While Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA) under Horizon Europe represent the flagship instruments for funding research and technological development in the European Union, they are by no means the only options available. In fact, the European funding landscape offers a diverse array of opportunities that may be more suitable depending on the maturity level of your project, your target stakeholders, or your strategic objectives. Exploring these alternative pathways can enhance the resilience and sustainability of your research funding portfolio.
1. EIC Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator
Although technically part of Horizon Europe, the European Innovation Council (EIC) provides distinctive funding modalities that go beyond conventional RIA/IA structures. The EIC Pathfinder supports early-stage advanced research with high-risk, high-reward potential. Once a promising concept has been validated, the EIC Transition helps researchers bridge the gap between research and application, including business development aspects. Finally, the EIC Accelerator targets startups and SMEs seeking to scale up breakthrough innovations, offering blended finance (grants and equity). For researchers with disruptive ideas, these instruments provide both funding and tailored support.
2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
The MSCA program funds mobility and training for researchers at all career stages. Individual Fellowships allow postdoctoral researchers to pursue training and research abroad, while the MSCA Doctoral Networks support collaborative doctoral training across multiple institutions. These instruments are especially suited to research projects seeking to attract international talent, foster knowledge exchange, or build long-term capacity within academic or non-academic sectors.
3. COST Actions
The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) offers networking opportunities rather than direct research funding. COST Actions enable the establishment of interdisciplinary research networks, known as “Actions,” that facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and coordination across Europe and beyond. Although these grants do not cover research costs directly, they are particularly valuable for building consortia, developing new project ideas, and preparing future RIA or IA proposals.
4. European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)
Managed at the national or regional level, ESIF supports a wide variety of projects related to economic development, including research and innovation. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in particular can finance infrastructure, equipment, or innovation projects aligned with smart specialization strategies (RIS3) of individual regions. Researchers should engage with regional managing authorities to explore potential alignment with these strategies.
5. LIFE Programme
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. It supports projects that demonstrate innovative solutions in areas such as biodiversity, circular economy, climate change mitigation, and energy efficiency. Research initiatives that include strong environmental or climate-oriented components may find LIFE a viable alternative or complement to Horizon Europe funding.
6. Interreg Programmes
Part of the EU’s Cohesion Policy, Interreg funds cross-border, transnational, and interregional cooperation projects. These programmes often address regional challenges such as health, transport, climate adaptation, and economic transition. Although Interreg is less research-intensive than Horizon Europe, it is suitable for applied research and pilot projects involving public authorities, NGOs, and SMEs.
7. Erasmus+
For research projects with an educational or training dimension, the Erasmus+ Programme offers funding for curriculum development, mobility schemes, and partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses. It is particularly relevant for projects seeking to improve skills, foster inclusion, or develop innovative learning methods.
8. EU Missions and Public-Private Partnerships
The Horizon Europe Missions (e.g., Cancer, Climate Adaptation, Soil Health) and European Partnerships (e.g., Clean Hydrogen, Photonics, Bio-Based Industries) provide thematic funding opportunities that differ from typical RIA/IA calls. These mechanisms often require alignment with long-term strategic roadmaps and a strong engagement with stakeholders beyond academia.
Conclusion
In summary, researchers and innovators in the European Union should not limit their funding strategies to RIA and IA calls alone. By exploring alternative instruments such as MSCA, EIC, COST, LIFE, Interreg, and Structural Funds, project leaders can access resources tailored to different stages of the innovation cycle, foster new partnerships, and amplify the impact of their research. Strategic alignment with policy priorities, regional development goals, and emerging societal challenges will be key to leveraging these opportunities successfully.
