Minister Lawless launches Horizon Europe Action Plan with major push to boost SME participation
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 20 February 2026
- Last updated on: 20 February 2026
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has launched a strengthened Horizon Europe Action Plan, with a renewed focus on boosting the participation of Irish SMEs in Europe’s €95.5 billion research and innovation programme.
The Action Plan sets out targeted measures to build on Ireland’s strong performance in Horizon Europe to date, following the achievement of a significant national milestone of €1 billion secured in funding, with two years remaining in the programme. The updated plan also prepares the national research and innovation system for the next Horizon Europe Framework Programme, covering 2028–2034, ensuring that Irish businesses, start‑ups and researchers are strategically positioned to compete.
Ireland’s higher education institutions have performed strongly in Horizon Europe, and the Minister said their success demonstrates the scale of opportunity available. He noted that there is now significant potential for Irish SMEs to achieve similar results.
With 90% of Irish businesses classified as SMEs, Minister Lawless said it is important that
“Ireland’s enterprise base, especially small and medium businesses, have the awareness, support and pathways to fully benefit from Horizon Europe.”
Four strategic priorities
The Plan was developed with key research and innovation partners in the Horizon Europe Focus Group including National Support Network members and Higher Education representatives. Actions will focus on four core priorities.
- Further develop higher education institution engagement, through tailored institutional supports, stronger post-award assistance and enhanced alignment with research priorities
- Enhancing SME participation and performance, with targeted engagement, improved visibility of financial supports and stronger links between SMEs, HEIs and research centres
- Encouraging more Irish-led coordination roles, by reducing administrative burdens, expanding mentoring and training, and strengthening incentives
- Attracting and supporting newcomers, including early-career researchers and first-time applicants, through mentoring, champions networks and improved career sustainability supports.
Together, these actions will broaden Ireland’s participation across the research and innovation landscape, strengthen leadership roles within EU funded projects, and increase overall drawdown.
Speaking today, Minister Lawless said:
"Ireland has already secured €1 billion in Horizon Europe funding, with two years still remaining in the programme. This Action Plan will support both our higher education institutions and our small and medium‑sized enterprises to strengthen their participation, enhance performance and maximise the impact of EU research and innovation funding."
"The next phase of our national effort must see SME participation grow significantly. It is essential that Ireland’s enterprise base, particularly small and medium businesses, have the awareness, support and clear pathways to fully benefit from Horizon Europe. Equally, our higher education institutions play a vital role in driving excellence, collaboration and innovation. This Action Plan commits to strengthening both, ensuring that Ireland’s research and enterprise communities succeed together."
Notes
About Horizon Europe
- Horizon Europe is the European Union’s ninth Research and Innovation Framework Programme
- Programme duration: 2021–2027
- Total EU budget: €95.5 billion
- Largest non-exchequer source of research funding for Ireland’s higher education sector
- Provides significant funding opportunities for researchers, start-ups and SMEs
Ireland’s Performance
- Ireland reached a milestone of €1 billion secured in Horizon Europe funding in September 2025
- Two years remain in the current programme
- Ireland is on track to meet the national target of €1.5 billion, as set out in Impact 2030
- Ireland has participated in 1,605 Horizon Europe projects to date.
Higher Education Institutions
The Action Plan prioritises:
- Tailored institutional engagement
- Stronger post-award support
- Better alignment between institutional research priorities and Horizon Europe opportunities
Project Leadership
151 Horizon Europe projects are led by an Irish co-ordinator, representing just 10% of total project participation.
The Action Plan focuses on:
- Increasing SME awareness of funding opportunities
- Supporting repeat participation by high-potential SMEs
- Strengthening links between SMEs, HEIs, Technology Centres and research infrastructures
Newcomers to Horizon Europe
Since 2021, of the 317 newcomers, 105 have yet to secure funding.
The Action Plan introduces mentoring, champions networks and enhanced post-award supports to improve newcomer success.