Ireland Unveils “Strengthened” Horizon Europe Action Plan to Supercharge SME Innovation and Secure Next Wave of €95.5bn EU Funding

Dublin, Ireland — In a bold move set to reshape Ireland’s innovation landscape, the Government has launched an ambitious, “strengthened” Horizon Europe Action Plan, positioning the country to seize a bigger slice of the €95.5 billion European Union research and innovation bonanza. With Ireland already surpassing €1 billion in secured Horizon Europe funding, the clock is ticking: two years remain in the current programme, and the stakes have never been higher.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD unveiled the plan, declaring it a “game-changer” for Irish enterprise—especially the country’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). “Ireland has already secured €1 billion in Horizon Europe funding, with two years still remaining in the programme. This Action Plan will support both our higher education institutions and our small and medium-sized enterprises to strengthen their participation, enhance performance and maximise the impact of EU research and innovation funding,” Lawless said.

But the Minister’s vision goes further. He stressed that the next phase must see “SME participation grow significantly,” ensuring that Ireland’s enterprise base—particularly small and medium businesses—has the awareness, support, and clear pathways to fully benefit from Horizon Europe. “Equally, our higher education institutions play a vital role in driving excellence, collaboration and innovation. This Action Plan commits to strengthening both, ensuring that Ireland’s research and enterprise communities succeed together,” he added.

Four Pillars to Propel Ireland’s Innovation Engine

Developed in collaboration with key research and innovation partners—including the Horizon Europe focus group, national support network members, and higher education representatives—the plan focuses on four core priorities designed to turbocharge Ireland’s performance:

1. Elevate Higher Education Institution Engagement
Ireland’s universities and research centres have been powerhouses in Horizon Europe, but the plan aims to go further. Tailored institutional supports, stronger post-award assistance, and tighter alignment with EU research priorities will help these institutions punch even above their weight on the European stage.

2. Boost SME Participation and Performance
SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy, yet their involvement in Horizon Europe has lagged behind their academic counterparts. The plan targets this gap with a three-pronged approach: targeted engagement to raise awareness, improved visibility of financial support, and stronger links between SMEs, higher education institutions, and research centres. The goal? To transform Ireland’s SMEs into innovation leaders, capable of competing—and winning—on the European stage.

3. Encourage Irish-Led Coordination Roles
Irish researchers and businesses will be empowered to take the lead in EU-funded projects, with measures to reduce administrative burdens, expand mentoring and training, and strengthen incentives. This is about more than just participation—it’s about leadership and influence in shaping Europe’s research agenda.

4. Attract and Support Newcomers
The plan places a special focus on early-career researchers and first-time applicants, offering mentorship, network development, and improved career sustainability supports. By lowering the barriers to entry, Ireland aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators ready to make their mark on the global stage.

A Critical Moment for Irish Innovation

The timing of the Action Plan is no coincidence. Recent data from the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA), published in partnership with Irish law firm William Fry, revealed a sobering trend: for the first time since 2018, annual venture capital funding into Irish technology SMEs fell. In 2025, funding dropped by 23% to €1.1 billion—a sharp decline from 2024’s record €1.48 billion. The number of deals also fell, from 217 in 2024 to 186 in 2025, a 14% drop.

This downturn underscores the urgency of the Government’s push. With traditional sources of capital tightening, Horizon Europe funding offers a vital lifeline—and a chance for Irish SMEs to leapfrog into new markets, develop cutting-edge technologies, and secure long-term growth.

What This Means for Ireland’s Future

The strengthened Horizon Europe Action Plan is more than a funding strategy; it’s a statement of intent. By doubling down on both academic excellence and SME empowerment, Ireland is positioning itself as a European leader in research, innovation, and enterprise. The plan’s success will hinge on execution—ensuring that awareness, support, and pathways are not just promised, but delivered.

As Ireland stands at this critical juncture, the message from Government is clear: the future belongs to those who innovate. With the right support, Irish SMEs and researchers alike have the potential to not only compete but to lead on the European stage.

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