Economic models and modern democracies
HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
Basic Information
- Identifier
- HORIZON-CL2-2021-DEMOCRACY-01-02
- Programme
- Protecting and nurturing democracies
- Programme Period
- 2021 - 2027
- Status
- Closed (31094503)
- Opening Date
- June 22, 2021
- Deadline
- October 7, 2021
- Deadline Model
- single-stage
- Budget
- €9,900,000
- Keywords
- Competitiveness, innovation, research and developmSocietal EngagementArtificial IntelligenceDevelopment, economic growthSocial InnovationPolitical economy, institutional economics, law anDigital AgendaSocial economicsEconomics, EconometricsTransformation of societies, democratization, sociBusiness and ManagementSocial sciences and humanitiesGender in economicssocial capitalismdemocracyinclusive growthsustainabilityequalityHORIZON-CL2-2021-DEMOCRACY-01business modelscorporate governancesocial innovationhuman rightssocial fairness
Description
Projects are expected to contribute to the following expected outcome:
- Theoretically and empirically robust recommendations aiming to instil greater democratic accountability and inclusion in economic processes.
Since WWII, substantial progress has been made in Europe in terms of economic development, improving life conditions and allowing (and enabling) the consolidation of liberal democracies. However, in recent decades the intensification of economic globalisation, market de-regulation and the financialisation of economies have posed new challenges to democratic governance. Global corporatised and financialised capitalism has created dynamic economic systems that produce material wealth but at the same time pose challenges to democracy, fundamental rights, social inclusion, reversing inequalities (including gender inequality), welfare, as well as the sustainability of our ecological system and climate change. On the other hand, alternative business models (e.g. social economy organisations and social enterprises) have emerged in reaction to this evolution. They operate on the basis of democratic and participatory principles and prioritise their societal mission over their profits.
Proposals are expected to address some of the following points: To study the interrelationship between politics, people’s participation, culture and economics in modern European democracies across time. In this vein, to comparatively analyse the role of various democratic institutional configurations and actors in mitigating the negative effects of economic activity on society and on democratic processes, while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. How can democratic politics exercise control over the economic logic? How can re-embedding democracy and (the various forms of) capitalism be envisaged? How do economic actors, such as corporations, influence the democratic process? Through what channels (political parties, media, sponsorship, etc.)? What is the real impact of corporate lobbying on the democratic process? Research may study trends in capital accumulation and distribution, especially in new digital and creative industries, and the impacts they have on the functioning of democracies. Proposals should examine legal, social, economic, organisational and financial innovations that could make corporations more inclusive, accountable and conducive to social fairness and environmental sustainability, while preserving their innovation and flexibility. What would be the legitimate level of democratic governance over the economy (local, national, supranational)? In which ways can business corporations be held responsible to respect human rights? What kind of institutional mechanisms could guide the interaction of the various governance levels? Alternative economic models (including social economy organisations and social enterprises) and new models of corporate governance can be studied, in which case their success in fostering inclusive economic growth, enhancing democratic participation and improving environmental sustainability should be evaluated. Finally, proposal are encouraged to identify social innovation policies that would support such new governance models.
Cross-cutting Priorities:Social Innovation
Societal Engagement
Socio-economic science and humanities
Destination & Scope
Democracies are more fragile and more vulnerable than in the past. The Freedom in the World Report (2020) shows that democracies across the globe are in crisis[[https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2020/leaderless-struggle-democracy]]. At the same time, various European surveys show declining levels of trust in the political institutions of democracy.[[W. Merkel, Past, Present and Future of Democracy - Policy Review, 2019: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/4bebf83d-60ba-11e9-b6eb-01aa75ed71a1/language-en/format-PDF/source-94807842]] In terms of legitimacy, there are signs of a potential shift from governance based on expertise, multilateralism and consensual policymaking towards majoritarianism, unilateralism, nationalism, populism and polarization. Research on the past and present challenges and tensions in democracy can help to better understand and strengthen democracy, its resilience and stability. It will foster democracy’s further development with a view to enhancing representation, participation, openness, pluralism, tolerance, the effectiveness of public policy, non-discrimination, civic engagement, the protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law. These reflect the European Union’s values as defined in Article 2 of the EU Treaty[[Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union, Title 1 “Common Provisions”, Article 2: “The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail”.]].
Expected impact:
Proposals for topics under this Destination should set out a credible pathway to contributing to the following expected impacts of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan:
- Democratic governance is reinvigorated by improving the accountability, transparency, effectiveness and trustworthiness of rule-of-law based institutions and policies and through the expansion of active and inclusive citizenship empowered by the safeguarding of fundamental rights.
The implementation of the research activities of the destination will assist in the re-invigoration and modernisation of democratic governance. The aim is to develop evidence-based innovations, policies and policy recommendations, as well as institutional frameworks that expand political participation, social dialogue, civic engagement, gender equality and inclusiveness. Activities will also contribute to enhancing the transparency, effectiveness, accountability and legitimacy of public policy-making. They will help improving trust in democratic institutions, safeguarding liberties and the rule of law and protecting democracy from multidimensional threats. Rich historical, cultural and philosophical perspectives, including a comparative dimension, will set the frame for soundly understanding present developments and help to map future pathways. In the medium to long term, the knowledge, data, scientifically robust recommendations and innovations generated will enhance decision making on all aspects relevant to democratic governance. As the Destination aims directly at citizen engagement and at producing lasting change, it is of particular importance that the research and innovation actions promote the highest standards of transparency and openness. When applicable, it is encouraged to open up the process, criteria, methodologies and data to civil society in the course of the research.
Eligibility & Conditions
General conditions
1. Admissibility conditions: described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System
2. Eligible countries: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
3. Other eligibility conditions: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes
5. Evaluation and award:
- Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes
- Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual
- Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes
Specific conditions
7. Specific conditions: described in the specific topic of the Work Programme
Documents
Call documents:
Standard application form — call-specific application form is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard evaluation form — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
MGA
Additional documents:
HE Main Work Programme 2021–2022 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2021–2022 – 5. Culture, creativity and inclusive society
HE Main Work Programme 2021–2022 – 12. Missions
HE Main Work Programme 2021–2022 – 13. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Support & Resources
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Latest Updates
EVALUATION results
Call: HORIZON-CL2-2021-DEMOCRACY-01 (Protecting and nurturing democracies)
Published: 18.06.2021
Deadline: 07.10.2021
Available budget: EUR 49.500.000
The results of the evaluation are as follows:
Number of proposals submitted (including proposals transferred from or to other calls): 68
Number of inadmissible proposals: 1
Number of ineligible proposals: 2
Number of above-threshold proposals: 48
Total budget requested for above-threshold proposals: EUR 143.318.624
We recently informed the applicants about the evaluation results for their proposals.
For questions, please contact the Research Enquiry Service.