In their response to the 2025 EC-OECD STIP survey, countries indicated the main policy debates around government support to Innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship (raw data included below in Annex A). Several patterns can be identified from these responses:
Themes within the Innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship policy area are ranked in Figure 1 by the number of initiatives addressing them. By a wide margin, the most frequently addressed theme is Financial support to business R&D and innovation, covering various types of funding schemes such as tax incentives, grants and debt financing programmes. Secondly comes Targeted support to SMEs and young innovative enterprises, including various types of policies addressed to firms of this size and age (as opposed to large or established firms). Policies supporting young SMEs often include specific grants and subsidies, innovation vouchers and technology extension services, among other forms of support. This theme is followed by Non-financial support to business R&D and innovation, which consists of programs for the provision of non-monetary assistance such as technical expertise, training, mentoring, networking and marketing and advertising support.
While, unsurprisingly, Figure 2 shows that Firms are the most frequently addressed target group, it is worth noting how many more policies address a specific size (SMEs) compared to firms by age (Young firms (1 to 5 years old)). SMEs are followed by Entrepreneurs, with keywords (obtained when hovering the corresponding bar with the mouse pointer) suggesting that many policies relate to start-ups, venture capital, business development and human capital. Some of these policies also target Private investors, seeking to encourage their contribution to the entrepreneurial activity. Many policies involve Public research institutes, Higher education institutes and Established researchers as well, e.g. aiming to commercialise the knowledge produced by these research actors and also fostering public-private collaborative projects. Furthermore, several reported policies aim to address knowledge intermediaries: primarily Incubators, accellerators, science parks or technoparks but also Industry associations and Technology transfer offices (see knowledge exchange and co-creation policy area).
Following a similar pattern as in the Public research system policy area, Grants for business R&D and innovation are the most frequently used policy instrument, followed by Strategies, agendas and plans. Business sector strategies usually address topics such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, resilience and tecnological development (see keywords). Networking and collaborative platforms are used as the main form of non-financial support. These aim to gather actors for various business-oriented goals such as building entrepreneurial networks, collaborative research projects and technology development around specific fields, e.g. artificial intelligence and energy Another common form of non-financial support is Technology extension and business advisory services. These services cover aspects such as operations, production, quality, logistics, workforce skills, learning capabilities and the adoption of new technologies. They often have the objective of increasing firm productivity and efficiency. Concerning innovative entrepreneurship, Equity funding plays a major role in promoting access to finance for start-ups, young firms and SMEs. Policies using this instrument often involve business angels and investment funds to promote seed funds and venture capital (see keywords). Finally, while relatively not numerous in the database, Tax or social contributions relief are a key instrument, allocating large amounts of indirect funding to firms' STI activities via tax credits, as highlighted below.
Most initiatives within the Innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship policy area reporting budget data have up to 20M in EUR yearly expenditures (Figure 4). Keywords indicate that initiatives within these ranges often address start-ups and include forms of non-financial support (i.e. expertise, technology transfer and training) in addition to financial aid. Initiatives with higher budgets appear to be more frequently associated with applied research and commercialisation, i.e. seeking to help firms leverage public research results (see the Knowledge exchange and co-creation policy area). Schemes using Corporate tax relief for R&D and innovation usually allocate the largest funds, as indicated by the keywords for budget ranges superior to 500M EUR.
Figure 5 shows that Türkiye has reported the largest number of initiatives in this policy area, followed by Portugal, the Poland and Korea. The chart shows only the number of policy initiatives reported by countries and gives no indication of their scale or scope. The figure should therefore be interpreted with care. Clicking on a given bar in the chart will bring you to the corresponding country dashboard for Innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship policies.
Table 1 contains the answers provided by countries (and other entities) to the following question: Policy debates for Innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship You may use the table's search box to filter the data by country or keyword. You may also dowload the data in Excel format.
Table 1. Policy debates in the Innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship policy area
| Country | Response |
|---|---|
| Argentina | The policy to support technological innovation in companies should focus on strengthening the scientific and technological system within the productive framework. This involves improving the capacity to effectively coordinate the actors in the scientific, technological, and productive systems. To achieve this, we promote mechanisms and instruments that strengthen the transfer and connection between those who generate knowledge and those who apply it. The goal is to enhance the development of knowledge-intensive products and services. The specific objectives include promoting innovation in companies and increasing private investment in R&D. We aim to encourage the creation and strengthening of Technological and Technical Development Centers (EBCT). Additionally, we seek to promote technology transfer through public-private partnerships and improve the technological performance of companies and organisations in the region. Another key objective is to promote the integration of highly qualified human resources into the productive framework. The main aim is to support business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship through the connection and coordination between the national science, technology, and innovation system and the actors in the productive framework. |
| Argentina | The National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation 2030 has explicitly identified strategic socio-productive missions that align with national development goals. These missions focus on addressing key social needs, including health, food security, and digital inclusion. This alignment ensures that public research agendas and funding instruments are effectively reoriented to meet these critical societal challenges. Discussions among government agencies, academia, and civil society are essential in shaping these agendas. By collaborating, these entities can ensure that the strategies implemented are comprehensive and cater to the diverse needs of society. |
| Armenia | Within the framework of the "Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in Armenia 2022-2026" Country Programme Document, jointly signed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, a programme will be initiated in cooperation with UNIDO and the Ministry of Economy. This programme consists of three components aimed at the creation of an "Industrial Innovation Centre" digital platform, fostering partnerships and collaboration, as well as promoting best practices and broad engagement. Specifically, within the "Industrial Innovation Centre" digital platform, SMEs will be able to go through digital transformation stages (assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring), receive consultancy, participate in training programmes, and establish connections with partners in the technology sector. The ultimate goal of this programme is the establishment of an Industrial Innovation Hub, which will also host laboratories and support technology transfer, SME digital skills development, innovation promotion, and the digital transformation of the SME sector. The following concepts have been developed and approved by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia: "Concept of Innovative Initiatives" (2024), "Conceptual Approaches to Promoting the Use of Digital Tools by Small and Medium Enterprises" (2023), "Conceptual Approaches to the Development of the Intellectual Property System of the Republic of Armenia" (2023), and "Methodology for the Formation of Educational System Demand" (2024). Additionally, there are developed strategies focused on the development of the digital economy, emphasising the importance of digital transformation for SMEs. These include the Digital Transformation Agenda of Armenia (2018-2030) and the Digitalisation Strategy of Armenia (2021-2025). The Action Plan for 2021-2026, approved by the Government of Armenia's Decision No. 1902-L on November 18, 2021, includes measures aimed at supporting business innovation and entrepreneurship. These measures are designed to create favourable conditions for the growth of innovative businesses and entrepreneurship in Armenia. The programme aims to promote the adoption of innovative technologies across various sectors, ensuring increased productivity and enhanced competitiveness. The government plans to support SMEs by improving access to financial resources, providing advisory services, and offering educational programmes to enhance their innovation capabilities. The programme also promotes the use of digital tools and technologies in the business sector, fostering the adoption of innovative solutions and improving the entrepreneurial environment. |
| Armenia | In Armenia, there is a growing emphasis on aligning research and innovation with key societal challenges such as security, economic growth, education, and social inclusivity. Policymakers are increasingly focused on integrating these critical issues into the national science, technology, and innovation (STI) strategies. They highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research and the engagement of various stakeholders in promoting innovation that benefits the public. Furthermore, there is a recognition of the need for innovative funding approaches and new evaluation criteria to support this strategic shift. This acknowledgment underscores the commitment to adapting the framework of STI policies to better address the dynamic and diverse needs of society. |
| Australia | The main ongoing policy debates around government support for business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship in Australia focus on how to best coordinate and target support to maximise economic resilience, productivity, and inclusive growth. The National Small Business Strategy (2025) emphasises the need for a cohesive, cross-government approach to elevate small businesses in policymaking. It aims to foster innovation through streamlined regulation and better access to support services. Simultaneously, the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into creating a more dynamic and resilient economy explores ways to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation. This is achieved by improving competition, reducing regulatory burdens, and fostering a more adaptive business environment. These debates also intersect with broader government priorities such as the National Reconstruction Fund, which aims to rebuild Australia’s industrial base and support high-value manufacturing and innovation. The National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) supports research and innovation by providing finance—through debt, equity, and guarantees—to projects that aim to transform and diversify Australia’s industrial base. Administered by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, the NRF targets key priority areas, including renewables and low-emission technologies, medical science, transport, value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, value-add in resources, defence capability, and enabling capabilities such as engineering, data science, and quantum technologies. There is also an exploration of new sources for funding R&D. Recent commentary has been mixed, focusing on both current and potentially new funding sources such as venture capital, superannuation funds, and other possible sources. Discussions have also touched on the role of current dividend payments within Australian companies as a potential drag on funds that could be used to finance R&D spending. A key focus in this area has been on the research and development tax incentive, which remains a main source of funding for many entities conducting R&D in Australia. Overall, the policy focus is on balancing direct support with structural reforms to create a sustainable and competitive innovation ecosystem. |
| Australia | Australia's National Science Statement articulates the government's vision for science, highlighting that through science and innovation, the nation will develop new industries that drive a dynamic economy, provide well-paid jobs, improve quality of life, preserve the unique environment, and foster a future made in Australia. Accompanying this statement, the Australian Government's National Science and Research Priorities set out five key areas that underscore the essential science and research collaborations needed to tackle Australia's significant challenges. These five key areas include: 1. Transitioning to a net zero future – focusing on clean energy, emissions reduction, and sustainable technologies. 2. Supporting healthy and thriving communities – promoting public health, wellbeing, and social resilience. 3. Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems – recognising and integrating First Nations science and cultural knowledge. 4. Protecting and restoring Australia’s environment – addressing biodiversity, climate adaptation, and ecological sustainability. 5. Building a secure and resilient nation – enhancing national security, disaster preparedness, and technological sovereignty These priorities aim to align research investments and collaborations across government, industry, and academia to deliver long-term national benefits. Further developments in policy debates on how research and innovation can address societal challenges include the 2025 Strategic Examination of Research and Development. This public discussion paper emphasises a stronger role for missions or targeting societal challenges through R&D. It also points out that patient capital investment is crucial as it enables researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses to explore their own ideas. This approach leads to diverse and unexpected breakthroughs that can enhance innovation and tackle various societal challenges. Additionally, the Australian Research Council is conducting a policy review of its National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP). An open discussion paper released in April 2025 proposed an overarching purpose statement for the NCGP. The purpose statement highlights the role of the NCGP in supporting collaborative early-stage research, which produces new knowledge, understandings, ideas, and solutions that sustain a vibrant research-innovation ecosystem. This research delivers cultural, economic, environmental, and societal benefits for Australia. There is also a noticeable policy shift in Australia that positions digital transformation and service delivery as key enablers of trust in government. This is particularly relevant in the context of rapid technological change, demographic diversity, and increasing demand for inclusive and user-centric services. The Digital Experience Policy (DX Policy) and its supporting standards provide a framework for this shift, emphasising accessibility, interoperability, inclusion, and performance. These standards are not merely technical requirements but are crucial levers for driving broader social outcomes, such as equity in access to government services for people with disabilities, First Nations Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and those in regional and remote locations. Emerging discussions are increasingly focused on how innovative policy can sustain this inclusive approach at scale. This involves embedding co-design with communities, harnessing data for social insight, and ensuring that investments in digital uplift support ethical and transparent technology use. These debates align directly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure). In addition, the Australian Government Department of Parliamentary Services' publication on 'Citizens' engagement in policymaking and the design of public services' recognises that genuine co-creation demands cultural shifts within public institutions and enhanced citizen engagement. It positions the public not merely as recipients of services but as active contributors to policy and innovation processes. |
| Austria | The Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) strategy identifies applied research as a crucial driver for developing a functional, transparent, and progressive RTI ecosystem. To effectively support this ecosystem, a broad concept of innovation is essential. This concept should encompass not only technological innovations but also societal, creative, and organisational innovations. It should cover the entire innovation chain and align with the economic needs, including aspects such as grants, liabilities, incubators, property rights, and venture capital. Furthermore, the strategy aims to facilitate the entry of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into research and innovation (R&I) and to support the expansion of R&I activities in leading businesses. The RTI Pact 2024-2026, which operationalises the goals set in the RTI Strategy, also emphasises that it should be made easier for SMEs to embark on research and innovation, and their RTI activities should be intensified. To facilitate this goal, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG offers a number of funding programs to support SMEs in their R&I efforts. In addition, the FFG provides easy access expert advice to SMEs on issues related to entering R&I (e.g. help finding potential partners for R&D projects etc.) In parallel, the Federal Government's climate and transformation initiative is geared towards steering the economy towards sustainable transformation. |
| Austria | To effectively address the challenges outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Research, Technology, and Innovation (RTI) policies must significantly contribute to comprehensive ecological, economic, and societal transformations. The RTI Strategy 2030 and the RTI Pacts are pivotal in this endeavour, prioritising "RTI for the achievement of climate targets" and "supporting the twin transition" as key action areas. Additionally, sectoral strategies and action plans for sustainable development now integrate RTI measures, demonstrating a commitment to these goals. A notable instance of this commitment is the federal Circular Economy Strategy, adopted in December 2022, which aligns with sustainable development principles. Approximately 50% of national RTI project funding for applied research is allocated to support the twin transition, underscoring the strategic focus on sustainability. Furthermore, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency has implemented a system to monitor each funded project's contribution to the SDGs, ensuring that investments align with broader sustainability objectives. On a broader scale, Austria's contributions to the European Green Deal and the EU Missions in Horizon Europe highlight its proactive engagement in continental efforts to meet ecological and economic challenges. This alignment between national and European initiatives facilitates coherent and effective strategies for achieving the SDGs through innovation and research. |
| Belgium - Brussels Capital | The Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) is recognised as a European innovation leader, and Innoviris, the Brussels administration for research and innovation, strongly supports business innovation. A key pillar is the “innovation journey” concept, which establishes dedicated support pathways in advanced digital technologies, the circular economy, health, and social innovation—with special attention to high-potential projects and deep-tech entrepreneurship. This approach aims to strengthen the entire value chain from research to market and to help innovative firms grow locally, in part by providing funding, collaboration opportunities, and access to infrastructure at critical stages of development. Ongoing policy debates in Brussels focus on how to govern and deliver these supports effectively. One prominent discussion concerns the governance and flexibility of public support instruments: there are proposals to streamline Innoviris’s own operating framework (e.g., revising its administrative status) to simplify grant processes and enable more agile funding decisions. Another debate addresses the challenge of scaling up innovative businesses. Measures under consideration include tailored innovation journey funding tracks for scale-ups and new support for first industrial deployments, aimed at anchoring deep-tech startups and spin-offs in the region by providing them with specialised facilities and investment aid. |
| Belgium - Brussels Capital | In the Brussels-Capital Region (BCR), policy discussions on research and innovation (R&I) increasingly emphasise addressing societal challenges as a core objective of the innovation system. The latest regional strategy frames R&I as a driver for social and ecological transitions, directly contributing to sustainability, quality jobs, and citizens’ well-being. This marks a clear shift from purely economic considerations toward a mission-oriented approach aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Priority areas for R&I have been defined around six key societal challenges—including climate change and energy transition, circular resource use, sustainable mobility, healthy food and public health, and social inclusion—which now guide the region’s innovation agenda. To operationalise this vision, Brussels is integrating these sustainability goals into its STI programmes and adopting collaborative, mission-driven initiatives. Likewise, regional innovation funding is increasingly structured around thematic priorities linked to societal needs—for instance, targeted calls for projects on climate-resilient infrastructure and optimal resource use—thereby aligning research agendas with concrete SDG outcomes. These efforts encourage cross-sector collaboration and leverage European partnerships to amplify impact on challenges such as decarbonisation and the circular economy. Another key debate is how to ensure the R&I ecosystem itself evolves to support this challenge-driven agenda. Policymakers stress the importance of quadruple-helix engagement and co-creation—involving universities, industry, public authorities, and citizens—to generate inclusive, socially relevant innovations. An ambitious vision is taking shape around responsible, open, and inclusive innovation processes that co-create solutions with end-users and civil society as active partners, and ensure research outcomes are widely valorised for the benefit of the Brussels economy and society. The region is also promoting open science practices, strengthening ethical frameworks, and exploring regulatory sandboxes to test innovative solutions under real-world conditions. Integrating the SDGs into STI policy means that evaluation and funding criteria increasingly value societal and environmental impact, not just scientific excellence or economic return. Finally, there is recognition that achieving these ambitious goals will require sustained investment and adaptive governance. Innoviris, the Brussels R&I agency, advocates to grant its innovation agency greater flexibility in decision-making, ensuring that science, technology, and innovation policy can more effectively drive the region’s sustainability transitions. Finally, there is broad consensus on better integrating social innovation and public-sector innovation into the mainstream policy mix. This includes support for scaling up social innovations (ensuring viable projects can sustain and spread via grants, loans, or equity) and initiatives to spur innovation in government services (such as innovative public procurement pilots), so that public and community-driven innovations receive appropriate support alongside private-sector tech innovation. As Brussels evaluates its current Regional Innovation Plan (2021–2027), these emerging debates and evolving visions will inform its forthcoming strategy (2028–2035), keeping the region at the forefront of inclusive, mission-driven innovation. |
| Belgium - Federal government | Many competencies related to firms and entrepreneurship are managed by the Regions. In Belgium, to support business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship, the federal level primarily focuses on tax matters. This includes an 80% exemption of withholding tax for qualified employees, which provides additional cash flow for R&D expenses. All businesses that are subject to corporate income tax, including SMEs and international companies with permanent establishments in Belgium, are eligible for this exemption. Small enterprises that qualify as Young Innovative Companies (YICs) and have been in existence for less than 10 years benefit from more flexible conditions and a broader scope. Researchers who hold a Master's Degree or an academic Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in the relevant region can receive remuneration that is paid or awarded with exemption. Similarly, researchers with a professional Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in the relevant region are also eligible for remuneration exemption. However, the total amount of exemption from payment is capped at 25% for employees of non-small enterprises and 50% for employees of small enterprises, compared to the exemption applied to those holding Master's Degrees. This structured approach ensures that both small and large enterprises can benefit from significant tax incentives, which are designed to boost research and development activities within the country. |
| Belgium - Federal government | All levels of government in Belgium, including federal and regional, are dedicated to fulfilling the UN’s Agenda 2030, each within their own scope of competencies. The federal government has taken significant steps in this direction, having approved a new Federal Sustainable Development Plan in 2021. This plan includes nearly 240 measures aimed at promoting sustainable development across various sectors. Since 2021, every member of the federal government is required to annually present their contributions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their general policy notes. Furthermore, the federal government hosts the annual SDG Forum, an event that attracts over 600 participants from diverse sectors including society, the private sector, academia, and government authorities. This forum serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration on sustainable development issues. In addition to these initiatives, the federal government financially supports the development of specific projects and provides structural backing to two consultation platforms for societal organisations. By adopting the "Leaving No One Behind" principle, the federal government integrates inclusivity into a wide array of policy areas, ensuring that the transition towards sustainable development is equitable and comprehensive. |
| Belgium - Flanders | The policy note on economy, science, and industry for 2024–2029 highlights the Flemish government's commitment to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of its economy and industry. Central aspects of this strategy are support for SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups and the economic valorisation of strategic sectors such as sustainable energy, biotechnology, and digital technologies. The aim is to boost Flanders' strategic autonomy while fostering an environment conducive to innovation, promoting lifelong learning, and creating a setting that is friendly to entrepreneurs. In a targeted effort to bolster innovative start-ups and scale-ups, the Flemish government is currently evaluating and optimising specific instruments like the “Innovative Starters Support” and the experimental “Schaalklaar” call. These initiatives are designed to assist companies in developing a proof of concept or business model, ultimately preparing them for scalability and further growth. The government is focused on making these tools more accessible and eliminating any obstacles, ensuring that a greater number of companies can take advantage of the support available. Additionally, ongoing discussions with the federal government focus on retaining the partial exemption from withholding tax for R&D to optimise the available instruments. |
| Belgium - Flanders | While policy documents may not explicitly refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), current debates extend beyond merely ensuring productivity growth. They focus on addressing broader societal challenges and the role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy in shaping solutions. This discussion aligns with the emphasis on research funding for impact, adapting STI systems to transformative goals, and integrating sustainability into innovation policies. The emphasis is on leveraging STI to tackle challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts, and strategic autonomy. These issues are highlighted in the Analysis of the Flemish Research, Development, and Innovation system and expenditure assessment of the 'Flemish policy regarding productivity', various policy notes of the Flemish government, and the Flemish Productivity Agenda. In Flanders, the government is addressing societal challenges through STI policy by investing in sectors such as sustainable energy, biotechnology, and digital technologies. Efforts are also being made to enhance strategic independence in crucial areas such as semiconductors and defence. Furthermore, the government supports EU initiatives like the NZIA and CRMA as leverage for Flemish policy and promotes strategic autonomy through diversified local production chains. Bilateral collaborations with neighbouring regions and countries focus on areas such as healthcare, energy, and cybersecurity. |
| Belgium - Wallonia | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Belgium - Wallonia | In Wallonia, STI policy debates increasingly focus on how innovation can address societal challenges such as climate action, biodiversity, industrial resilience, and digital inclusion. A key aspect of this approach is the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into research and innovation (R&I) funding schemes and strategic platforms. Since 2022, there has been a noticeable shift in regionally-funded programmes that explicitly connect innovation with SDG targets, although there is ongoing discussion about enhancing coordination mechanisms and impact evaluation. The Digital Wallonia 4 Circular programme, launched in May 2022, utilises digital technologies to promote the circular economy, encompassing the entire materials lifecycle from design to recycling. It features thematic calls such as Explore IT4Circularity, Implement IT4Circularity, and Develop IT4Circularity, which fund proofs of concept (PoCs) and R&D in digital circular solutions. A second call for Implement IT4Circularity was issued in mid-2023, offering €75,000 grants that cover up to 70% of project costs, to deploy live demonstrators in sectors like construction, energy, and water within Wallonia. This initiative strongly aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities). The broader Giga Région programme under Digital Wallonia, running from 2019 to 2024, addresses connectivity challenges essential for equitable access. With an investment of €280 million, it supports the rollout of last-mile broadband, 5G PoCs, and digital training to bridge rural divides. This reflects an SDG-aligned approach, particularly targeting SDG 9 (connectivity/infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Between 2022 and 2024, the SPW engaged over 1,000 actors and allocated €7 million to 19 Strategic Innovation Initiatives (Initiatives d’Innovation Stratégiques, IIS), covering areas like AI (Trail4Wallonia), cybersecurity (CyberWal), hydrogen (e-WallonHY), sustainable renovation, and smart manufacturing (MadeinWallonia). These initiatives align with SDGs 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), 9 (Innovation), 11, and 12 (sustainable industries). Launched in 2023, the Win4Excellence Funding programme provides almost €28.4 million—€12.5 million from the Recovery Plan—for ambitious research in universities and approved research centres. The initiative aims to foster long-term excellence in areas that underpin societal and sustainable impact, corresponding with SDGs 3, 7, and 13. Despite these clear policy efforts towards SDG-aligned innovation, debates continue on several fronts: - Cross-cutting governance: Many stakeholders call for improved coordination across these programmes to prevent siloed approaches. - Monitoring & evaluation: There is a demand for measurable SDG-linked KPIs and transparent impact assessments. - Societal engagement: There is an increasing call to involve civil society in steering R&I agendas, ensuring coherence with SDG 16 (Partnerships for Goals) and SDG 10. |
| Belgium - Wallonia-Brussels Federation | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Belgium - Wallonia-Brussels Federation | At present, negotiations are underway concerning a project to reform fiscal measures that support research and innovation (R&I). This initiative is crucial as it aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of funding mechanisms in fostering societal advancements through scientific research. The Superior Council for Scientific Integrity (SCSI) in the Wallonia - Brussels Federation has recently been inaugurated. Positioned as the ultimate reference body for universities and research centres, the SCSI strives to restore confidence across all scientific disciplines, both exact and human sciences. The council is structured into two main committees: an advisory committee and a supervisory committee. These committees play pivotal roles in maintaining the integrity and reliability of scientific research, which is fundamental in addressing societal challenges. Furthermore, the FWB has initiated funding appeals to raise awareness of STEAM subjects, particularly among young people. These initiatives have been formalised in the 2024 decree on research funding, reflecting a strategic approach to cultivating a future generation equipped with necessary scientific knowledge and skills. |
| Brazil | Significant focus has been placed on the debate surrounding the National Innovation Policy, adopted by Executive Order No. 10 534/2020, and the National Innovation Strategy, adopted by Resolution CI No. 1 on July 23, 2021. The National Innovation Policy is designed to address enduring demands related to enhancing governance and achieving better coordination of innovation policies and initiatives among diverse government bodies and agencies. In conjunction with the National Innovation Strategy, it also aims to establish clearer priorities and directives for the national innovation system. Both the policy and the strategy are the outcomes of comprehensive debate with stakeholders and society, facilitated through targeted workshops and public consultations. Another significant accomplishment was the enactment of the Startups Innovative Entrepreneurship Legal Framework (Complementary Act No. 182/2021). This legislation introduces a range of incentives for innovative entrepreneurship, including more flexible rules for start-ups such as regulatory sandboxes and simplified corporate legal requirements. These measures are intended to reduce regulatory burdens and administrative costs. Additionally, investments in innovative start-ups will be eligible for tax incentives, in line with the current legislation on R&D tax incentives for business innovation. Specific rules have also been introduced to promote R&D procurement targeting innovative start-ups. |
| Brazil | The primary policy debates concerning national research and innovation policy in addressing societal challenges focus on the establishment of mission-oriented policies and the governance of the national innovation system. Efforts are being made to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into STI policy design and implementation by progressively aligning STI policies, strategies, and plans. The National Economic and Social Development Strategy specifically aims to tackle the SDGs. The transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to low-carbon, renewable energy systems requires a renewed focus on adopting sustainable solutions. While relevant and sustainable technological solutions already exist, their implementation is often hindered by institutional rules, political choices, and socio-cultural attitudes. Overcoming these barriers necessitates co-financing agreements and approaches that promote broad stakeholder involvement, including municipalities, businesses, academia, and civil society. |
| Bulgaria | In Bulgaria, current policy debates around supporting business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship focus on several interconnected challenges. A major area of discussion concerns the effectiveness and accessibility of funding, particularly the distribution of EU structural funds and national financial instruments. Critics argue that complex procedures and limited access for startups and small enterprises hinder their impact, calling for simpler, more direct financing mechanisms such as grants, public-private funds, and venture capital. Another key issue is the country’s low investment in research and development (R&D), both from the public and private sectors. Policymakers are debating ways to stimulate private R&D spending through tax incentives and stronger collaboration between universities and businesses. At the same time, there is growing concern about regulatory and bureaucratic obstacles that discourage entrepreneurship. Efforts to streamline administrative processes and digitalize public services are central to these discussions. The availability of talent is also a pressing issue, as Bulgaria faces significant brain drain and mismatches between education outcomes and labor market needs. This has prompted calls for reforms in education, with a focus on STEM fields, digital skills, and vocational training tailored to innovation-driven industries. Additionally, policymakers are debating the role of the government in building a stronger innovation ecosystem, including the development of technology parks, incubators, and accelerators. There is a consensus on the need for better coordination between public institutions, academia, and the private sector. Finally, the protection of intellectual property remains a concern, with discussions focused on improving legal frameworks and enforcement to ensure innovators can safely bring their ideas to market. Together, these debates reflect Bulgaria’s broader goal of fostering a competitive, knowledge-based economy. |
