The Workprogramme clearly explains the relevance of RRI as a cross-cutting issue of Horizon 2020:

There is a regime shift in the evolution of science and of its interactions with society for a number of reasons. Some of them have been identified in the Communication of the Commission 'Taking stock of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth'6, namely: societal changes in European and global society (e.g. new forms of urban and rural lifestyles, new consumption and mobility patterns, new and more diverse family settings), globalisation and trade, productivity developments, and pressure on natural resources.

The challenge therefore for Science with and for Society and Horizon 2020 is to foster and support the appropriate settings and collaboration to conduct R&I with and for society. This requires an open debates and learning-by-doing along the lines of Responsible Research and Innovation and ensuring adherence to highest ethical standards. The challenge is also to make the involvement of societal actors and the integration of societal concerns more systemic and sustainable, e.g. through institutional change in research performing and research funding organisations (RPOs and RFOs).

The relationship and interaction between science and society as well as the promotion of responsible research and innovation, science education, science communication and culture shall be deepened and public confidence in science and innovation reinforced by activities of Horizon 2020 favouring the informed engagement of and a dialogue with citizens and civil society in research and innovation."

Some of the forthcoming calls that might be of relevance also for Western Balkan countries are listed below. For the full list, please consult the Participant Portal here.