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Much-hyped programme has fallen short on all fronts, says Christian Ehler
It’s time for a frank conversation about the future of Horizon Europe’s missions, a suite of large-scale projects with goals related to health and the environment, set with deadlines for 2030. And it should start with breaking away from the Brussels tradition of always claiming success because, frankly, the missions have fallen well short of expectations.
In a July communication reflecting on the programme’s first two years, the Commission patted itself on the back, calling the missions “timely and inspirational initiatives” that had “demonstrated a clear potential to accelerate change”. The programme’s budget increased, to more than €3 billion over 2024-27.
Instead of sparking inspiration, however, the missions have so far concerned themselves mainly with setting up complex governance systems that prescribe solutions that have little to do with research.
It does not have to be like this. In creating a New European Bauhaus mission, we can bring the missions back to their core by funding open calls for bottom-up research solutions.
When, in 2016, then research commissioner Carlos Moedas launched the debate on a mission-oriented approach for the next Framework Programme, the aims included promoting cross-sectoral collaboration and building a compelling narrative around R&I investments. They have fallen short on both fronts. Bold inspiration is lacking and complicated management structures have left even seasoned researchers baffled.
The Commission’s interpretation of missions has been misguided. The programme has broken down some public administration silos, but that’s not what it’s for. Missions were supposed to develop unexpected solutions by creating space and incentives for new forms of collaboration between science, industry and civil society.
Administrative cooperation alone won’t cut it. Mission-oriented R&D needs visionary political leaders to articulate bold goals. The model should be the European Research Council: everything it does is geared to enable the best proposals in a bottom-up approach.
Political commitment lacking
On funding, the missions have failed in their original ambition to attract support from multiple sources, as the Commission acknowledges. This underlines the lack of broad political commitment to their objectives. For missions to have real impact, other directorates general (DGs) within the European Commission beyond R&D, and other actors in the public and private sectors, need to invest in their objectives. A lack of such commitment has left Horizon Europe carrying an excessive financial burden.
Most crippling is the Commission’s approach to implementation, which, shaped by pressure from member states, stifles inspiration and creativity with micromanaged planning. For example, the implementation plan for the mission to create 100 climate-neutral and smart cities sets out 10 solutions that leave no space for new and creative initiatives. Inspiration is lacking, and the research agenda is weak.
The Commission’s focus on strong governance is misplaced. Missions need less bureaucracy and more inspiration, less cross-DG governance and more interdisciplinary programming—the opposite of business as usual.
The New European Bauhaus is a chance to do things differently. This is an initiative of Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to spark a collective effort to bring inclusive design into the green transition, built around the values of aesthetics, inclusion and sustainability. Over the past few years, a bottom-up community has coalesced around these ideas; several DGs of the Commission are already involved. There is a strong foundation to build on, including a community of practice, political leadership, and buy-in from other DGs.
What is needed now is a bold objective that leverages research. This should then be implemented not through an all-encompassing plan, but with open, broad calls that invite new, creative and interdisciplinary projects.
Radically different approach
For the missions, it is time for bold political action, not more of the same. First, we must admit that the current approach is not working as intended. Second, reduce Horizon Europe funding for existing missions and seek other sources. If a mission can’t attract outside support, it’s time to acknowledge its failure. Third, we must launch the Bauhaus mission with a radically different approach to implementation.
If MEPs, member states and the Commission are willing to make these tough choices, we can give missions a second chance. Continuing down the current path should not be an option; let’s seize this chance to redefine missions, ensuring they deliver real benefits to citizens and the world.
Christian Ehler is a German MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
This article also appeared in Research Europe