| Bulgaria | Current policy debates around research and innovation (R&I) are increasingly focused on how science, technology, and innovation can be more effectively harnessed to address pressing societal challenges. Across Europe and globally, there is a growing push to move beyond purely academic or economic objectives and to align R&I policy with long-term public needs—particularly in areas such as climate change, public health, energy transition, and social inclusion. This shift is driving the adoption of mission-oriented and challenge-driven approaches, where research programs are structured around solving specific societal problems rather than advancing knowledge in isolation. A central part of these discussions is the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Policymakers are debating how best to incorporate the SDGs into the design and implementation of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy. This includes aligning national research priorities with the global sustainability agenda, developing new indicators to assess societal impact, and encouraging interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research that reflects the complex nature of today’s challenges. Increasingly, there is recognition that innovation must serve broader societal and environmental goals—not just economic competitiveness. Another key debate concerns the role of society in shaping the research and innovation agenda. There is growing interest in co-creation and public engagement, with calls to involve citizens, civil society, and end-users in the design of research projects to ensure they are relevant, inclusive, and transparent. This reflects a wider shift toward making innovation more democratic and responsive. At the same time, governments and institutions are grappling with how to balance support for scientific excellence with the need for tangible societal impact. This is prompting discussions on reforming research assessment criteria, funding mechanisms, and academic incentives to value real-world outcomes alongside traditional scientific outputs. In Bulgaria, these themes are increasingly reflected in recent policy reforms. The Law on the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation and the Programme for Research, Innovation, and Digitisation for Smart Specialisation emphasize societal relevance and sustainability. While references to the SDGs are still relatively limited and not yet systematically embedded in STI planning and evaluation, there is growing awareness of the need to align national efforts with global sustainability goals. The debate now is how to turn this awareness into concrete frameworks and coordinated action that ensure research and innovation contribute meaningfully to addressing the country’s—and the world’s—most urgent challenges. |
| Canada | The Government of Canada has primarily supported business innovation through the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive program, a cornerstone of Canada's innovation strategy that supports over 22,000 businesses. In recent years, however, there has been a shift from tax incentives towards more direct support for business expenditure on R&D. This shift aims to create a more efficient, equitable, and effective innovation ecosystem in Canada, ensuring that businesses of all sizes have the resources and incentives needed to invest in R&D and drive economic growth. This includes the creation of flagship programs such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and Global Innovation Clusters (GIC). For instance, under SIF, the Net Zero Accelerator is deploying CAD $8 billion to support emission reductions and foster economic growth in response to climate change. The GIC program has seen a total co-investment of over CAD $2.92 billion between 2018 and 2025, with more than CAD $1.80 billion from industry and other partners, and over CAD $1.12 billion in federal funding. This complements long-standing initiatives such as the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), which provides financial assistance and advisory services to help businesses undertake technology innovation and R&D projects. Under the program, businesses can receive financial support for up to 80% of their project costs, depending on the scope and type of project. In December 2023, the Government of Canada announced that NRC-IRAP would be integrated into the new Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC) by 2026–2027. CIC, a forthcoming federal entity, will consolidate existing programs to create a unified platform for business R&D support. Led by private-sector experts, CIC will focus on boosting Canadian business expenditure on R&D across various sectors and regions, helping firms develop and commercialize innovative products and processes. The organization will operate independently from government, with accountability to Parliament through the Minister of Industry. To further spur innovation, Canada employs both supply-side and demand-side programs. Traditional approaches have focused on supply push through tax credits and grants. However, demand-side approaches such as challenge prizes and innovation procurement have gained importance. Recent initiatives include Innovative Solutions Canada, Explore IP, and Innovation Challenges. The external Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System recommended the creation of a mission-oriented Canadian Knowledge and Science Foundation to pursue more demand-side instruments. Lastly, new programs aim to encourage innovative entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups. These include Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Program, Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, Futurpreneur Canada, 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program. Each program provides resources tailored to the needs of Canada’s diverse population to support entrepreneurship and innovative business growth. |
| Canada | In Canada, recent debates on the role of science and research in addressing societal challenges have emphasized sustainable economic growth, climate action, and diversity and equity. The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, developed under a strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, adopts a whole-of-government approach. It integrates Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets, milestones, and implementation strategies from 101 federal organizations. This strategy aligns with the Canadian Indicator Framework for the SDGs, the Quality of Life Framework, and the Gender Results Framework, using scientific data, such as the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, to provide context on Canada's environmental state and to help measure progress. In 2023, Canada introduced its first National Adaptation Strategy, envisioning a climate-resilient nation. This strategy aims to mitigate climate-related disasters, enhance health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, and build resilient infrastructure, while supporting a robust economy and workforce. It underscores the necessity of whole-of-society action, assigning explicit roles to academic institutions, researchers, scientists, and non-governmental organizations in knowledge generation and dissemination. These efforts collectively strengthen societal resilience by applying innovation and research to practical climate adaptation challenges, fostering informed decision-making and inclusive, sustainable solutions. An evergreen monitoring and evaluation framework within the strategy ensures alignment with the Canadian Indicator Framework for the SDGs and tracks progress. Furthermore, Canada's engagement in international STI policy discussions, particularly with the Global South, is facilitated through the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). IDRC's Strategy 2030, which aligns its research programming with the SDGs, focuses on climate change and inequality. It integrates gender equality (SDG 5) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) across its programming, guiding its strategic direction. IDRC supports researchers in low- and middle-income countries to develop local solutions for global challenges, enhancing the contribution of research evidence in national, regional, and global STI policy debates. Initiatives like Artificial Intelligence for Development are boosting AI research capacity in Africa and Asia, supporting policy research for responsible AI frameworks, and promoting AI applications in pandemic preparedness and maternal health in Southern contexts. IDRC's Science Granting Councils Initiative is enhancing national innovation capacity by supporting national science councils in sub-Saharan Africa, crucial for contributing solutions locally and globally towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). More broadly, in regions like Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, IDRC is fostering inclusive science and innovation systems by supporting research projects on STI priorities and facilitating collaboration through regional networks. Canada also aims to leverage its resource endowment, environmental and social governance credentials, robust regulatory system, and investment environment to meet global demand for critical minerals and associated value-added products. The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, released in December 2022, outlines Canada's ambition to become a global supplier of choice for responsibly sourced critical minerals and the clean and digital technologies they enable. This strategy supports industrial diversification, high-quality employment, and sustainable development nationwide. |
| Chile | In Chile, one of the main current policy debates around government support for business innovation focuses on how to increase investment in R&D in a context where the predominant industries are not knowledge-intensive. This debate has generated diverse positions. Some advocate for an active industrial policy with a focus on strategic sectors such as green hydrogen and digital transformation. Others propose maintaining a cross-cutting, sector-neutral approach that prioritises the strengthening of general technological capabilities. A key point of the debate is how to better articulate public instruments to support science and technology-based companies. These companies often face structural barriers to accessing financing and integrating into consolidated productive sectors. Another significant aspect of the debate concerns the role of the State in the development of the venture capital market. Despite an increase in private investment, including new national and international players, there is ongoing discussion about whether the government should limit its role to leveraged co-financing, as it currently does, or move towards more direct schemes such as the creation of a fund of funds with state participation. Discussions also focus on how to improve the access of innovative start-ups to R&D tax benefits. Proposals include allowing companies without profits to receive effective refunds. These discussions involve actors from the Executive, Congress, business associations, universities, and technology centres. They reflect a growing concern for translating the country's innovative potential into tangible economic and productive impacts. |
