Pillar IV: Upgrading the EU’s independent knowledge on China's Science, Technology and Innovation system

This grant aims to support the creation of new knowledge and strengthen expertise and networks in the EU on China’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) system. It seeks to bolster the EU’s independent analysis of contemporary China, improving the understanding and monitoring of China's STI system to develop strategic foresight and evidence-based policies. Funded projects will develop innovative interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies for assessing China's advancements in critical technology areas, foster collaboration between EU and technical experts, especially involving young EU researchers, and build a connected network of experts. The expected duration for projects is up to 3 years.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	8 Dec 2026
End date	11 Mar 2027
Max funding	Up to 3,000,000 EUR per project (lump sum)
Budget	3,000,000 EUR for this topic
Coverage	Funding takes the form of a lump sum as defined in the Horizon Europe Programme rules.

Grant application conditions

Admissibility Conditions	Proposal page limit and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form in the Submission System.
Eligible Countries	EU Member States Associated Countries: Norway and Iceland
Control Restriction	Entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by an entity based in a non-eligible country may not participate.
Financial and Operational Capacity	Described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Project Duration	Up to 3 years, longer if justified.
Consortium Requirements	Projects should bring together think-tanks, universities, research organisations, and expert networks based in eligible countries.
Young Researcher Involvement	Particular attention should be paid to actively involving young EU researchers in project activities.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-05-ERA-05

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements