Public-Private Partnerships

Two different types of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are implemented under Horizon 2020:

1) Joint Undertakings (JUs) or Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs)

Joint Technology Initiatives were long-term Public-Private Partnerships managed within dedicated structures based on Article 187 TFEU (ex Article 171 TEC). Members of the Joint Undertaking include the European Commission, a not-for-profit industry-led association and Member/Associated States. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research organisations (including universities) and corporate members are all welcome to join the industrial associations.

JTIs support co-operative research across Europe in fields of key importance for industrial research, where there are clearly identified common technological and economic objectives. The idea is to boost European investment by providing a clear framework for research investment which will encourage both industry and Member States to increase their spending.

A JTI implements a common Strategic Research Agenda that is jointly defined by its members. This details the research and development challenges that need to be addressed. In addition, it dealt with general aspects such as research infrastructure, education, and support for SMEs and international collaboration. JTIs organise their own research agenda and award funding for projects on the basis of open calls.

State of Play

The Joint Technology Initiatives that are active in a number of areas of strategic importance for the EU include:

  • Innovative Medicines 2 (IMI2): to develop next generation vaccines, medicines and treatments, such as new antibiotics (website | factsheet), it was continued by IHI
  • Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 (FCH2): to accelerate market introduction of clean and efficient technologies in energy and transport (website | factsheet), his legacy was taken over by Clean Hydrogen Partnership
  • Clean Sky 2 (CS2): to develop cleaner, quieter aircraft with significantly less CO2 emissions (website factsheet) continued by Clean Aviation co-funded Partnership
  • Bio-based Industries (BBI): to use renewable natural resources and innovative technologies for greener everyday products (website | factsheet), it’s continued by Circular Bio-Based Europe
  • Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL): to boost Europe’s electronics manufacturing capabilities (website | factsheet), it’s succeded by Public-Private Partnership KDT JU
  • Shift2Rail: to develop better trains and railway infrastructure that will drastically reduce costs and improve capacity, reliability and punctuality (website | factsheet)
  • EDCTP: Intended to accelerate the clinical development of new or improved health technologies for identification, treatment and prevention of poverty-related and neglected infectious diseases (website | factsheet)

A related type of initiative is

  • Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) 2020: to develop the new generation of European Air Traffic Management system that will enhance the performance of air transport (website | factsheet) succeeded by Institutionalised Partnership SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking

More information on JTIs is available here.

2) Contractual Public-Private Partnerships (cPPP)

Contractual Public-Private Partnerships (cPPPs) are an important instrument under the current European Research and Innovation Programme, Horizon 2020 that enable interested industry and the European Union to work together in a partnership that is built on a seven year strategic roadmap.

State of Play

To date, ten cPPPs are in place – some already dating back to 2008 (Factories of the Future, Energy-efficient buildings, European Green Vehicles) whilst others have been set up later when Horizon 2020 started in 2014 ( Sustainable Process Industry, Photonics, Robotics, High Performance Computing, 5G Infrastructure, Big Data Value and Cybersecurity). The contractual arrangements between the EU and industry last until 2020.