Horizon scanning and foresight in future enabling digital technologies (CSA)

Leadership in frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Photonics and Semiconductors is essential to Europe’s economic security and global competitiveness. Building on the ambition of becoming the “AI Continent” and in line with the concrete actions devised in the Apply AI Strategy^[1], the EU will consolidate its world-class research ecosystem through initiatives like the RAISE network of AI science labs, the development of safe and efficient frontier AI models, and the deployment of next-generation AI agents and robotics in strategic sectors. In parallel, a long-term quantum strategy will reinforce Europe’s excellence across quantum computing, sensing and communication, supported by new infrastructures and standardisation to secure technological sovereignty. Photonics and semiconductor technologies will remain critical enablers for the digital and green transitions, with investments in advanced integrated photonic devices and resilient semiconductor ecosystems ensuring Europe’s capacity to innovate, scale and compete globally. Foresight and support to emerging materials and technologies will further strengthen Europe’s position at the cutting edge to make sure Europe’s does not miss the emergence of new disruptive technologies, aligning with the Draghi report and the Competitiveness Compass to secure a cohesive, sovereign and future-proof European industrial base.

Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. For additional information please see “Restrictions on the participation of legal entities established in China” found in General Annex B of the General Annexes.

[1] COM(2025)723 Apply AI Strategy

Expected Outcome:

• European leadership in foresight activities on future enabling technologies and their transformational potential in industrial, societal and environmental terms.
• Increased collaboration between academia, industry players and other relevant stakeholders in iterative and multidisciplinary approaches for co-creating the enabling technologies of the future.
• Alignment with national or regional initiatives creating an expanding innovation ecosystem, anchored in local contexts across Europe, for selected emerging technologies.
• Accelerating the pick-up of novel advanced technology by industry and society.

Scope:

Proposals should establish a forum for emerging interdisciplinary areas and new technological visions.

Proposals should enable and support a broad range of participants (across disciplines in science and engineering, RTOs, industry sectors, stakeholders) to meet, mutually inspire, cooperate and develop together innovative ideas for future enabling digital technologies covering from fundamental research up to proof of concept.

Proposals should involve and be driven by representatives of the relevant actors of the field (e.g., academia, RTOs, industry including SMEs).

Proposals should consider civil society engagement for seeking wider input.

Proposals should connect with analogous EC-internal activities, either ongoing (e.g. FOSI4EIC involving EISMEA and JRC) or foreseen, such as the Competitiveness Coordination Tool and the technology observatory envisaged in the FP10 regulation.

Beneficiaries that intend to transfer ownership or grant an exclusive licence must formally notify the granting authority (i.e. DG-CNECT and HaDEA) before the intended transfer or licensing takes place and the granting authority may up to four years after the end of the action object to a transfer of ownership or the exclusive licensing of results.