips Act.

With the adoption of the Chips Act and the SBA amendment, the KDT Joint undertaking will be expanded to become the Chips Joint undertaking.

Further information on the EU Chips Act is available here.

Upcoming events and related news

The EPoSS Annual Forum 2023 will take place on 4-7July in Villach, Austria. The 2023 edition of the EPoSS Annual Forum follows the motto "From ideas to next generation Smart Systems". Further information available here.

The EU Industry Days 2023 will take place October 4-6 in Malaga, Spain. The EU Industry Days 2023 are Europe’s flagship annual event focusing on key industrial policy discussions, connecting industrial frontrunners, and boosting the knowledge base of European industry. It serves as an open forum to discuss industrial challenges and co-create solutions and policy responses with a wide range of partners from industry, EU countries, civil society organisations, universities, and citizens. More information will follow.

Save the Date: the next Cluster 4 infodays will be held on-line on 11-12 October. These infodays will focus on the 2024 calls for proposals. Further information will be communicated as it becomes available.

Save the Date: the Research and Innovation EU Days 2023 are being planned for 25-26 October. Further information will be communicated as it becomes available. .

EU Brokerage Event on Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) in Horizon Europe for Cluster 4. Strasbourg November 10th. The National Contact Points (NCPs) and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) organise this brokerage event dedicated to the Key Enabling Technologies in "Horizon Europe" including Cluster 4 topics and Cluster 5 Batteries value chain. The event will target upcoming calls 2023-2024. Participants will have the opportunity to present their own project concepts and meet representatives from companies / SMEs, universities and research organisations in order to exchange ideas during pre-arranged meetings. Registration is now open.

Save the Date: the first Chips JU Symposium is being planned for 22-23 November in Belgium. This will be the launch event to the new Chips JU and will be similar in nature to previous EFECS events. Further information will be communicated as it becomes available.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new legislative proposal, the Critical Raw Material Act, to tackle the evolving dependency on external markets when it comes to raw materials and ensure more resilient supply chains. More information will follow about implications to Cluster 4. Communication on the Advanced Materials Coordinated Plan can be found under 'Communication' at the bottom of the page here.

SAVE THE DATE The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking 2024 Call (Call identifier: HORIZON-JU-SNS-2024) is expected to have an Opening date: November-December 2023 and a Submission of Proposals deadline: xx April 2024 17:00:00 (Brussels local time). Indicative budget: EUR 129 million. Check with your NCP for more information from September.

SAVE THE DATE: Commercial Space Days in Lucerne, Switzerland (11-13 Sept. 2023). The Commercial Space Days is a 3-day event dedicated to the advancement of commercialization, sustainability and policy in the space industry with panel discussions with leading economists, space icons and innovators combined with industry workshops, info sessions and demos to address opportunities for all existing market players and those planning to enter commercial space. For more information, contact your NCP.

The 2023 edition of the "Raw Materials Week" will take place from 13 to 17 November. More details will follow in September. More information at Raw Materials Week.