ECG — 2023-04-06
News from ECG
Horizon Europe has been established to accelerate the competitiveness of Europe by funding relevant research and innovation projects. Our industry—that of moving finished vehicles whether by road, rail or sea, is unique. Ours is a highly specialized sector with trucks, trains and ships adapted to provide maximum capacity utilisation of existing space, and the overall efficiency of the market is optimized when logistics service providers can minimize blank sailings and empty loads—and systems are constantly being upgraded to meet with the changing needs of new vehicles—from larger SUVs, as was the trend, to the new trend of EVs.
Meeting these challenges requires investment. Introducing change, introducing new systems, adapting to new market demands and acquiring new assets. Therefore, if you know you are building constructive change, with the aim of achieving an overall reduction in emissions, and increase in competitiveness in Europe then we at ECG want to make the path to understanding funding options at Horizon Europe more accessible for you.
In this latest report we have talked to the key people—the National Contact Persons for Transport and Mobility –who’s role it is to help you navigate the system. I asked Jean-Marc Zaccardi, Horizon Europe’s National Contact Person for Transport in France what the first step as an ECG members should be.
“First of all, I would suggest they contact the European Technology Platform (ETP) ALICE (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe) to seize the overarching European objectives and to further elaborate the future of European logistics that will be implemented through Horizon Europe and other European programmes.
I would also suggest contacting the ETP Waterborne, and the associated partnership Zero Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT), to know how the research and innovation needs in waterborne transport are addressed in Horizon Europe.
Similarly, I would suggest contacting Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking regarding rail freight transport,” he said.
So we at ECG have started that process. We have strengthened our alliance with ALICE and we offer ECG members a chance to discuss possible projects and proposals with Fernando Liesa, Secretary General of ALICE. “It may require time and resources to create a good understanding how Horizon Europe programmes work and how to make they can be valuable for your company.” ECG and ALICE offer you a chance to attend a webinar to ask your questions direct to ALICE, to learn first-hand about open brokerage events, about networking options and successful projects.
Lucie Beaumel, Director of 2ZERO, states that: “The 2Zero partnership contributes to drafting the path towards a climate-neutral European road transport system.” In the latest Horizon Europe report she explains that €615m has been allocated to the partnership between 2021 to 2027.
Often the complexity of understanding the process involved can deter companies from coming forward to work in consortiums to propose ideas and projects. But, Louise Mothersole, Horizon Europe’s UK National Contact point for Mobility says: “Part of the National Contact Point role is to have those conversations with interested organisations and we are always happy for our contact details to be shared and we would all welcome enquiries from potential applicants.”
To join us to learn more about Horizon Europe and how YOU could be part of positive change in Europe, please register your interest for a webinar here.