Two NHH researchers to contribute to an EU programme

Alexander W. Cappelen and Aksel Mjøs are among the members of the reference groups for the EU's new research and innovation programme Horizon Europe.
Alexander W. Cappelen and Aksel Mjøs are among the members of the reference groups for the EU's new research and innovation programme Horizon Europe.
NHH By Ingrid Aarseth Johannessen

28 August 2020 11:09

Two NHH researchers to contribute to an EU programme

Alexander W. Cappelen and Aksel Mjøs are among the members of the reference groups for the EU's new research and innovation programme Horizon Europe.

There was a lot of interest when the Research Council of Norway and Innovation Norway invited proposals for participants. Of the close to 1,400 people who expressed interest, they selected 222 members to participate in the reference groups, according to a press release by the Research Council.

A total of ten groups will provide input related to Norwegian priorities, strategic processes and the follow-up of Horizon Europe, which is the EU's next seven-year framework programme. This is the world’s biggest funding programme for research and innovation, which will start in 2021 with a budget of close to NOK 1,000 billion.

‘BUSINESS POLICY ON STEROIDS’

Professor Alexander W. Cappelen is part of a reference group for culture, creativity and inclusive society, while associate professor Aksel Mjøs is part of the national reference groups for the European Innovation Council (EIC) and ecosystem for innovation.

‘Providing input to the world’s largest research programme is an exciting and challenging task. I also hope to be able to ensure NHH receive better information about calls for proposals and initiatives in Horizon Europe,’ says Cappelen.

Mjøs says he hopes to be able to provide both relevant financial expertise from research and practice, but also from an understanding of the challenges related to the supply of capital for innovative growth companies.

‘The European Innovation Council is the EU Commission’s – and Norway’s – most ambitious programme for funding and developing new growth companies that create, change and expand markets. It is a very ambitious and large-scale programme in terms of how and how much they support the companies they invest in. This is business policy on steroids and a huge experiment, which is very exciting to be involved in,’ says Mjøs.

HORIZON EUROPE

  • Horizon Europe is the EU’s ninth framework programme for research and innovation. Starts 1 January 2021.
  • The Norwegian reference groups will ensure that national strategies, competitive arenas and calls for proposals are well connected. They will also contribute to Norwegian actors receiving better information about calls for proposals and initiatives in Horizon Europe.
  • The members are elected for two years with the possibility for re-election.