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THE NEW FRONTIERS

Advanced computing

Advanced computing refers to the use of powerful hardware, software, and algorithms to solve complex problems and process vast amounts of data more efficiently than traditional computing methods. It covers a range of technologies including high-performance computing (HPC), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics, and quantum computing.

These technologies enable researchers, engineers, and businesses to analyse large datasets, simulate complex systems, design new products, accelerate scientific discovery, and make more informed decisions. Applications extend across healthcare, finance, energy, manufacturing, mobility, and climate science.

The EU sees advanced computing as a key enabler of the Digital Decade 2030, supporting technological sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable innovation.

EU on advanced computing

The EU is making major investments in advanced computing technologies to strengthen Europe’s leadership:

• High-Performance Computing (HPC)
  The European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) pools EU, national, and private resources to develop a world-class HPC ecosystem.
  
  
  • By 2025, EuroHPC has already deployed several petascale and pre-exascale supercomputers across Europe.
  • The next milestone is achieving exascale computing in Europe by 2025–2026, supporting cutting-edge research in drug discovery, climate modelling, renewable energy, and industrial design.
  • Total planned investment: €7 billion by 2033.
• Quantum Computing
  Europe is funding projects that integrate quantum mechanics with HPC systems, enabling breakthroughs in secure communications, ultra-precise timing, material science, and healthcare. The Quantum Flagship initiative (2018–2028) continues to be a cornerstone of EU quantum research, complemented by new calls under Horizon Europe.
• Chips, Photonics and Electronics
  Photonics and advanced electronics are critical for the future of computing, energy, mobility, and healthcare. The European Chips Act (entered into force 2023) mobilises over €43 billion by 2030 to boost Europe’s capacity in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
  Photonics, as a Key Enabling Technology (KET), is also supported to ensure leadership in next-generation sensors, communication systems, and medical devices.
• SME and Industry Access
  As technologies become more complex, industry and SMEs require access to advanced computing infrastructures, pilot lines, and testbeds. The EU industrial strategy supports this through Digital Innovation Hubs, regulatory sandboxes, and cross-border projects.
  

EU funding

The EU leverages multiple programmes to support advanced computing and related technologies:

• Horizon Europe: funds R&I in HPC, quantum, photonics, and semiconductors.
• Digital Europe Programme: supports deployment of HPC, AI testing facilities, and cloud/edge infrastructures.
• European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF): help regions and SMEs adopt advanced computing technologies.
• InvestEU & RRF: mobilise private and public investment for large-scale projects in chips, cloud, and quantum.

Outlook

By 2030, Europe aims to achieve:

• a world-leading HPC infrastructure, including exascale and quantum-class systems,
• secure, sovereign, and energy-efficient cloud and edge computing capacities,
• leadership in semiconductors, photonics, and quantum technologies,
• and an ecosystem where SMEs and industry can easily access advanced computing resources.

These investments ensure Europe remains at the forefront of global technological competition, while advancing solutions that respect European values, sustainability, and digital sovereignty.

> To see the progress made and programmes undertaken by the EU, go to  Horizon Europe  and Digital Europe Programme.