Japan officially associates to Horizon Europe: New opportunities for international research and innovation projects

Japan is now officially associated to Horizon Europe, the European Union's framework programme for research and innovation. As one of the world's leading research and innovation nations, Japan will now participate in the programme's largest collaborative funding pillar on equal terms with EU Member States and other associated countries. The association creates new opportunities for universities, research organisations, companies and other stakeholders across Europe – including Bavaria – to strengthen international research and innovation partnerships.

Europe strengthens cooperation with a global innovation leader

With a population of approximately 123 million, Japan is the largest country associated to Horizon Europe. It is internationally recognised for its excellence in robotics, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, advanced materials, hydrogen technologies, health research and industrial innovation.

Japan's association represents another milestone in the strategic partnership between the European Union and Japan. It reflects a shared commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and open, rules-based international research and innovation cooperation.

Pillar II opens new opportunities for collaborative research

Japan's association covers Pillar II – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, the largest part of Horizon Europe with a budget of €52.4 billion. Pillar II supports collaborative research and innovation projects in which universities, research organisations, companies, public authorities and other stakeholders work together to address major societal and technological challenges.

The programme funds projects across a broad range of thematic areas, including:

• Health
• Climate, Energy and Mobility
• Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence
• Industry and key enabling technologies
• Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
• Civil Security and resilient societies

Japanese organisations can now participate in these collaborative projects under the same conditions as organisations from EU Member States and other associated countries. They are eligible to join and coordinate international consortia and receive EU funding. Japan will also contribute financially to Horizon Europe, supporting the participation of Japanese entities in the programme.

In addition, Japanese organisations remain eligible for those parts of Horizon Europe that are open to third countries, including Excellent Science, Innovative Europe, and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

A strategic partnership in an increasingly competitive global landscape

Japan's association forms part of the EU's broader strategy to deepen research and innovation cooperation with leading global partners. At a time of increasing geopolitical competition and growing investment in critical technologies worldwide, the European Union is strengthening collaboration with countries that combine scientific excellence with shared democratic values and a commitment to open international cooperation.

Following recent progress in research and innovation cooperation with India, Japan's association further expands Horizon Europe's global network and reinforces Europe's long-term competitiveness in strategic technologies.

Further information can be found on the European Commission’s website.

New opportunities for Bavarian applicants

For universities, research organisations, companies and start-ups in Bavaria, Japan's association creates additional opportunities to integrate world-class Japanese partners into Horizon Europe projects. Japan offers internationally recognised expertise in areas such as robotics, semiconductors, quantum technologies, advanced materials, hydrogen technologies and artificial intelligence.

Cooperation with Japanese partners can strengthen the scientific excellence of project consortia, provide access to complementary expertise and technologies, and enhance the competitiveness of Horizon Europe proposals. It also creates new opportunities for long-term research and innovation partnerships between Bavaria, Europe and Japan.

BayFOR supports international Horizon Europe collaborations

International cooperation is a key success factor for Horizon Europe. The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) supports universities, research organisations, companies and other stakeholders in Bavaria in building international consortia, identifying suitable project partners and preparing competitive proposals within the framework of European research and innovation funding.

Are you interested in a Horizon Europe project with Japan? If so, please contact our experts in the relevant specialist areas!