South Korea joins Horizon Europe to strengthen global research cooperation

South Korea is set to become part of the Horizon Europe program, the European Union’s flagship initiative for research and innovation

The announcement followed successful negotiations between Secretary-General for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Affairs Iliana Ivanova and South Korean Minister of Science, Technology and Information and Communication Technology Lee Jong-ho.

This association agreement is an important milestone in promoting mutual cooperation in research and innovation between Korea and the EU.

Program Pillar II

The association will facilitate South Korea’s participation in Horizon Europe from 2025 onwards and enable South Korean researchers and organizations to access funding under the second pillar of the program.

The second pillar focuses on addressing common global challenges such as climate change, energy sustainability, the digital economy and healthcare, with a hefty budget of €53.5 billion. With the participation of South Korea, the Horizon Europe program has gained a valuable partner known for its technological and innovative capabilities.

association agreement

The decision to partner with Horizon Europe reflects the EU’s evolving approach to international research and innovation cooperation. Horizon Europe has traditionally been delivered to neighboring countries, but we will expand our distance to like-minded partners with strong science, innovation and technology profiles, regardless of geographic proximity.

The association agreement builds on the long-standing cooperation between the EU and South Korea in research and innovation pursuant to the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement established in 2007.

This partnership is overseen by the Joint Committee on Scientific and Technical Cooperation, ensuring effective cooperation and mutual benefit.

South Korea’s interest in joining Horizon Europe is based on South Korea’s commitment to advance global scientific efforts, as indicated in the letter of intent submitted at the 7th Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee in 2022. Shows commitment.

Horizon Europe is increasing its distance.

Horizon Europe represents the EU’s largest research and innovation initiative, with a budget of €95.5 billion from 2021 to 2027. The program is open to participants from all over the world, welcomes contributions from relevant countries, and provides equal opportunities for companies to participate in joint projects and access funding on par with EU member states. Masu.

The partnership between South Korea and Horizon Europe represents a strategic collaboration to advance excellence, accelerate scientific progress, foster innovation ecosystems, and foster global openness.

This cooperation will not only strengthen the relationship between South Korea and the EU, but also help strengthen international cooperation.