Shaping the next European research and innovation framework

As the next Horizon Europe programme (2028–2034) takes shape, a key question emerges: how can Europe better connect technological advances with the social, economic and political realities that shape their impact? The budget of the forthcoming programme is expected to grow significantly in scale and ambition, with a strong push to harness cutting-edge technologies, from quantum computing and next-generation AI to cleaner, smarter mobility, in support of the green and digital transitions. To deliver these goals, Europe will need to ensure that social sciences and humanities (SSH) play a central role alongside science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The recent evaluation of Horizon Europe confirms the value of the EU’s investment in research and innovation. At the same time, it underscores a persistent gap: scientific excellence alone cannot address the societal consequences of disruptive technologies, nor the geopolitical and environmental pressures reshaping Europe’s future. More integrated approaches are required, bringing together diverse disciplines and perspectives to co-design solutions with real-world impact.

Ensuring that Europe’s next framework programme captures this full spectrum of knowledge will be essential. It requires researchers, policymakers, businesses, and citizens to work together from the outset, not only to generate discoveries but to translate them into policies and innovations that respond to societal needs, support the energy and digital transitions, and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.

This debate examined how the next research and innovation framework can fully integrate SSH to shape research priorities and innovation pathways.

This is the final event of the SSH CENTRE (Social Sciences and Humanities for Climate, Energy and Transport Research Excellence) project. This project has engaged directly with stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, business representatives as well as civil society and citizens to strengthen social innovation, SSH-STEM collaboration, transdisciplinary policy advice, inclusive engagement, and SSH communities across Europe, accelerating the EU’s transition to carbon neutrality.

This event is part of the Shared Green Societies forum. Should you wish to know more about this forum or register, please visit the organisers’ website here.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock | Copyright Bilanol