Cofunded by the European Union

Water4All partners are undertaking several mapping studies to develop insight on certain topics. Some of these mapping studies are very innovative as no previous water programmes have undertaken them.

On September 6, 2024, Co-leaders of Task C1.2: Policy Support Working Group, INBO and VMM, organized a closed webinar for facilitating dialogue and collaboration across partners that carry out mapping studies for Water4All. The main motivation was to understand the potential of mapping studies in the identification of innovative solutions to address the implementation challenges of key water directives at the EU level.

The following mapping studies presented their progress at the webinar:

  • Mapping and coordination of national and regional research and innovation activities/initiatives (Pillar A),
  • Mapping of financial programmes (for start-ups) and Investment Readiness Programmes (Pillar C),
  • Mapping of water research infrastructures and observatories (Pillar C), [see article specific to this mapping / RIs platform]
  • Mapping of Water Oriented Living Labs-WOLLs (Pillar D),
  • Mapping of existing agreements between EU countries and non-EU countries and of existing water-related programs managed by international organizations (Pillar E)

Mapping in progress / with results

Some mapping studies are still in progress, whereas others have yielded interesting results already.

  • Mapping of national and regional R&I programmes (Pillar A) will continue through 2025 and will eventually provide insights into key features of funding programmes, knowledge transfer mechanisms and capacity building programmes from all over Europe.
  • Mapping of financial programmes and investment readiness programmes for startups (Pillar C) was finalized this year and highlighted the challenges start-ups face in accessing financial support, retaining talented workforce and scaling up innovations.
  • Mapping of research infrastructures and observatories (Pillar C) has led to the development of a comprehensive online catalogue of 152 research infrastructures from 18 countries.  This online catalogue provides information about the typology, thematic areas, accessibility, services and equipment provided by research infrastructures and is now available on the Water4All website. [see the RIs platform]
  • Pillar D shared the "Atlas of Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs)" which is profiling 21 WOLLs across Europe based on governance and innovation performance.
  • Additionally, Pillar E's recently initiated mapping work on international agreements and research programmes in third countries was also presented and hinted promising results for the future.

Water4All partners will keep on posting information on the progress made for each one of these mapping exercises on the Water4All’s website, the newsletter and social media.

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The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for seven years from 2022.

The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame. 

All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.

These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.

This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We know that we can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play and especially the scientific research community.

Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as It is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource. 

International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.

Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.