'Pioneer' unveiled as an alternative to Horizon Europe funding

The UK government has published its long-anticipated Pioneer programme, setting out how it would protect and support UK research and innovation sector if the UK isn't able to associate to Horizon Europe

Negotiations are still ongoing in the hope of securing a successful association. However, the government maintains that any association must be on the basis of fair and appropriate terms. If association cannot be secured on the right terms, the UK will implement its ambitious, alternative plan - Pioneer.

Should it be needed, the Pioneer programme would focus on four main themes to complement the UK's existing research and development investments:

• talent
• end-to-end innovation
• global collaboration
• investment in the R&D system

Pioneer would receive the same amount of funding as the government would have paid to associate to Horizon from 2021 to 2027. This means the UK would invest around £14.6 billion in Pioneer to the end of 2027 to 2028, including the support already provided to the sector via the Horizon Guarantee.

The Pioneer prospectus sets out the proposals that would inform the scheme, which is being developed with input from researchers, and businesses across the UK. An overview of future considerations of UK alternatives for the Copernicus and Euratom R&T programmes is also included.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology would welcome views on this prospectus. If you have views you would like to share, email them to Pioneer@beis.gov.uk.

All comments will inform the government's future development of this programme.

First published 19 April 2023