The first pillar, Excellent Science, funds basic research and ground-breaking research projects via the European Research Council (ERC). It also includes grant funding via the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA).
The second pillar, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, funds research related to social challenges (e.g. Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society) and expands technological and industrial capacities. In addition, this pillar encompasses the EU-wide mission areas, which are designed to find solutions to the major problems of our time and to advance the strategic priorities of the European Union and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The third pillar, Innovative Europe, aims to make Europe a leader in science-based innovation, with a major role being played by the European Innovation Council (EIC). This pillar will contribute to the development of the entire European innovation landscape, promoting the role of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the involvement of businesses, research, higher education and entrepreneurship.