EU programmes for research and innovation

The EU supports research and innovation with numerous programmes covering a broad spectrum of disciplines. For Switzerland, EU programmes are a central pillar of its international education, research and innovation strategy. SERI represents Switzerland in the EU programmes and facilitates effective cooperation.

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Switzerland and EU programmes for research and innovation

Switzerland has a long tradition of research cooperation with the EU and its predecessor organisations. In addition to national funding, EU research and innovation programmes have become increasingly important in recent years. These programmes cover many different thematic areas and offer opportunities for cross-border projects. Switzerland currently participates and/or is seeking to participate in the EU research and innovation programmes and initiatives below.

• EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation

  EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation are the EU's main instrument for realising its science and innovation policy. They complement national programmes and support research excellence and international cooperation. The framework programmes include a wide range of funding options in various thematic areas. They focus on the entire innovation process and the career development of researchers. The first framework programme was launched in 1984. Switzerland has participated in various forms since 1987.

  • Swiss Position Paper on the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation

    PDF542.47 kB3 July 2024

  → An overview of the previous EU framework programmes and Switzerland's status to date can be found here.

• Euratom Research and Training Programme

  The European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) has been supporting research and educational initiatives in the fields of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion since 1958. Euratom complements the framework programmes in the field of nuclear research. Switzerland has been involved in various parts of this programme since 1978 and contributes to the advancement of nuclear energy research.

• Digital Europe Programme (DEP)

  Introduced in 2021, the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) focuses on developing digital capacities in the EU. It complements the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and aims to support the transformation of society and the economy in Europe in strategic digital sectors.

• International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

  ITER is an infrastructure project for the design, construction and operation of the largest thermonuclear experimental reactor ever built. It has been under construction in Cadarache, France, since 2007. The ITER partners involved in the project are the EU, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the USA. Fusion for Energy (F4E) is coordinating the European contribution to the construction of ITER at European level. Switzerland has been an intermittent participant in F4E since ITER was founded.

→ The current EU Framework Programme, Horizon Europe, the Euratom Research and Training Programme, ITER and DEP together form what Switzerland calls the Horizon Package. 

SERI's role

As an associated third country, Switzerland is represented by SERI in EU framework programmes, the Euratom programme, ITER and DEP. It decides strategic and operational measures and takes part in the programme committees of the European Commission. This also includes helping to design initiatives and programmes and monitoring evaluation procedures. SERI also represents Switzerland within the European Research Area.

At national and international level, SERI ensures the prerequisites for participation in EU programmes and implements national support measures. On behalf of the Swiss Parliament, SERI regularly prepares reports on Swiss participation in EU research and innovation programmes and their impact. As a non-associated third country, Switzerland takes a series of transitional measures, which are implemented by SERI. It also funds the Euresearch network, which provides information and guidance to researchers and innovators in Switzerland who wish to pursue activities in relation to the Horizon Package.