As of July 2025, the Republic of Korea has officially become associated with Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest research and innovation programme. It is the first Asian country to participate on an equal footing with EU Member States.
Geplaatst op 24 juli 2025
New collaboration opportunities for Dutch Smart Mobility innovators
With this association, Korean researchers and organisations can not only participate but also lead Horizon Europe projects, including large-scale collaborations under Pillar II, which focuses on global challenges such as climate, digitalisation, energy, health, and mobility. The republic of Korea (South Korea) will also contribute financially to the programme.
What does this mean for Dutch organisations and consortia?
For Dutch (and all European) knowledge institutions, businesses, and consortia, this association offers:
- Easier collaboration with Korean partners, without complex third-country arrangements.
- Stronger international consortia, as Korean organisations can coordinate projects and receive funding.
- Higher chances of successful proposals, with Horizon Europe promoting global partnerships with strong innovation actors.
- Access to Korean technologies and markets, especially in smart mobility, digitalisation, healthtech, and cleantech.
- Support for strategic Dutch goals towards 2030, through joint R&D and innovation projects with Korea’s advanced innovation ecosystem.
According to the European Commission, this association also strengthens geopolitical cooperation with like-minded countries, accelerating joint solutions to global challenges.
Sources
European Commission press release, “Republic of Korea joins Horizon Europe programme to bring together leading European and Korean minds”, published 17 July 2025: Republic of Korea joins Horizon Europe programme to bring together leading European and Korean minds