Horizon Europe 2027: New opportunities for Australian business
Australia and the European Union signed the Horizon Europe association agreement on 12 November 2026, opening new pathways for Australian businesses, universities and research organisations to participate in international research and innovation.
What has changed?
On 12 November 2026, Australia and the European Union signed the agreement establishing the framework for Australia's association with Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship research and innovation programme. From 1 January 2027, Australian organisations will be eligible to apply for relevant Horizon Europe Pillar II collaborative research funding opportunities under transitional arrangements, including opportunities to lead international research consortia. The agreement is an important milestone, although domestic treaty-making processes are continuing. Its signing does not mean the agreement has entered into legal effect or guarantee funding for individual applicants.
Why this matters for Australian business
Horizon Europe offers Australian businesses opportunities to collaborate with European companies, universities and research institutions on challenges that require international expertise, innovation and investment. Areas of particular relevance include:
Climate action, clean energy and industrial decarbonisation.
Critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and circular economy technologies.
Nature, food systems, agriculture and environmental innovation.
Digital technologies, advanced computing and supply-chain resilience.
For businesses, participation may offer more than research funding. International collaboration can provide access to complementary technical expertise, research infrastructure, new partners and opportunities to develop and demonstrate innovative solutions.
What can organisations do now?
The Australian Government is encouraging prospective participants to begin preparing for the 2027 programme. Three practical starting points are:
Identify relevant opportunities. Explore Horizon Europe Pillar II research themes and calls that align with your organisation's capabilities, priorities and challenges.
Explore possible collaborations. Consider where your organisation could contribute expertise, technology, facilities or real-world demonstration opportunities to an international research partnership.
Understand the participation process. Review the eligibility requirements, consortium arrangements, proposal timelines and support resources available through the European Commission, the Australian Government and EURAXESS.
Actual eligibility and funding conditions depend on each call.
BCSDA's role in supporting business participation
BCSD Australia participated in the Australian Government's Horizon Europe implementation roundtable in September 2026 and lodged a formal submission focused on making the programme accessible and useful for Australian business.
Our recommendations emphasised practical applicant guidance, specialist support, international partner identification, and the needs of businesses and first-time applicants.
As Australia's participation arrangements develop, BCSDA will continue to examine how its Members and international networks can help identify opportunities for collaboration.
Rather than assume what Australian businesses need, we want to hear from organisations about their interests, capabilities and questions.
Stay informed and connect through ESG Snapshot
BCSDA Members can learn more about Horizon Europe 2027 and contact us through the Members-only information and engagement section of ESG Snapshot.
We welcome Members' perspectives on potential research and innovation collaborations, including areas where international partnerships could support practical sustainability outcomes.
Comments