Gosinformnauki presents EU program "Horizon 2020"

On Jan. 16, 2014 the State Agency for Science, Innovation and Informatization (Gosinformnauki) of Ukraine hosted a presentation of the EU program "Horizon 2020." The program focuses on supporting research and innovation in all spheres of public life and will be implemented from 2014 to 2020. According to experts, "Horizon 2020" is the world's largest initiative which is funding research and development at the state level, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reports.

The official opening of the "Horizon 2020" took place on Jan. 1, 2014. This is a new program of the European Union in the field of research and innovation. Among the main priorities of the program is support for basic research, improvement of the production competitiveness, development of information and computer technologies (ICT), nanotechnology, new materials science, biotechnology and space. "Horizon 2020" will also search for answers to the most pressing social challenges in the health sector, ecology and demography. An important emphasis in the program will be on attraction of innovations to the market, including public sector. This will allow to better use of the potential of scientific infrastructure and to establish advanced technical standards in Ukraine.

Experts note that the program will improve performance of research and innovation activities in the joint research space in Europe and will be a key tool for the creation of the Innovation Union. "Horizon" will bring together all existing EU programs that fund research and innovation, including the "Framework Program of Competitiveness and Innovation" and programs of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.