This report presents the results of a study on “Expectations and assumptions for the future in the Work Programme 2021-2022 of Horizon Europe”. The study scanned the HE Work Programme 2021-2022 for assumptions and expectations about the future and conducted a Delphi survey of experts on the likely time of realization of those expectations and assumptions. The analysis revealed three over-lapping but distinct types of challenges associated with assumptions and expectations that should be recognised in future workprogrammes: policy chal-lenges, diversification challenges and reflexivity challenges.

The objective of the service is to scan the current HE Work Pro-gramme 2021-2022 for assumptions and expectations about the future, compare them with the impact chains of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan, and conduct a Delphi survey of experts to provide an analysis of the likely time of realization and influential factors. On this basis, the study aimed to challenge, qualify and ultimately improve the potential of work-programme provisions to shape the future.