Global Collaboration in Question After Australia Ends Horizon Europe Talks

Horizon Europe: Australia’s Decision Raises Concerns for Innovation and Partnerships

The Australian government’s decision to forgo association with the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation funding program has drawn significant criticism from leading research and business groups. According to Research Professional News, this decision, made approximately a year ago, was communicated to the European Commission but was not publicly disclosed by either side at the time. This move has sparked widespread disappointment, with stakeholders urging the government to reconsider its stance. In October, a coalition of prominent organizations, including the Group of Eight research-intensive universities, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Industry Group, and the European Australian Business Council, addressed a joint letter to Industry Minister Ed Husic. The letter expressed concerns that Australia was missing out on participating in what they described as "arguably the world’s most significant research and innovation funding programme."

In mid-2023, Australian government officials informed the European Commission of their decision to halt association talks for Horizon Europe, which had been ongoing since 2021. Although the government did not confirm the precise reasoning, it is believed that concerns over the financial burden of contributing to funded projects influenced this decision. Horizon Europe, with a budget of €93.5 billion (A$150bn), offers non-EU countries access to funding and leadership roles in collaborative projects in exchange for financial contributions. Meanwhile, New Zealand, which began negotiations around the same time as Australia, successfully gained association and has already started receiving funding.

Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Group of Eight, noted that the four organizations had written to Minister Husic in hopes of reviving discussions about Horizon Europe. She highlighted that, given Australia’s recent policy developments, such as the Aukus agreement and heightened national security concerns, pursuing partnerships with “like-minded” countries was essential. Thomson argued that joining Horizon Europe would provide advantages beyond funding, including global collaborations and business opportunities. She also voiced concerns over potential diplomatic repercussions from ending the talks, particularly since the European Commission had shown a strong interest in involving Australia. However, Husic has yet to respond, and his office has refrained from commenting.

Currently in Europe for trade talks with the European Commission, Thomson, who also serves as deputy chair of the European Australian Business Council, affirmed her commitment to advocating for Australia’s association with Horizon Europe. While the full letter sent to Minister Husic has not been made public, a Group of Eight submission in October warned that Australia was "very close to missing the opportunity" to engage with Europe as a third-country associate under Horizon Europe, urging the government to reconsider its position. Adding to the criticism, Chennupati Jagadish, president of the Australian Academy of Science, described the decision not to join Horizon Europe as a "missed opportunity" for Australia. A European Commission official confirmed receipt of the Australian government’s letter and reiterated that the EU remains open to further discussions. The official emphasised that Australia is a key partner in research and innovation and announced an upcoming meeting in April to explore shared values, collaboration, and future R&I cooperation.

Over the past three decades, more than 900 Australian entities have participated in 755 EU-funded projects worth over €36 million, fostering productive collaborations in sectors such as health, food, energy, and space. The European Commission also confirmed ongoing negotiations with other countries, including Switzerland, Japan, and Singapore, and highlighted the "very positive" outcomes of New Zealand’s association with Horizon Europe. The Australian government’s decision not to join Horizon Europe has raised concerns over missed opportunities for funding, collaboration, and global partnerships, with calls growing louder for a reconsideration of this stance.

Editor's Note:

The Australian government's decision to forgo joining the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation funding program has sparked significant controversy within Australia’s research and business communities. Despite the European Commission’s willingness to engage in discussions, the government’s decision to end talks over financial concerns raises critical questions about the country’s global research standing and future collaborations.  Leading institutions, such as the Group of Eight universities and the Australian Academy of Science, have expressed disappointment, arguing that Australia is missing out on invaluable opportunities for international partnerships, research funding, and business growth. With ongoing global collaborations through Horizon Europe already proving beneficial for other countries like New Zealand, the debate over Australia’s exclusion remains intense. The question of whether the government will reconsider its position is still unanswered, but the issue continues to gain traction, with mounting calls for a reassessment of the country's research policy.

Skoobuzz emphasises that it is crucial for the government to reconsider its stance and work towards a more inclusive, forward-thinking policy that fosters innovation, international partnerships, and growth for Australian industries.