The Excellence Hubs (HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-04-WIDENING-01) call under Horizon Europe opened on 2 September 2026, aiming to strengthen research and innovation capacity in Widening countries and bring different actors together around joint strategies.
Strengthening a region's research and innovation capacity is not only about increasing the capacity of individual institutions. It also requires strong innovation ecosystems that connect research organisations, the private sector, public authorities and society, while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Launched under the Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence component of Horizon Europe, the Excellence Hubs call supports the development of research and innovation capacity in Widening countries and other EU countries, as well as knowledge and experience sharing between different innovation ecosystems.
The call is built around a quadruple helix approach that brings together research organisations, the private sector, civil society and public authorities. Looking at Excellence Hubs projects supported in previous years, local authorities have emerged as important actors within these ecosystems. As public institutions with strong links to local communities and a key role in bringing innovation into practice, municipalities are also well placed to become important partners in consortia under the 2027 Call.
Project proposals submitted under the call are expected to contribute to:
Projects are expected to bring together a range of actors from Widening countries, including higher education institutions, research organisations, companies, SMEs and start-ups, public authorities, local authorities, and local communities.
Legal entities from non-Widening countries associated with Horizon Europe may also participate in consortia. However, their participation must demonstrate a clear contribution and added value in relation to the project's objectives and expected outcomes.
Resources and further information:
