Horizon 2020: the Brussels Region’s statistical report

Since the start of the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (R&I) in January 2014, civil society and many Brussels-based universities, research centres, public interest organisations, local authorities, SMEs and large companies have taken part in Horizon 2020 and have had an impact in a wide range of fields.

The NPC Brussels team, well-anchored in Brussels’ ecosystem and closely connected to the EEN company network, has made a significant contribution to Brussels’ performance in the European Horizon 2020 programme. How?

• by carrying out targeted prospecting
• by providing ongoing assistance to project leaders
• by organising conferences and seminars
• by taking part in international NCP projects and networks
• by defending the positions of Brussels and of Belgium in European policy and programmes.

Horizon 2020: the Brussels Region’s statistical report

The Brussels-Capital Region describes the results obtained since the start of the programme in 2014 in its 5th Statistical Report on participation in the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

A few key figures:

• 1,745 projects funded, for 615 Brussels beneficiaries (= 45% of Belgian beneficiaries)
• 890 million in funding obtained, corresponding to 38% of the amount granted to Belgium – the BCR has accounted for 14% of Belgium’s gross R&D spending
• 20% of Brussels R&I projects were selected (compared to 17% for Belgium and 12% for all programme participants)
• Brussels projects received an average of €370,000 in financing (the Belgian average is €413,445).
• Subsidies H2020/1,000 inhabitant: 736,349 € in RBC (202,393 € in Belgium and 91,163 € in the EU)
• Amount of funding allocated to CBR as a percentage of gross domestic spending on R&D: 53%
• Number of private sector bids (SMEs and GEs) per 10,000 inhabitants: 20 in RBC (8 in Belgium and 5 in the EU4)

Of note in the report is the fact that the success rate of Brussels-based projects (20%) is well above the programme average (12%): Belgium’s capital is demonstrating greater creativity every year and is becoming a major player in European research and innovation.