Canada looks to expand collaboration between Canadian and European research and innovation partners
November 30, 2022 - Brussels, Belgium
To build on an already strong science, technology and innovation community, Canada needs an open and collaborative research environment with international partnerships. That's why Canada has always been committed to working with like-minded partners to bring its research and innovation ecosystem to the next level.
Today, the Honourable François‑Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, alongside Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, announced that Canada will be entering into formal negotiations for closer collaboration under Horizon Europe, the world's largest science, research and innovation collaboration program. Horizon Europe is the European Commission's latest research and innovation framework program, running from 2021 to 2027 with a focus on evidence-based solutions to global challenges.
Association with Horizon Europe would mean new opportunities for international collaborations for a broad range of Canadian academics and research and innovation players.
The European Commission approached Canada with an offer of associate membership, recognizing its strength as a liberal democracy with a strong science base. This membership would grant fuller access to the program as well as leadership opportunities to Canadian participants, and allow for Canada to take part in the decision-making processes of the program.
Negotiations between Canada and the European Commission are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
