Expert Group on the Design and Selection of Directional Initiatives

The European Commission has published information on the Expert Group on the Design and Selection of Directional Initiatives under the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (E03996).

Within Horizon Europe, large directional initiatives - such as European Partnerships and EU Missions -  play a critical role in addressing complex and pressing challenges. According to the "Call of Applications", published in April 2025, the group will develop and test a robust methodology to guide the identification, design, and selection of directional initiatives under the Framework Programme, to form a portfolio that is both strategic and efficient.The group’s tasks shall be:

• to assist DG RTD in developing a methodology to identify (current and future) thematic areas in which current challenges require a directional initiative to address them, including robust criteria to justify why such an approach is needed and which type of directional initiative is the most appropriate. 
• to assist DG RTD in developing a methodology to define the most optimal configuration of the portfolio of directional initiatives, determining the scope and number of thematic areas to maximise synergies, minimise overlaps, and ensure an efficient allocation of resources.
• to assist DG RTD in developing a portfolio selection and configuration process building on the above methodologies, that integrates strategic direction from policy priorities with input and commitment from stakeholders, as well as allows responsiveness to emerging challenges.

The appointed experts in the group are:

Until today, the group held three meetings:

24 September 2025 - 1^st meeting of the Expert Group on Directional Initiatives

27 October 2025 - 2^nd meeting of the Expert Group on Directional Initiatives

18 November 2025 - 3^rd meeting of the Expert Group on Directional Initiatives