| Chile | The national STI policy in Chile is centred around an action plan that emphasises research and development (R&D), technology transfer, and licensing. These efforts are designed to tackle major national challenges such as climate change, the aging population, and the emerging technological revolution. The current discourse is primarily concerned with how R&D should evolve to meet these challenges effectively. The focus is also on strategically orienting CTCI policy towards public impact, territorial relevance, and direct contributions to social welfare. A significant shift has occurred from a vision centred solely on scientific productivity to a more missional approach aimed at addressing complex social issues such as public health, education, multidimensional poverty, access to basic services, territorial resilience, and digital inclusion. This transformation involves incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a frame of reference for the design and implementation of science and technology policies. Various stakeholders, including sectoral ministries, universities, civil society organisations, research centres, and regional governments, have expressed differing views on the level of obligatory or cross-cutting nature that the SDGs should have in public research calls and institutional agendas. While some actors advocate for a focus on strategic thematic lines, others propose incorporating the SDGs as a cross-cutting evaluation criterion, recognising the interconnection between different areas of knowledge. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion about the need to strengthen mechanisms for participatory science, co-creation with communities, and policies for evaluating the social impact of the knowledge generated, particularly in historically excluded or vulnerable territories. This debate has led to concrete actions such as the incorporation of explicit references to the SDGs in ANID instruments (e.g., FONIS, Public Science, IDeA in two stages), and the creation of new inter-ministerial and regional platforms for the articulation of research with public policy challenges. The Action Plan of the National CTCI Policy and the National Strategy for Sustainable Productive Development exemplify efforts to transition towards a science with a social purpose. This approach not only measures scientific results but also evaluates its contribution to equitable, inclusive, sustainable development, misinformation and public trust. |
| China | Enterprises have become a crucial component of China's Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) system, with their research and development (R&D) expenditure surpassing 75% of the total R&D expenditure in the country. They are pivotal in fostering the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation. However, there are notable shortcomings and challenges in the scientific and technological innovation within enterprises. These include a lack of original innovation capabilities, a shortage of high-level scientific and technological talents, insufficient engagement from universities and public research institutes, and financing difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To address these challenges and promote scientific and technological innovation and entrepreneurship among enterprises, the Chinese government has implemented strategies across three levels. Firstly, it encourages SMEs to engage in scientific and technological innovation and to enhance cooperation between universities, research institutes, and enterprises. Secondly, the government supports the creation of entrepreneurial spaces such as incubators, university science parks, and entrepreneurial service institutions. Lastly, it aims to establish a fair market environment that supports enterprise innovation by strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights and enforcing anti-monopoly regulations. |
| China | At present, China is confronted with a series of social challenges, including tightening resource constraints, severe environmental pollution, ecosystem degradation, and an intensifying degree of population ageing. Additionally, China aims to achieve sustainable development goals such as the carbon peak target by 2030. These challenges necessitate efficient solutions provided by scientific and technological innovation. The Chinese government, focusing on the urgent needs of improving people's livelihoods and promoting sustainable development, has intensified efforts in core technology research, development, and application. These efforts span the fields of resources and environment, population health, new-type urbanisation, and public safety. The aim is to provide technological support to foster green development patterns and lifestyles, and to comprehensively enhance the quality of people's lives. In the development plans across relevant fields, scientific and technological innovation is recognised as a crucial component. |
| Costa Rica | In Costa Rica, an active policy debate is underway on transitioning from fragmented and small-scale innovation subsidies toward a more integrated, strategic, and results-oriented innovation support system. Stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector have emphasized the need for a coherent policy framework that supports firms across different scales—ranging from microenterprises to high-potential, technology-based ventures. In this context, discussions are advancing on redesigning support instruments based on clearer performance criteria, innovation potential, and alignment with national priorities such as sustainability and digital transformation. This prospective redesign aims to improve coordination among funding agencies, leverage co-investment schemes, and foster innovation ecosystems that generate greater value and scalability, especially outside the capital region. A central topic of discussion is the establishment of public-private co-investment schemes and innovation-focused venture capital to bridge the critical funding gap often referred to as the “valley of death” (78% in 2023) for SMEs. Additionally, policymakers are considering regulatory reforms to facilitate alternative financing mechanisms, such as crowdfunding, and to encourage private R&D investment through tax credits. Emerging strategies highlight the importance of supporting scale-ups, deep tech ventures, and regional entrepreneurship hubs. These debates are guiding legislative and institutional reforms, although the structural implementation of these changes is still pending. |
| Costa Rica | In Costa Rica, current policy debates emphasize the role of research and innovation as key instruments to address pressing societal challenges such as inequality, climate adaptation, food security, and digital inclusion. A central discussion revolves around how to better align science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies with the country's sustainable development goals and how to direct public R&D investment toward mission-oriented outcomes. Stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society are increasingly advocating for STI agendas that are not only economically productive but also socially and environmentally transformative. There is increasing advocacy for mission-oriented approaches that synchronize academic research with national priorities, such as sustainability, digital transformation, and health. These approaches are envisioned to be executed through coordinated, cross-sectoral programs. Although no significant structural changes have been made yet, these discussions have shaped recent strategic documents like the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (PNCTI) and the National AI Strategy. They are also influencing the agendas within MICITT and other relevant agencies. Importantly, Costa Rica has made it a policy standard to align all national STI strategies—including the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (PNCTI), the Bioeconomy Strategy, and the National AI Strategy—with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This alignment is reflected in debates around the prioritization of public funding, support for applied research in areas like biodiversity, circular economy, public health, and education, and the development of inclusive innovation ecosystems. While these principles are widely accepted across sectors, discussions continue around how to operationalize them effectively through monitoring frameworks, cross-sectoral coordination, and the design of incentives that stimulate socially impactful innovation. Additionally, the rise of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has ignited debates on several fronts. Issues of data governance, ethical standards, and national digital sovereignty are at the forefront, prompting calls for modernizing policy instruments. There is a pressing need to ensure regulatory agility and accountability to navigate the complexities introduced by these technologies effectively. |
| Croatia | Croatia recognizes the crucial role of innovation in enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, acknowledging their significant function within national innovation systems, and the importance of access to information, financing, and networking for facilitating the innovation process. The Ministry of Economy, through the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Cohesion (OPCC) 2014-2020, focused on Priority Axis 1, 'Strengthening the Economy through R&D', and Priority Axis 3, 'Business Competitiveness'. These axes aimed to stimulate R&D activities to develop new products and services, create a favorable innovation environment through investment in supportive infrastructure for entrepreneurial R&D activities, and bolster SMEs' capacity to innovate, leading to the marketing of new, innovative products and services. To continue strengthening the competitiveness of the Croatian economy, the Ministry of Economy, through the Program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2021-2027 (PCC 21-27), has paid great attention to supporting the growth and development of entrepreneurship, recognized globally as an engine of economic development and job creation. This support includes direct investments in research and development, encouragement of innovation in companies, support for innovative start-ups, spin-off companies, and cooperation between science and business. It also enables SMEs that lack access to banking products to finance sustainable projects, raises the technological level of entrepreneurs to increase competitiveness, improves business operations through cost reduction, and accelerates return on investment. Throughout the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Republic of Croatia for 2016-2020, and extending to the new Smart Specialization Strategy until 2029 (S3 until 2029) and the National Development Strategy until 2030, substantial progress has been made in the operation of the Croatian innovation system. These strategies emphasize the importance of partnerships between the private sector, public sector, and non-governmental organizations, and highlight the catalytic role that cluster initiatives can play. In the S3until 2029, thematic priority areas from previous period were redefined to clarify their scope and set a clear strategic direction in line with existing opportunities and capacities. Each area involves analyzing specific sectoral challenges based on input from entrepreneurial discovery process stakeholders, resulting in transformational goals of each thematic priority area (TPA). and indicative interventions that form the basis of a development plan. Seven TPAs identified in the S3 until 2029 are Personalized Health, Smart and Clean Energy, Smart and Green Transport, Security - Awareness, Prevention, Response, and Remediation, Sustainable and Circular Food, Customized and Integrated Wood Products, Digital Products and Platforms. A transformational goal of a TPA Personalized Health is for example a shift towards the development and provision of integrated and personalized health solutions, while the transformational goal of a TPA Sustainable and Circular Food is a shift toward sustainable production and processing of food of higher added value, with an emphasis on horizontal activities and byproducts that promote circularity. The green and digital transitions are central to the National Development Strategy, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, and the National Recovery and Resilience Program 2021-2026 (NRRP). These transitions, which aim at competitiveness, sustainability, and digital industry, require public and private investment to modernize and diversify production. Under the NRRP, the 'Resilient, Green and Digital Economy for Entrepreneurs' component includes measures to encourage the acceleration and commercialization of innovation, alongside investments to enhance enterprise development capacity. This is designed to increase global market competitiveness and stimulate investments from start-ups of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that develop knowledge or high-tech-based innovations. Complementarily, under the 'Boosting Research and Innovation Capacity' component, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth encourages business and public research R&D in lower technology readiness levels, collaborative research between the industry and research community, and the development of entrepreneurial skills within the research community. The reforms promoted within the auspices of the NRRP have also led to regulatory changes and the launch of public grants programs that offer professional incentives at various career stages. Notably, pilot schemes such as entrepreneurship traineeships and incentives for establishing start-up and spin-off companies by young researchers have been introduced. Additionally, targeted schemes like Targeted scientific research, Proof of concept, and Technology transfer support have been well received. Furthermore, in the new programming period under the PCC 21-27, the Ministry of Economy, as well as the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, focus their interventions on strengthening the research and innovation capacity of entrepreneurs (both SMEs and large enterprises), utilizing advanced technologies, capitalizing on digitalization, increasing the growth and competitiveness of SMEs, and developing skills for smart specialization, industrial transition, and entrepreneurship. The Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation, and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO) has been consistently committed to the growth and development of SMEs and crafts in the Republic of Croatia by facilitating their access to finance. It acts as an implementation body for Ministry of Economy programs, but also implements a number of other programs that are beneficial for SMEs. The Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development also makes a significant contribution to facilitating firms’ access to finance for innovation by providing financial and non-financial support to business R&D and innovation. |
