SOCIETAL CHALLENGES AT HORIZON 2020

Abstract

This note aims to contribute to the debate about the relationship between technology, innovation and societal challenges (SCs). It analyzes how research and innovation (R&I) is related to societal needs in the European Community. In order to do so, this note reviews the SCs, pillar 3 of Horizon 2020 (H2020), the largest European R&I support program. Based on SC programs and projects, it analyzes which problems of European society are actually being prioritized by R&I funding, and how their challenges are defined and supported.