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Horizon Europe Cluster 2 — Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Horizon Basic Skills for Growth

Funds longitudinal evidence and policy tools that help education systems build core skills, close gaps and support fairer work.

OpenEuropean CommissionEU

Basic skills shape whether people can learn, work and take part in society, yet Europe still lacks strong evidence about how they affect productivity, innovation, competitiveness and growth over time. This topic supports research into literacy, mathematics including financial literacy, science, digital skills and citizenship.

Projects should use rigorous quantitative methods with a longitudinal p

Research into how literacy, mathematics including financial literacy, science, digital and citizenship skills contribute to productivity, innovation, competitiveness and economic growth. Projects must use rigorous quantitative methods with a longitudinal perspective, study education and training policies across the life course, and examine inclusion gaps and policy costs. The work also covers learning with AI-based tools, female participation in STEM, teacher shortages and barriers faced by people with disabilities.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.23 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€12M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL2-2026-01-TRANSFO-05Source: ec.europa.eu