Satellite navigation technology is an increasingly common component of innovative applications in different sectors. There are already around 2.2 billion devices with GNSS capability used globally and it is expected that by 2022 the number will grow to 7 billion, almost one GNSS enabled device for every person on the planet1.
GNSS solutions are already used in the road industry, aviation, surveying, agriculture, the maritime environment and rail for instance.
Further development of existing and innovative applications under the new framework programme for research and innovation, called Horizon 2020, is the key to strengthen EU industry.
Horizon 2020 is the programme that implements the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness. Running from 2014 to 2020 with a budget of over €70 billion2, the European Union’s new programme is part of the drive to create growth and jobs in Europe.
The proposed support for research and innovation under Horizon 2020 will:
- Strengthen the EU’s position in science with a dedicated budget of € 24 billion2. This will provide a boost to top-level research in Europe, including the very successful European Research Council (ERC).
- Strengthen industrial leadership in innovation with a dedicated budget of € 17 billion2. This includes major investment in key technologies (including GNSS), greater access to capital and support for Small and Medium Enterprises.
- Provide € 31 billion2 to help address major societal challenges shared by all European nations such as climate change, sustainable transport and mobility, affordable renewable energy, food safety and security, or coping with the challenge of an ageing population.
European Union space research includes the Call for Proposals “Applications in Satellite Navigation – Galileo” 2014-2015, and is identified by Horizon 2020 as one of Europe's 'key industrial technologies' highlighting its potential for innovation and competitiveness within the Union and is supported under the heading "Industrial Leadership".
Meet the European GNSS Agency’s (GSA) Market Development team on the H2020 tour in Europe
The Market Development team is participating in events dedicated to promoting the Horizon 2020 Space programme, which is the perfect opportunity to prepare to apply for new funding. A series of events is being organised in different locations all over Europe in coordination with COSMOS, the European Network of National Contact Points for Space.
During these info days, participants get first-hand information about GNSS applications under the Horizon 2020 programme. In addition, we present an overview of recent GNSS market developments, to help innovators build project proposal strategies. We encourage you to get involved, ask the GSA representatives questions directly and network with potential partners during these events.
Our programme till the end of the year is to visit the following cities:
- Toulouse 12-13/11
- London 20/11
- Rome 27/11
- Brussels 10-11/12
More information and registration is available: http://www.b2match.eu/h2020spacetour.
The GSA Market Development team is also open to participate in other Horizon 2020 related events and present the relevant GNSS applications opportunities. If you organize an info day in your country, feel welcome to contact us at research@gsa.europa.eu.
1GNSS Market Report issue 3, GSA 2013
2 The numbers shown here are subject to the approval of the Multiannual Financial Framework Regulation by the European Parliament and the Council - see the Horizon 2020 timeline