| Croatia | The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that relate to research and innovation, SDGs 8 'To promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all', and 9 'Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation', are embedded in the National Development Strategy 2030, Smart Specialization Strategy (S3), the NRRP, and the PCC 2021-2027 (EU Cohesion policy). Moreover, many of the seven priority investment areas identified in the Smart Specialization strategy 2029 respond to various societal challenges – primarily those related to health and the impact of climate change on food, energy, and transport. These include areas Sustainable and Circular Food, Smart and Clean Energy, Customised and Integrated Wood Products, Personalized Health, and Smart and Green Transport. When talking about addressing societal challenges, the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, the largest and most influential Croatian research institute, is currently until 2027 implementing an infrastructural project worth 112 million euros that will facilitate four research platforms. The Platform for Marine and Environmental Research and the Platform for Biological and Medical Research directly address societal challenges, demonstrating a concentration of research interest and competencies in these areas. In 2025 the project “Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy (CoE MARBLE)” was officially presented. It is the first centre of excellence funded under the prestigious European Union program Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence. The MARBLE CoE will contribute to both national and European priorities – innovation, sustainability, green and digital transformation, and technological advancement. The strategic vision of this Centre of excellence is to position Croatia within the national and international scientific and innovation ecosystem in the field of maritime robotics and technology, aiming to establish a strong connection between academic excellence and the business community. Furthermore, the economic analysis of Croatian regions revealed a significant disparity between the development of the City of Zagreb and three industrial transition regions - Pannonian, Adriatic, and Northern Croatia. It was concluded that the most developed region was economically 3.5 times stronger than the least developed. To alleviate the mentioned disparities between the City of Zagreb and the three regions undergoing industrial transition, the Integrated Territorial Program 2021 - 2027 includes the creation of Plans for the Industrial Transition of Pannonian, Northern, and Adriatic Croatia. They define the directions of change and investment priorities, as well as a transformation roadmap that will enable the enhancement of regional competitiveness through industrial transition towards niches with higher added value. This approach aligns with the Smart Specialization Strategy 2029. When we look at regions (NUTS 2) and disparities when taking into account their participation in Horizon Europe program, we can see that the City of Zagreb is also leading with 330 participations, but Adriatic Croatia is following up with almost 150 participations. Panonian and Norther Croatia are lagging behind a bit more with 43 and 28 participations. When we look at the success rate of these regions, Adriatic Croatia is leading with success rate of 17.72%, followed by Panonian Croatia with 17.33% then Northern Croatia and the City of Zagreb with somewhat smaller success rate of 16.77% and 16.29%. When talking about R&I for society the Missions as part of Horizon Europe program aim to achieve stimulating and measurable goals with a societal and policy-making impact within a short time frame. Croatia is currently participating in total of 35 projects worth 17.9 M EUR, with 62 participating organizations in total. More than 135 project proposals were submitted with Croatian participants of which 60 were related to the topics in the Cluster 5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility, which shows that researchers in Croatia are aware of the most pressing global challenges and are actively trying to contribute to the scientific solutions to address them. |
| Cyprus | Policymakers and stakeholders are actively engaged in discussions about how to effectively support new startups and innovative businesses. These discussions focus on the adequacy of existing financial support schemes, the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks, and the development of targeted programs that can better support technology-driven enterprises. This is crucial for enabling these businesses to scale up and thrive in a competitive market. There is also a focus on attracting international innovation and high-tech enterprises to Cyprus. This is being addressed through targeted tax incentives, streamlined regulatory procedures, and the development of specialized innovation hubs. These measures aim to make Cyprus an attractive destination for global innovators. Finally, there are ongoing discussions about how to attract increased investments in research and innovation, both from domestic and international sources. Targeted incentives are being considered to enhance the overall investment culture in the country, aiming to boost economic growth through innovation. |
| Cyprus | Cyprus recognizes the vital importance of research and innovation in addressing significant societal challenges. Policymakers are actively exploring methods to ensure that publicly funded research contributes effectively to addressing urgent issues such as climate change, sustainable energy, public health, digital transformation, and economic resilience. In terms of national policies and initiatives relevant to policy debates on research and innovation aimed at societal challenges, several key strategies are in place: - The National R&I Strategy 2024-2026 is designed to address these challenges. Specifically, Pillar B of the strategy focuses on Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Innovation - Entrepreneurship (SDG 9), while Pillar C targets Human Resources (SDG 4) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). Additionally, a thematic pillar concentrates on Sectorial Priorities identified in the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) of Cyprus for the period 2023-2030, covering a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 3, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. – European Partnerships under Horizon Europe also play a crucial role, with a national commitment of 20 million euros for participation in eight European Partnerships. These include Agroecology (SDG 6, 13, 15), Driving Urban Transition (SDG 11, 13), and Clean Energy Transition (SDG 7, 13). - Additionally, Cyprus contributes to the EU Missions under Horizon Europe by participating in the subgroups of the Programme Committee, which aids in the design and implementation of these missions. These initiatives demonstrate Cyprus's commitment to leveraging research and innovation in solving key societal issues, aligning national efforts with broader European objectives. |
| Czechia | The reform of knowledge transfer, introduced in January 2024, focuses on enhancing the connection between private businesses and the public research sector. It includes the establishment of a system of indirect support tools and motivational elements to encourage investment in research and development, particularly targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank, a fund of funds for transfer activities has been proposed. This initiative is specifically designed for seed and pre-seed investments into spin-off companies of research organisations, with the primary aim of financing these activities from private sources. The implementation of the systemic project Technological Incubation, led by the CzechInvest Agency, continues with the objective of supporting the development of the start-up ecosystem. This project aims to enhance collaboration between the public, research, and business sectors, and to create new innovative products with high added value. By 2027, it is expected to support the development of approximately 250 innovative firms in thematically focused incubation centres. Additionally, the aim of investments within component 5.2 Support for Research and Development in Enterprises and the Implementation of Innovations in Business Practice of RRP is to revitalise the economy and enhance its resilience. This is achieved by boosting the competitiveness and flexibility of enterprises, especially SMEs, increasing the innovation performance of endogenous business entities, and improving collaboration within the Czech innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, to bolster the competitiveness of the Czech economy both domestically and internationally, strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technologies are being prioritised. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is currently being updated, and new National Semiconductor and Quantum Strategies are under development. These strategies are crucial for the technological advancement of the Czech Republic in the 21st century, aiming to strengthen existing capacities and support the growth of startups, technology companies, education, and international collaborations. |
| Czechia | Policy reforms are seldom initiated in a vacuum; they are built upon existing structures and are deeply influenced by historical contexts and the current state of affairs. In the Czech Republic, the implementation of Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIPM) exemplifies this, as the country's historical experiences continue to shape the science-for-policy (S4P) activities, despite over three decades since the fall of communism. There is a noticeable increase in the awareness of the importance of EIPM, alongside a growing, albeit still small, community capable of effectively bridging the gap between science and policymaking. However, this progress is tempered by a growing disillusionment with science, compounded by an increasing distrust in government and state institutions, prompting more individuals to seek alternatives outside the traditional realms of science and politics. The Czech Republic boasts a robust array of research organisations that generate valuable knowledge for policymaking. These organisations have a long-standing tradition under various ministries and are involved in significant ongoing projects, enhancing the potential for developing effective science-for-policy networks. Furthermore, there is a rising recognition among public officials and politicians of the importance of evidence-informed policy. In 2023, the Ministry of Education and Science commissioned an analytical document to summarise the assessment of the socio-economic impact of research infrastructures (RIs). This document outlines methodological procedures for setting up and continually assessing the socio-economic impacts of RIs. The findings from these assessments are primarily intended to benefit the RIs themselves and the public administration, aiding RIs in clarifying their missions and objectives, monitoring their achievements, and identifying improvement opportunities. Additionally, these results support public administration, including concept managers, donors, ministries from other sectors, and the government, by demonstrating the impact of RIs and justifying public expenditure. Other key recipients of these assessment results include RI users, the broader academic and research community, and foreign RIs. |
