Futures Hubs for the R&I foresight community

This action takes place within the broader context of the Pact for R&I in Europe, particularly the priority given to anticipatory policy-making. It supports the continued operation of the Futures4Europe platform and the further development of the EU-wide foresight community, inter alia by expanding its scope and adding dedicated thematic hubs. Stronger thematic and capacity-building elements will be included and delivery methods and media formats will be updated. Thematic “Futures Hubs” will be set up, i.e. online platforms to facilitate the interaction between the European R&I foresight practitioners, policymakers, the scientific community, as well as citizens. Audiovisual and multi-media formats for foresight literacy and dissemination will be pioneered in these Futures Hubs to connect the foresight community with wider segments of society, especially young generations. By financing this additional capacity building in the R&I foresight landscape, this action is expected to generate sufficient achievements and momentum for Member States and Associated Countries to increasingly support the resulting network and infrastructure.

The action will deliver on the impact: “More resilient and future-proof R&I policies and long-term strategies with effectively integrated strategic intelligence and strengthened foresight communities”. Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

• Strengthened cooperation, networking, capacities, and co-creation within the European foresight community (including through roadshows and virtual "Futures Hubs");
• Improved foresight literacy among policymakers, researchers, and citizens;
• Increased awareness of foresight as a tool for education, policy, and careers, and increased engagement of younger generations;

The applicant must demonstrate in their proposal a viable plan for achieving self-sustainability after the end of the grant agreement, with a clear description of a minimum set of activities that will be maintained by the consortium with own or other resources.

The consortium, coordinated by the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), has already the necessary technical and organisational capacity to ensure the required continuity of the foresight platform and network. It demonstrated its ability to deliver outcomes effectively and efficiently while collaborating closely with the European Commission[[ Pursuant to project “Eye of Europe”, funded under HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ERA-01-02.]].

The Joint Research Centre may participate as an associated partner, providing feedback on the platform upgrade specifications, promoting the platform among various stakeholders, and participating in the Mutual Learning Events related to R&I foresight.

The evaluation committee will be composed fully by representatives of EU institutions.

This grant will be awarded without a call for proposals according to Article 198(e) of the Financial Regulation and Article 24(3)(b) of the Horizon Europe Regulation.