As the EU is aiming to pursue wellbeing and sustainable development beyond its borders, the EU’s Framework Programmes (FPs) aim to address global challenges and develop solutions that can be applied worldwide. Yet research and innovation (R&I) programmes remain underutilised as instruments for international cooperation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This CEPS report examines the funding patterns, participation mechanisms and effectiveness of LMIC engagement to evaluate how far the EU has involved LMICs through its R&I FPs, Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. While both programmes have allowed LMICs to participate and receive funding, their involvement has remained limited. The EU has contributed EUR 304 million (Horizon 2020) and EUR 335 million (Horizon Europe) to LMICs institutions – however, allocation remains unequal, as African countries dominate the total and per-capita quotas.
The EU must rethink its approach to R&I cooperation with LMICs towards inclusive, impact-driven collaboration that also benefits EU domestic policy goals, such as competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Maintaining the momentum on increasing LMICs engagement with EU FPs requires identifying a compelling narrative addressing both national research interests and EU foreign policy objectives.