| Denmark | Denmark has consistently been recognised as an "Innovation Leader" in Europe, achieving high scores on the European Innovation Scoreboard. In 2024, it was considered the strongest EU member state overall. The country has made substantial investments in both private and public research and has worked diligently to create optimal conditions for knowledge production. Despite these efforts, Denmark has yet to fully realise the anticipated outcomes from these investments, the establishment of more autonomous research institutions with stronger leadership, and the existence of a highly sophisticated and well-developed support system for innovation comprising various specialised institutions. To address these challenges, the Danish government published a new entrepreneurship strategy in 2024. The strategy aims to strengthen universities' innovation efforts and their collaboration with businesses to better translate research into new businesses and societal innovation. The strategy focuses on five key areas: improving access to capital, reducing burdens and hassle, attracting more talent, increasing the number of knowledge-based start-ups, and encouraging more entrepreneurs throughout Denmark. In September 2020, the Danish Government published Denmark's first national strategy for investments in green research, technology, and innovation. This strategy introduced four missions aimed at tackling significant societal challenges and leveraging Denmark's research strengths. These missions were developed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including other ministries, and will be pursued through green partnerships involving knowledge institutions, businesses, public authorities, and private entities. The strategy provides a long-term direction for research and innovation in Denmark and aligns with the government's climate law and objectives, which seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and position Danish industries as leaders in the green transition, thereby benefiting exports and generating green jobs. In 2024, this strategy was followed up with a large strategic investment in green research and innovation over the next decade. |
| Denmark | Danish society recognises the crucial role of education and research in addressing significant societal challenges. In recent years, the debate has particularly focused on digitalisation, encompassing information communication technology, artificial intelligence, big data, space research, and the potential of life sciences. Research relevant to the healthcare sector is also given high priority in Danish STI policy. The recent agreement on the allocation of the Danish Research Reserve for 2025 has prioritised funding for research in psychiatry, along with increased support for independent clinical research focusing on key areas such as dementia, fertility, and substance use, including opioids. The government and the agreement parties in parliament have prioritised funding for applied research at university colleges and similar institutions. This initiative aims to strengthen capacity-building in practice-oriented research environments, promote the application of research in real-world settings, and thereby enhance public welfare, the attractiveness of educational programmes, and the recruitment of professionals in the welfare sector. Targeted funding is also allocated for research in the social sector, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, as well as children and young people, with an emphasis on mental well-being and learning in primary schools. However, the highest priority in the R&D agenda for society, parliament, and government is related to environmental challenges. More information can be found in the section on net zero transition. |
| Egypt | In Egypt, current discussions about government support for business innovation and entrepreneurship are focused on enhancing the role of innovation as a key component of economic development and stimulating local production and exports. Key issues revolve around designing more effective incentive policies targeting startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by facilitating access to finance, providing tax incentives, and building a flexible legislative environment that encourages innovation. Decision-makers are also discussing the need to link business incubators and accelerators with universities and research centers to create an integrated environment that supports technology transfer and the development of innovative products and services. On the other hand, discussions are expanding to include the importance of supporting innovation in traditional productive sectors such as agriculture and industry by introducing smart technologies and digital applications and providing pathways for local innovation in value chains. Some entities emphasize the importance of expanding programs such as "Entrepreneurs 2030" and the "Egypt Innovates" initiative to support entrepreneurial ideas and connect them to societal needs. Calls have also emerged to restructure government support to include post-establishment phases, particularly in the areas of expansion, growth, and export. These discussions reflect a positive trend toward developing an integrated innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that contributes to strengthening Egypt's knowledge-based economy. |
| Egypt | Egypt is witnessing a growing positive policy movement related to the role of scientific research and innovation in addressing societal challenges, in increasing alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Egypt Vision 2030. Policymakers and stakeholders are actively exploring ways to harness science, technology, and innovation to address pressing national issues such as water scarcity, food security, public health, education, and economic inclusion, ensuring that scientific research responds to societal needs, particularly in rural areas and disadvantaged communities. A clear trend has emerged toward directing research funding and national research and development (R&D) agendas to serve real societal priorities through challenge-oriented research programs and enhanced collaboration with civil society and local governments, with the support of leading government agencies such as the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. Discussions are also expanding fruitfully around effectively integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the design and implementation of science, technology, and innovation policies. Egypt has launched pioneering initiatives such as the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation and the Knowledge and Technology Alliances, which link the SDGs with research topics related to agriculture, health, and clean energy. Interventions from academic and political circles reflect a growing recognition of the importance of developing impact monitoring mechanisms, improving data sharing, and stimulating multi-sectoral research that directly supports sustainable development indicators. Parliamentary discussions and media reports also emphasize the importance of empowering youth and engaging the private sector in finding joint solutions to achieve sustainable development. This trend represents a positive strategic shift toward harnessing scientific research and innovation not only as a means of economic growth, but also as a driving force for comprehensive and sustainable societal transformation, consolidating Egypt's position as a pioneer in linking knowledge and development. |
| Estonia | In 2025, the societal and economic impact of high-level research continues to be a major focus of policy debate in Estonia. Expectations for research and development to contribute to solving complex societal challenges are growing. However, the necessary transformation of institutional work culture and broader economic structures is a long-term process. Compared to the EU average, Estonia’s economic structure is still tilted towards lower productivity sectors. There is a dominance of small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in low-value-added parts of global value chains. Many businesses perceive collaboration with academia as complex, time-consuming, and risky. This leads to a preference for adopting ready-made technologies rather than investing in co-creation activities. Another significant debate focuses on the balance of funding priorities. There is a call to balance the support for applied sciences with basic research and to invest more in applied priorities within higher education. This involves addressing the funding needs of research-intensive companies during their expansion phase and promoting innovation procurement by the state, among other policy interventions. Efforts are also underway to reduce bureaucracy to foster a more conducive environment for business innovation. Initiatives include streamlining reporting requirements, regulations, and oversight to allow businesses to focus more on their core activities. This also encompasses the full digitalisation of government services, making interactions with the state quicker, more secure, and efficient. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on designing new financial instruments to support innovative companies. Ongoing studies in Estonia, in collaboration with BPI France, aim to propose new financial instruments through the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency. |
| Estonia | In Estonia, a key element of the debate on how research and innovation (R&I) can support societal challenges revolves around the role of line ministries in shaping and articulating the "demand side" of research. Since 2014, most ministries have employed science advisers—typically with research backgrounds—who are tasked with identifying knowledge needs, mediating between policymakers and researchers, and acting as knowledge brokers. This role has been further institutionalised since 2021 through the implementation of the national commitment to allocate 1% of GDP to R&D. As part of this framework, a portion of the annual increase in public R&D funding has been channelled through line ministries to fund research aligned with sectoral and societal needs. In some ministries, these additional funds have complemented pre-existing R&D budgets and at their peak accounted for nearly half of a line ministries' total research funding. |
| European Union | One of the priorities of the EU research and innovation (R&I) policy debate is to steer industrial R&I agendas towards more investments in sustainability. This is part of the overall strategic objective of Horizon Europe, which aims to address climate change effectively and contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. A set of policy actions have been implemented at the EU level to boost the growth and investment of groundbreaking SMEs under the Startup and Scaleup Strategy of the Competitiveness Compass and the transition to climate-neutral industries, including support for the European Green Deal and new European partnerships. For instance, the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA) and the focus on deep-tech innovation represent the EU's response to reducing GHG emissions, digitalising our economies, and ensuring Europe’s food, energy, and raw materials security. Funding streams have been provided to support the objectives of the NEIA, such as the European Innovation Ecosystem Work Programme and the European Innovation Council, which fall under the Horizon Europe programme alongside the Startup Europe initiative. These contribute to the NEIA by supporting the development and uptake of deep-tech innovations and supporting the next generation of innovative companies whose solutions will lead towards a more competitive and sustainable EU. European industrial R&I and investment agendas are also linked to environmental sustainability and strategic value chains as further challenges related to strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty arise. EU R&I efforts will pay specific attention to key parts of strategic technology supply chains, ranging from secure and sustainable supply of raw materials to batteries and other green energy/net-zero technologies, low-carbon industries, space critical components, and smart connectivity platforms. Additionally, low-carbon and circular technologies play a crucial role, especially in energy-intensive industries, which are the source of substantial industrial GHG emissions. The Commission developed ERA industrial technology roadmaps for low-carbon technologies in energy-intensive industries (2022), circular technologies and business models for textiles, construction and energy-intensive industries (2023), and human-centric research and innovation approaches in industrial technologies (2024) to identify R&I investment needs, specific technologies for development, uptake and deployment, business models, and framework conditions to speed up innovation. A Mutual Learning Exercise in this field involved 10 Member States and 2 Associated Countries that exchanged their experiences in view of updating or developing new strategies and action plans for industrial decarbonisation. The Clean Industrial Deal was announced in February 2025 as a comprehensive roadmap aiming to enhance competitiveness and decarbonisation efforts in the EU. Its focus is on the energy-intensive industries and the