S2R JU has co-funding of €75.4m available for this call out of an estimated value of €146.6m for the new projects. There are 19 research topics of which eight are open to S2R members and 11 to non-members.

S2R says it is looking forward to a broader participation in the 2020 call, both geographically and in terms of synergies, allowing for new S2R activities to drive innovation. “The new call is an opportunity for the rail sector to join forces and through the funded R&I activities contribute to delivering the European Green Deal,” S2R says. 

“With the 2020 Shift2Rail call for proposals we aim to take our innovative solutions to the next level, demonstrating their potential together with our members and the sector at large during InnoTrans 2020 this September,” says Mr Carlo Borghini, executive director of the S2R JU.

“Our goal is to move beyond research and innovation to ensure market uptake of our forward-looking solutions, and to contribute substantially in meeting the expectations highlighted for rail in the European Commission’s communication on the European Green Deal. We are looking for promising ideas that will help us pave the way for our next R&I programme.”