ECA special report: Has the EU’s “Industrial Leadership” priority been successfully implemented?

On Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 17:00 h, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) will publish a special report examining how effectively the “Industrial Leadership” priority under Horizon 2020 was implemented.

Horizon 2020 was the EU’s eighth framework programme for research and innovation, covering the period 2014–2020. The programme had a budget of €79 billion.

Around €17 billion was allocated to the “Industrial Leadership” priority, almost 80% of which was earmarked for achieving leadership in six sectors: information and communication technologies (ICT), nanotechnologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and processing, and space.

The remaining funds were intended to improve access to risk finance for innovative companies and support the innovation capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In its latest audit report, the ECA examines the EU funding and initiatives supporting the “Industrial Leadership” priority during the 2014–2020 period and identifies lessons learned about the transition from research to commercial success.

More broadly, the report also explores how innovation outcomes are monitored and how best to assess the long-term value of public investment.

The report and press release will be published on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 17:00 CEST on the European Court of Auditors’ website (eca.europa.eu). The ECA Member responsible for the report is Petri Sarvamaa.