New Zealand and the European Commission have concluded formal negotiations on New Zealand’s Association to Pillar Two of Horizon Europe, the European Union’s largest ever research and innovation programme. Negotiations were positive, with the hope that New Zealand will become an Associate Member in early 2023.
In anticipation of Association, New Zealand researchers and organisations should start to form consortia and prepare projects to bid into the January-March 2023 Horizon Europe application window.
Association would enable New Zealand researchers and organisations to gain access to Pillar Two programmes, infrastructure and funding on the same terms as their European counterparts. In addition, they will be able to lead research programmes and consortia, and retain possession of the intellectual property they bring to, and create within, their collaborative projects.
Pillar Two: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, focusses on science that addresses global challenges, such as climate change, energy and global health. Association will facilitate research collaboration on these topics of mutual interest to New Zealand and the European Union, and deepen New Zealand’s integration into the European science system.
To come into force, the treaty will need the approval of the New Zealand Cabinet, the European Union (EU) and EU member states. MBIE will provide a further update in early 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact: Nzncp@mbie.govt.nz