EICBI Calls for Greater SME Participation and Stronger EU–India Research Cooperation Under Horizon Europe 2028–2034
The Europe India Centre for Business & Industry (EICBI) has contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on European Partnerships under Horizon Europe 2028–2034, the EU’s future research and innovation programme. It calls for better participation opportunities for SMEs, start-ups and research organisations, stronger links between research and business, and practical routes for EU–India cooperation in research and industry.
EICBI recommends continuing Joint Undertakings where they deliver clear benefits and ensuring that European Partnerships have clear goals, transparent decision-making, measurable results and proper accountability. It also calls for simpler participation guidelines and fewer administrative hurdles to help SMEs, start-ups, research organisations and emerging technology companies participate in relevant research and innovation projects.
Connecting Research with Industry and Markets
A key focus of EICBI’s submission is the need to strengthen the transition from research and technological development to industrial deployment and market adoption.
It recommends clearer pathways to help research projects reach industrial production and the market, alongside better coordination between EU funding programmes. Success, it argues, should be measured not only through research papers and findings, but also through private investment attracted, technology adoption, industrial use and wider economic and societal benefits.
The submission also refers to the European Commission’s 2024 Biennial Monitoring Report, which recorded €24.9 billion in EU funding for European Partnerships and almost €40 billion in additional investment from partners. According to EICBI, these figures highlight the potential of partnership instruments to mobilise investment beyond the EU budget.
Strengthening EU–India Research and Industrial Cooperation
EICBI sees opportunities to connect Europe’s research strengths with India’s industrial capabilities, manufacturing capacity and growing innovation ecosystem. It encourages the Commission to explore practical cooperation between European and Indian companies, research organisations and technology institutions under the future European Partnership framework.
Potential areas include clean technologies, batteries, hydrogen, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotechnology, sustainable mobility, healthcare innovation and the circular economy.
EICBI also calls for clearer guidance on when Indian organisations can participate in partnership activities, join research consortia and access funding under applicable rules. Where direct EU funding is unavailable or restricted, it suggests exploring complementary funding arrangements and coordinated calls between European and Indian funding bodies.
To support commercial collaboration, EICBI recommends closer cooperation on technology testing, industrial pilot projects, technology licensing and joint product development. Clear rules on intellectual property, confidentiality, data access and the commercial use of research results would help participating organisations understand their rights and responsibilities.
The submission states that international cooperation should support Europe’s strategic priorities while protecting research, intellectual property and funding rules. With clear goals, complementary expertise and appropriate safeguards, such partnerships can also support European competitiveness.
Improving Transparency and Coordination Across European Partnerships
EICBI calls for consistent and proportionate governance across European Partnerships, including clear responsibilities, transparent selection and evaluation, measurable indicators, regular performance reviews and safeguards for public resources.
The organisation also calls for better coordination between European Partnerships, Horizon Europe calls and other EU programmes to avoid duplication. It also recommends setting priorities based on market and societal needs, new technologies, industrial capabilities and the potential to bring clear benefits to Europe.
Overall, EICBI calls for European Partnerships that improve access for businesses and research organisations, help bring research to market, and support practical cooperation between European and Indian innovation ecosystems.
The Europe India Centre for Business & Industry (EICBI) is an international platform promoting cooperation between Europe and India across business, industry, investment, research and public policy. It engages with policymakers, parliamentarians, businesses, industry associations, researchers and emerging leaders to strengthen institutional and commercial ties between the two regions.
EICBI’s contribution to the Horizon Europe 2028–2034 consultation reflects its focus on accessible research partnerships, stronger industry links and practical cooperation between European and Indian innovation ecosystems.
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