Switzerland and the EU continue research partnership through Horizon 2020
Despite its non-EU status Switzerland will continue to participate in Horizon 2020, the EU's research framework programme. Following approval from the National Council, Switzerland’s Council of States agreed to the country taking part in the programme from 2014 to 2020. Participation in the programme provides important benefits to both parties.
For Switzerland it solidifies its position as a centre of research in international networks. Grants and scholarships offered by the programme are also important for the country's academic institutions, particularly science and technology university ETH Zurich. For the EU, Switzerland brings a world-renowned research pedigree to the table. Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann said: “The international networking opportunities and the competition with other countries strengthen our research. In this regard, our researchers need to have the will to compete with the best in the world in their disciplines and to be able to do so”.
In the coming years the Horizon 2020 programme will place a particular emphasis on enhancing the innovation capacity of companies. It will also push for new scientific discoveries in information technology, and develop solutions to social problems in the areas of health, food security, demographic change, and the environment.
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