This is a take that can only come from someone who is dependent on Horizon, because I don't think any independent observer could look at Horizon projects and say they just work.
No, I'm not dependent on Horizon Programme. I just look at what we did, the outcomes, and talk from that point.
Maybe our sphere is one of the ones which deliver. I can't see the whole thing, it's too big to observe. Even if we're in the 5% which delivers, which is same with the startup scene, which is loudly applauded because it's an incredibly well working system.
If the whole research project at the end actually delivers a somewhat coherent prototype, it's seen as a huge success.
Most start-ups start with a proof-of-concept prototype to transform it into an economically viable product.
So, comparing these success rates does not make sense. Multiple research groups can deliver rough prototypes at the end and celebrate their "huge success". In most fields, there can be only a few economically surviving startups...
And most fail utterly at even delivering a viable product, let alone an economically viable one.,