Shaping the next European research and innovation framework

As the next Horizon Europe programme (2028–2034) is taking shape, it is essential to ensure that social sciences and humanities (SSH) play a central role alongside science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The future framework will potentially double in size and focus on how the most consequential technologies of our time (e.g. quantum computing, next-generation AI, and clean and automated transport) can contribute to the green and digital transformations currently accelerating across the continent. However, to meet Europe’s societal challenges, research on people and societies must be connected with the more traditionally STEM-oriented policy agendas.

The latest evaluation report on Horizon Europe underlines that Europe has benefited greatly from its framework programme on research and innovation (R&I). Figures point at one euro of costs generating up to six euros in benefits for EU citizens, and the programme’s benefit to European competitiveness is undeniable. Moreover, the report makes a critical recommendation: scientific research and innovation alone are not enough to solve our current challenges of disruptive technologies, the green transition, and the resurgence of global power politics. Instead, effective solutions require strong transdisciplinarity and collaboration across actors and fields. For this reason, the report stresses that SSH must be accorded a more central role, both in research and in the development and implementation of solutions, and that not enough has been done to determine how collaboration across SSH and STEM fields can strengthen research and innovation policymaking.

Engaging a diverse set of actors, and especially engaging with citizens, is essential in addressing complex and interconnected challenges such as the ongoing climate crisis and clean energy transition. Actions focused on stakeholder engagement and collaboration across STEM and SSH disciplines can enable a true process of ‘knowledge valorisation’, where interconnected knowledge turns data, know-how, and research results directly into social and economic value.

This event will focus on how the next European research and innovation framework can ensure that SSH are not sidelined, but fully integrated, shaping research priorities and innovation pathways in a holistic way. The debate will explore how to connect technological progress with human and societal understanding.

This event is the final conference 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 will be part of a full-day conference in coordination with the Launch event of the Shared Green Societies forum. The full agenda and registration form for the first part of the day is available on the launch event webpage.

Related content:

• Event | The outlook for energy in a fragmented global landscape
• Event report | Climate and Energy Summit 2025
• Initiative | SSH CENTRE (Social Sciences and Humanities for Climate, Energy and Transport Research Excellence)

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PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock | Copyright Bilanol