European programmes
Over the years, the 8D team has built extensive expertise in European programs that support societal projects, such as Horizon Europe. Leveraging our knowledge of creative interventions, co-creation processes, and impact-driven design, we assist research teams in achieving their ambitions within Horizon Europe. On this page, we highlight an inspiring example from our portfolio for each thematic cluster. Are you developing a project plan or seeking a consortium that fits your project idea? Reach out to Sven. If your societal goals align with our expertise, we’ll be happy to support you with our knowledge and expansive European network.
8D & Horizon Europe 2021-2027
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s largest research and innovation programme, focusing on three strategic priorities: the green transition, the digital transition, and a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic Europe. At its core, it fosters collaboration between science, industry, and society to address today’s major challenges.
8D aligns closely with Horizon Europe’s goals, both methodologically and thematically. Our social design process integrates dissemination and stakeholder participation from the outset, creating synergy and impact. We also prioritize practical implementability, ensuring long-term impact in line with the EU’s objectives.
Thematic alignment with our projects
Thematically, almost our entire portfolio aligns with the strategic orientations of Horizon Europe. We have extensive experience with innovations in the green and digital transition, as well as educational projects that promote inclusion and European citizenship. Below is a selection of inspiring examples, organized according to Horizon Europe’s six thematic clusters.
1. Health
Focuses on health innovations, disease prevention, personalized care, and healthcare systems. Its goal is to enhance well-being, public health, and resilience to epidemics and other health challenges.
Case Study: VR Training for Neonatal Resuscitation
In collaboration with the Medical Center Leeuwarden (MCL), 8D is developing a VR training program that allows healthcare professionals to safely and accessibly practice neonatal resuscitation procedures. We contributed to problem definition, concept development, and the creation of a functional prototype. Currently, we are working on further development, validation, and implementation.
2. Culture, Creativity and an Inclusive Society
Addresses democracy, cultural heritage preservation, and social resilience. It aims to foster inclusion, civic engagement, and the role of creative sectors in societal transitions and technological advancements.
Example: Celebrating Multilingual Literacy
8D is a design partner in the research consortium Read with MEE, which aims to promote inclusion and equal opportunities in education by recognizing and supporting the full language repertoire of young multilingual children. We are developing interactive and playful reading activities designed to help teachers and parents/caregivers engage with the entire language repertoire of their children in an enjoyable and accessible way.
3. Civil Security
Focuses on disaster prevention, cybersecurity, and crime prevention. It aims to strengthen resilience against threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural disasters through innovative technologies and policy strategies.
Case Study: How to Respond to a Cyberattack?
In collaboration with the University of Groningen – Campus Fryslân, we developed a simulation game for the “Resilience Against Ransomware” campaign. How can organizations minimize the risk of falling victim to ransomware? And what actions can they take if an attack occurs? 8D designed and implemented a practical simulation that allows organizations to actively practice using the knowledge and tools developed by the researchers, empowering them to enhance their resilience against cyber threats.
4. Digitalization, Industry and Space
Drives innovation in digital technologies, AI, sustainable industries, and space exploration. It supports industrial competitiveness and the development of secure, ethical, and sustainable digital and space-related applications.
Case Study: Discussion Game on AI in Healthcare
How can AI improve healthcare while being implemented in an ethically responsible manner? This question lies at the heart of the educational board game AI+Hospital, which is part of the online curriculum AIProHealth. With approximately 2,250 users worldwide, the curriculum provides a foundation of theoretical knowledge, while the board game allows professionals to actively apply this knowledge. It also creates a safe space for open discussions about potential concerns or resistance toward AI.
5. Climate, Energy and Mobility
Addresses climate change, sustainable energy, and low-emission mobility. It supports innovations that drive the energy transition, climate adaptation, and environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Case Study: Board Game on the Heat Transition
The heat transition requires collaboration. Shared solutions, such as district heating networks, can accelerate the sustainability of neighborhoods. However, decisions made in one neighborhood can have significant impacts on others. How can communities navigate these challenges together? In partnership with eVRgreen Studio, 8D developed the board game Warmlopen in Amersfoort, designed to help residents explore sustainability in an engaging and interactive way. The game clarifies the consequences of different choices and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and incorporating diverse perspectives.
6. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Focuses on sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, and biodiversity conservation. It aims to develop innovations that enhance food security and protect natural ecosystems.
Case Study: Community Against Food Fraud
8D is a partner in the Horizon Europe project European Food Fraud Community of Practice (EFF-CoP), led by Professor Saskia van Ruth from the University of Dublin. In collaboration with scientists, regulators, and businesses, we are developing innovative solutions to tackle food fraud. Our efforts include creating creative interventions such as food fraud festivals, gamified training sessions, living labs, webinars, and the podcast Authentic Appetites to foster knowledge sharing and strengthen collaboration.
Learn more about Horizon Europe?
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with Sven or request our EU brochure for detailed information.
