Abstract

European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP) has been the main instrument guiding the direction of European research and technological development since the 1980s. The most recent eighth FP, Horizon 2020, has been launched with the hope to upturn the current economic downfall and remedy the societal challenges. We aim to find the logics and mechanisms behind the creation of Horizon 2020, how the course of events affect the programme structure. The creation of Horizon 2020 was found to be based on the experiences gained from earlier FPs, revised rationales and the vision for the future European 2020 - smart, sustainable, inclusive growth.