The role of private companies in democracy
Funds research on how large private companies influence democracy, policymaking, and public values, aiming to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible corporate conduct.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: September 23, 2027 (Full application, single-stage)
Funding Amounts: €3.5–4 million per project (lump sum); 2 projects funded; RIA, up to 100% funding rate
Summary: Supports research on how large private companies influence democratic governance, policymaking, and public values, to promote transparency and accountability.
Key Information: Lump sum grant; requires detailed budget; single-stage application; strong focus on gender and intersectionality.
Description
This Horizon Europe call funds research into the complex and evolving relationship between large private companies—including multinational corporations, industry and tech platforms, and lobbying groups—and democratic governance. The call seeks projects that analyze how corporate interests shape democratic processes, influence policymaking, and impact values such as diversity, equality, inclusion, human rights, and the public interest.
Proposals should examine both the risks and benefits of private sector involvement in areas like climate change, environmental protection, data privacy, and civil rights. The scope also includes the effects of lobbying, corruption, and undue influence on democratic integrity. Projects are expected to develop tools to assess the democratic impact of corporate practices, propose strategies for responsible corporate conduct, and promote transparency and accountability.
Research should consider the structural power of capital in policy agendas, the influence of external actors, and the impact of corporate actions on participatory and deliberative democracy, using gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches.
