Horisonttiohjelma

Horisonttiohjelma is the Finnish term for the European Union's Horizon program, the umbrella funding mechanism for research and innovation in the 2021–2027 period. It follows Horizon 2020 and aims to strengthen scientific excellence, address societal challenges, and foster innovation across Europe and beyond.

The program is organized into three pillars: Excellent Science (supporting basic research and researchers through funding lines such as the European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and Research Infrastructures), Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness (funding research and innovation to tackle societal challenges and enhance European competitiveness), and Open Innovation (grouping industry, public-private partnerships, and tools for accelerating innovation through the European Innovation Council). It also emphasizes missions, partnerships, and widening participation.

The total budget is around 95.5 billion euros for 2021–2027, with funding awarded through competitive calls and grant agreements. Participation is open to EU member states and associated countries, and cooperation with international partners is encouraged. In Finland, the national coordination is led through the Academy of Finland and Business Finland, supported by National Contact Points that help researchers form consortia, navigate proposals, and align to national priorities.

The program aims to boost scientific excellence, foster research collaboration, stimulate market-creating innovation, and help address climate, health, digital, and other societal challenges. Results include scientific publications, new technologies, startups, and strengthened research environments. Critics point to administrative complexity and the need for clear pathways for smaller institutions.