Unlocking Collaborative Potential: Korea and horizon Europe

South Korea has achieved associate membership in Horizon Europe[[2]],the EU’s flagship research and innovation program. This pivotal advancement grants Korean researchers unprecedented access to a vast network and significant funding opportunities.With a budget of €95.5 billion (in 2021 prices) for the period 2021-2027 [[3]], Horizon europe represents a substantial commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development [[1]].

Specifically,Korea’s participation focuses on “Pillar 2,” a key component of Horizon Europe dedicated to tackling global issues and enhancing industrial competitiveness. Pillar 2 encompasses critical areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, space exploration, energy, and mobility. This association allows Korean researchers to compete and participate in research projects on equal footing with EU member states, marking a significant departure from previous collaborations.

The Strategic Imperative: Why European Science and Technology Cooperation Matters

While the United States remains a dominant force in research, Europe’s contributions to science and technology are undeniable. Consider these points:

• Scientific Influence: European researchers are responsible for a substantial portion of influential scientific papers worldwide, accounting for approximately 32% of the total.
• Innovation Leadership: Europe holds a significant share of global patents, representing around 27% of all patents filed.
• Nobel Laureates: From 2015 to 2024,numerous Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics have been awarded to individuals with European nationality or affiliations.

Active engagement in international joint research through Horizon Europe is poised to propel Korea’s science and technology sectors forward, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

Diplomatic Diversification: Europe as a Counterbalance

in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, particularly with potential shifts in US foreign policy, diversifying international partnerships is crucial for South Korea. Europe offers a valuable diplomatic counterbalance, mitigating risks associated with over-reliance on any single nation.

Concerns regarding potential constraints on advanced fields such as nuclear energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology underscore the need for strategic diversification. Strengthening ties with Europe through initiatives like Horizon Europe provides a crucial avenue for risk mitigation and ensures continued access to cutting-edge research and development opportunities.

As the Trump government’s American priority policy can continue unstable situation, it is necessary to distribute risks through cooperation networks with Europe.

Revitalizing Domestic R&D: Adopting European Best Practices

Korea’s association with Horizon Europe presents an possibility to refine and enhance its domestic research and development (R&D) system. A key advantage is the direct funding mechanism for researchers participating in Pillar 2 projects. Unlike previous arrangements, funding will be disbursed directly from the horizon Europe budget, bypassing the domestic selection and evaluation process.

By aligning with EU policies and regulations for research planning, management, and evaluation, Korea can gain valuable insights and potentially adopt best practices from the European system. This process of adaptation is expected to stimulate a critical review of the domestic R&D landscape and facilitate the integration of beneficial European methodologies.

Seizing the Opportunity: A Call for Government Support

The potential benefits of Korea’s participation in Horizon Europe are substantial. To fully capitalize on this opportunity, the government must establish robust support systems that empower researchers to actively engage with the program. This includes providing resources, guidance, and infrastructure to facilitate successful participation and maximize the impact of collaborative research endeavors.