The purpose of this study is to evaluate the support to innovation of the EU Research & Innovation Framework programme which feeds into the ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020, due end 2023, and into the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe, due end 2024. The main objective is to evaluate how Horizon 2020/Europe multiannual programmes supported companies in their journey from inventors to innovators.
The study team applies a dedicated methodology, including a set of case studies and benchmarking exercises, to assess the implementation of the EU Research & Innovation Framework programme in two phases and will provide input for these two evaluations. This back-to back approach, covering under a single study data collection and analysis to inform these two evaluations, should allow for an alignment in evaluation methodologies (including indicators) and for better accounting of longer-term effects of the Framework Programmes. The study shall identify what worked well and less well, lessons to be learned and suggestions for improvement for the short and longer-term of the Framework Programme. The traditional methods are enriched with additional methods such as microeconometric and macroeconometric modelling, patent analysis, Natural language processing and R&I topic modelling, company data analysis, SDG data mapping.
The study team completed Phase 1, which evaluated Innovative Europe programme parts in Horizon 2020 framework programme. Programme parts covered: Innovation in SME, Access to Risk Finance, EIC Pilot, EIT KICs and Eurostars-2 partnership. The tasks of phase 1 are fully completed which included these methods: case studies (15), benchmarks (3) and a comparative study. The study team carried out 195 interviews with EC officials, H2020 beneficiaries and other stakeholders. Multiple quantitative methods were used to enritch the analysis: EC administrative and monitoring data analysis, microeconometric analysis, macroeconomic analysis, patent analysis, company enrichment with ORBIS and Dealroom, company investment data analysis, SDG mapping, Innovation Radar analysis. The study published a separate Eurostars-2 evaluation report.