Horizon Europe: Cluster 2

Activities are expected to support the re-invigoration and modernisation of democratic governance through the development of innovation, policies and institutions that expand political participation, social dialogue, civic engagement and gender equality as well as disability inclusiveness. Activities will also enhance transparency, the effectiveness of public policy-making, accountability and legitimacy and are intended to improve trust in democratic institutions, safeguard liberties and the rule of law, and protect democracy from multidimensional threats.

Expected impacts 

• Improved accountability, transparency and effectiveness of democratic institutions; the safeguarding of fundamental rights and the rule of law; and addressing multidimensional threats.
• Trust in democracy is restored through the expansion of active and inclusive citizenship.

Activities are focused on promoting the European way of life, achieving the Green Deal goals and supporting an economy that works for the people. They will also contribute to realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to a more crisis resilient society and economy by taking into account experiences, challenges and lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls are oriented towards interdisciplinary research on cultural heritage. They will aim at protecting historical sites and monuments, artefacts, heritage sites, cultural landscapes, museums, languages, customs, traditions and values. They will help restore and preserve monuments and artefacts with green technologies and protect tangible and intangible heritage from natural hazards and man-made disasters. Research in old and new forms of cultural and artistic expression will promote intercultural cooperation, engage citizens and young people and valorise traditional skills and the reuse of existing assets. 

Expected impacts 

• Better protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as arts is achieved through inclusive policies, innovative methodologies and citizens’ participation.
• The full potential of cultural and creative sectors as a driver of innovation is realised through stronger links with other sectors as well as improving value, access to, protection and sustainability of cultural heritage.

Research activities will contribute to strategies for inclusive growth, ensuring no one is left behind, including through the accumulation and preservation of human capital in the face of old and new risks. It will boost social and economic resilience essential in situations of crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Activities will support the governance of migration and the integration of migrants and populations of immigrant background. The knowledge generated through these calls will inform the design of policy strategies and will facilitate the assessment of policy needs and outcomes around societal and economic transformation.
 

Expected impacts 

• Inclusive growth is boosted through evidence based policies for enhancing employment, education, social agenda and tackling inequalities
• Social and economic sustainability are strengthened through a better understanding of the social, ethical, political and economic impacts of drivers of change (technology, globalisation, demographics, mobility and migration).