Jan Mengelers warned of the risk that many Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) will have to reduce their participation in Horizon 2020 towards FP7 due to an unfavorable financing structure. Institutes with a good 'full cost' system (indirect and direct costs) are at a disadvantage in Horizon 2020. He emphasized that this could also affect the participation of the private sector in Horizon 2020, precisely because the RTOs have an important role in involving the industry, especially SMEs, in European projects.

"Horizon 2020 is an excellent program with a beautiful approach. Its strengths are the research-innovation connection, simplifying rules and procedures, focus on excellence, focus on social challenges, attention to SMEs and increased investment in research. But the essential role of Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) as integrators between government, industry and science should be given more attention and recognition." according to Jan Mengelers on Horizon 2020.