Deadline Date: September 23, 2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals under Horizon Europe to strengthen evidence on how basic skills contribute to productivity, innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth, while supporting inclusive lifelong learning systems across Europe.
The opportunity focuses on improving understanding of the economic contribution of basic skills in the short and medium term, particularly literacy, mathematics including financial literacy, science, digital skills, and citizenship skills. It also supports the development of actionable recommendations for education and training systems across lifelong learning pathways, the reduction of gender, disability, and socioeconomic gaps in basic skills, stronger participation of women in STEM, better use of AI-based learning tools, addressing barriers faced by persons with disabilities, and tackling teacher shortages. The programme further encourages research on the interaction between basic skills and socio-emotional skills in supporting productivity, innovation, and growth.
The call recognises that strong basic skills among young people and adults are essential for sustaining European competitiveness and economic resilience. Despite growing policy attention, evidence on the direct relationship between basic skills and economic performance remains limited, particularly due to insufficient longitudinal data. The programme therefore seeks research projects that apply rigorous quantitative methods with a longitudinal perspective, while also allowing complementary qualitative approaches.
Projects are expected to generate evidence that can guide policymakers in improving education and training policies at all levels, including school education, vocational education and training, higher education, and adult education. Research should examine which practices are effective in reducing inequalities in skill acquisition and labour market outcomes, while also evaluating inclusion aspects and the costs associated with policy interventions.
The initiative also highlights the importance of cooperation with education and training stakeholders. Collaboration and clustering with projects funded under related Horizon Europe calls, especially those focused on education and labour market transitions of young people, are strongly encouraged. Engagement with the Social Transformations and Resilience Partnership is also recommended.
The funding is provided under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions framework. The total budget available for this topic is €12 million, with expected project grants ranging from €3 million to €4 million. The call follows a single-stage application process.
Eligibility is open to any legal entity regardless of place of establishment, including organisations from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided they meet Horizon Europe participation conditions. Affiliated entities, associated partners, and certain entities without legal personality may also participate subject to the programme rules and specific topic conditions.
For more information, visit European Commission.
