On December 20, the Federal Council announced the conclusion of negotiations on Bilateral III. On this basis, Switzerland can once again, since January 1, 2025, participate, as a beneficiary, in almost all Horizon Europe calls for tenders as well as in the Euratom program. Swiss researchers therefore have the opportunity to submit applications to coordinate projects and request funding from the highly regarded European Research Council (ERC). They can therefore once again play a more active role, which strengthens the research and innovation center.
National promotion cannot replace international exchanges
After the abandonment of negotiations with the EU on an institutional framework agreement in 2021, Switzerland was relegated to the level of a non-associated third country. Swiss researchers could continue to participate in certain Horizon Europe collaborative projects, but no longer coordinate projects. However, leading a project is particularly important for high-level Swiss researchers, in order to be able to use their skills optimally. Funding was provided directly by the State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovation (SERI) as part of transitional measures. Such national support, however, cannot replace international scientific exchange and competition and prestige.
A full association of Switzerland strengthens its influence and attractiveness
A new full association with Horizon Europe increases Switzerland’s prestige as a leading research and innovation hub and its international visibility. Switzerland can once again coordinate research projects and therefore play a central role in the design and management of scientific projects. A full association increases Switzerland’s attractiveness for high-level researchers and talents from around the world, giving them access to funding from the prestigious ERC as well as the networks and resources of Horizon Europe. This further strengthens Switzerland’s innovation capacity, which is also very important for our knowledge-based economy.
-The ball is in the people’s court
Before letting ourselves be overcome by euphoria, it should be noted that this is a transitional regime activated by the European Commission. Pending the signing of the agreement to associate Switzerland with EU programs, Switzerland remains formally considered as a non-associated third country within the framework of the Horizon package. If the people were to one day reject the new package of Bilateral III agreements, the EU could once again block access to this program – a risk that Switzerland cannot take. Based on knowledge, the Swiss economy depends on cross-border innovations.
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