Horizon Europe Action Plan

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has launched a strengthened Horizon Europe Action Plan, with a renewed focus on boosting the participation of Irish SMEs in Europe’s €95.5 billion research and innovation programme.

The Action Plan sets out targeted measures to build on Ireland’s strong performance in Horizon Europe to date, following the achievement of a significant national milestone of €1 billion secured in funding, with two years remaining in the programme. The updated plan also prepares the national research and innovation system for the next Horizon Europe Framework Programme, covering 2028–2034, ensuring that Irish businesses, start‑ups and researchers are strategically positioned to compete.

Ireland’s higher education institutions have performed strongly in Horizon Europe, and the Minister said their success demonstrates the scale of opportunity available. He noted that there is now significant potential for Irish SMEs to achieve similar results.

With 90% of Irish businesses classified as SMEs, Minister Lawless said it is important that

“Ireland’s enterprise base, especially small and medium businesses, have the awareness, support and pathways to fully benefit from Horizon Europe.”

Four strategic priorities

The Plan was developed with key research and innovation partners in the Horizon Europe Focus Group including National Support Network members and Higher Education representatives. Actions will focus on four core priorities.

• Further develop higher education institution engagement, through tailored institutional supports, stronger post-award assistance and enhanced alignment with research priorities
• Enhancing SME participation and performance, with targeted engagement, improved visibility of financial supports and stronger links between SMEs, HEIs and research centres
• Encouraging more Irish-led coordination roles, by reducing administrative burdens, expanding mentoring and training, and strengthening incentives
• Attracting and supporting newcomers, including early-career researchers and first-time applicants, through mentoring, champions networks and improved career sustainability supports.
• Together, these actions will broaden Ireland’s participation across the research and innovation landscape, strengthen leadership roles within EU funded projects, and increase overall drawdown.

Minister Lawless said:

"Ireland has already secured €1 billion in Horizon Europe funding, with two years still remaining in the programme. This Action Plan will support both our higher education institutions and our small and medium‑sized enterprises to strengthen their participation, enhance performance and maximise the impact of EU research and innovation funding."

"The next phase of our national effort must see SME participation grow significantly. It is essential that Ireland’s enterprise base, particularly small and medium businesses, have the awareness, support and clear pathways to fully benefit from Horizon Europe. Equally, our higher education institutions play a vital role in driving excellence, collaboration and innovation. This Action Plan commits to strengthening both, ensuring that Ireland’s research and enterprise communities succeed together."