clean tech sector. Among the main elements of the Clean Industrial Deal are the following targets: achieve affordable energy, boost demand for clean products, finance the clean transition through the setup of an Industrial Decarbonisation Bank worth EUR 100 billion, improve the state-aid framework, enhance circularity and access to critical raw materials, and act on a global scale, with a focus on skills and quality jobs. The ongoing policy debates also address the conditions for scaling-up innovative and breakthrough technological solutions, particularly by SMEs. An analysis by the European Commission confirmed the role of technology infrastructures and the need for a European strategy. Against this backdrop, the Draghi report (published in September 2024) issued a call to action: the European Union needs to be at the forefront of innovation in key sectors, such as clean energy tech and future waves of digital innovation. The Draghi Report also recommends reinforcing EU-level coordination in collaboration with industry and research centres, notably for the establishment of supply chains and promoting market uptake. In fact, the recent revival of industrial policies (e.g., the EU Green Deal Industrial Plan, the US Inflation Reduction Act, and the Chips Act) has reignited the debate on the appropriate role of government and the impact of public policies in support of innovation. As mentioned in the latest investment report by the European Investment Bank (March 2025), government support can "ease financial constraints and encourage firms to make investments they might otherwise avoid", which might be particularly beneficial for innovative projects but can also distort competition, favouring specific firms/sectors and leading to resource misallocation. There is, however, broad consensus that government support is needed to de-risk investments in young and innovative European companies, especially those operating in sectors that are critical for EU competitiveness and technological sovereignty, thus crowding in investments from more risk-averse market participants, such as private investors. |
| European Union | While the benefits of research and innovation (R&I) for economic growth are well-documented, R&I also plays a crucial role in addressing complex social problems such as social mobility, poverty, and inequalities. It provides solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss and improves overall well-being. The European Union, under its political leadership, has committed to leading the transition to a more sustainable growth model and accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Commission’s reflection paper "Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030" identifies R&I as key enablers in this transition towards an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable Europe. The Political Guidelines of the Commission emphasise Europe's leadership in transitioning to a healthy planet while stimulating innovation, competitiveness, and job creation. Delivering on the SDGs requires the active participation of not just public authorities but also civil society and the private sector. Effective SDG implementation necessitates cooperation with citizens, national, regional, and local authorities, media, civil society organisations, the private sector, and stakeholders on the ground. This participation is facilitated through the use of appropriate R&I disciplines, such as Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), which bridge the gap between citizens’ needs and R&I opportunities. When SSH research is fully integrated within R&I projects relevant to the SDGs, society at large can participate in and benefit from R&I outputs. Furthermore, recognising the differences between men and women—in terms of both biological characteristics and social and cultural features—in the R&I content of projects is crucial for scientific excellence and societal relevance. Under Horizon Europe, the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) into R&I content is now a default requirement and an award criterion evaluated under the excellence criterion, unless otherwise specified. Targeted funding is also allocated to support gender studies and research on gender equality. The ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024 included a specific action (Action 5) to advance towards inclusive gender equality. Deliverables included developing a strategy to counteract gender-based violence in the EU R&I system and developing principles for the integration and evaluation of a gender perspective in research and innovation content, in cooperation with national Research Funding Organisations. A subgroup of the ERA Forum has been dedicated to leading ERA Action 5. Building on this momentum, further initiatives will be launched under the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, introducing new complementarities such as the development of principles for gender-sensitive budgeting and tracking of R&I expenditures, to promote gender equality and foster inclusiveness in ERA. Additionally, the Global Approach to research and innovation also promotes EU openness in international cooperation while ensuring a level playing field and reciprocity. This strategy is being implemented in coordination with EU Member States through the ERA Forum Standing Sub-Group on the Global Approach to R&I cooperation, using a Team Europe approach to maximise the effectiveness and impact of actions. |
| Finland | Ongoing policy debates in Finland concerning business innovation are closely linked to the country's broader R&D funding goals, particularly leveraging sustainable growth and increasing productivity and competitiveness. The multiannual plan for government R&D funding emphasises collaboration between companies and research actors, aiming to increase corporate R&D activities in Finland. The government has decided on significant R&D funding allocations to accelerate companies’ R&D activities. A key issue is how to translate rising public investment into private-sector innovation and increasingly ambitious business R&D. It is crucial that the operating environment promotes the transformation of R&D results and expertise into innovations. In parallel, Finland's evolving industrial policy introduces a more targeted approach to fostering growth sectors and knowledge-intensive clusters. Recent strategy documents highlight the need to strengthen the investment environment, increase intangible capital, and diversify the industrial base. There is discussion on how to better align public funding and incentives to strategic sectors, while ensuring regulatory predictability and fostering entrepreneurship. The industrial policy strategy emphasises the growth and scaling up of high value-added companies. It suggests that there is a need to increase growth financing through collaboration between private and public finance and to explore the most effective ways for public financiers to support commercialisation, pilot and demonstration projects, and share the risks associated with their scaling. Finnish Industry Investment Ltd (TESI) has been given a stronger role in industrial policy and will make more direct investments in companies when there are market bottlenecks. Stronger growth will be pursued through three new approaches: industrial investments, scale-up investments, and larger funds. At the same time, specific challenges have emerged around how to boost medium-sized companies' participation in RDI ecosystems, improve uptake of R&D tax incentives, accumulation of knowledge in companies, and accelerate the transfer of research results into commercial applications. Business Finland’s recent focus on missions reflects a shift toward solving global challenges while growing, for example, Finland’s carbon handprint through international impact. A current debate concerns how best to scale such innovations in a way that balances economic, environmental, and technological goals. |
| Finland | In Finland, policy debates increasingly focus on how research and innovation can support systemic responses to major societal challenges, particularly in the context of climate change, digitalisation, and sustainable growth. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are integrated into STI policy design and implementation across all sectors and levels of the RDI system. The Committee for Sustainable Development, a multistakeholder forum chaired by the Prime Minister, was established in 1994 and has since been an active contributor to sustainable development policy. The strategies of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment emphasise climate action, decent work, and sustainable industry. Higher education institutions have programmes promoting sustainable development and responsibility, committing to become carbon neutral by 2030 – these are just a few examples. A central tool for advancing societal goals with STI is Business Finland’s mission-based approach, which aims to tackle global challenges while creating future market opportunities for Finnish companies. Current missions such as Zero Carbon Future, Circular Transition for Zero Waste, and Healthcare Reimagined 2035 are designed to accelerate the green and digital transitions. These missions combine long-term foresight with immediate innovation support, aligning business activity with societal impact. The Research Council of Finland funds research across all scientific disciplines, thereby supporting the attainment of sustainable development targets. Research-based knowledge plays a key role in ensuring sustainable development and protecting the welfare of future generations. Most of the current Academy Programmes and Strategic Research Council programmes effectively support the SDGs. One of the science policy objectives considered during funding decisions is how the proposed project has considered sustainable development. The projects that are funded are expected to incorporate sustainable development as part of responsible science. |
| France | National policies supporting private sector innovation and entrepreneurship include a mix of horizontal measures and more targeted tools. The most imortant horizontal measures are fiscal tools, such as R&D and innovation tax-credit schemes. The targeted tools are largely incorporated within the 'France 2030' Programme, the 4th Programme "Investissements d'Avenir" (PIA), which has a total budget of €54 billion and spans from 2021 to 2025. Part of the France 2030 programme specifically targets business creation, with a particular focus on deeptech startups. The objectives of this aspect of the programme are to develop an entrepreneurial culture, especially among students and researchers, strengthen support for companies at all stages of development from seed to scale-up, and enhance local and sectoral ecosystems. |
| France | The French Research Programming Act (LPR), currently under review, is designed to equip public research with the necessary tools to address significant scientific challenges in the upcoming decades. These challenges include the ecological transition, healthcare, and digital technologies. The Act places a strong emphasis on the quality and relevance of the projects funded, particularly those selected by the French National Research Agency (ANR). The ANR is tasked with choosing research projects that are both innovative and responsible, especially in terms of their environmental or societal impacts. To support the implementation of this law, an additional investment of 25 billion euros in research over the next five years has been planned. This investment is part of a broader policy to reform the organisation of higher education and research to enhance collective efficiency. This reform includes simplifying management tasks for researchers and teacher-researchers and establishing programme agencies at the national level. These agencies focus on priority themes such as sustainable development and climate change, aiming to foster research and innovation that address major societal challenges. Consequently, seven national agencies, supported by leading research organisations (CEA, CNRS, CNES, INRIA, INRAE, INSERM), have been created. These agencies are tasked with managing major “solutions”-oriented programmes, with four specifically targeting sustainable development and ecological transition: “Space” (CNES), “Climate, Biodiversity and Sustainable Societies” (CNRS), “Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Forestry” (INRAE), and “Decarbonized Energy” (CEA). In response to environmental challenges, the French government has committed to various international and European Union agreements, including the “Green Pact”. To fulfil these commitments, France has initiated a nationwide ecological planning process. This process is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of its activities and combat biodiversity loss next to achieving carbon neutrality, as outlined in the Kumming/Montreal international agreement on the preservation of the Biosphere. In support of these efforts, the Ministry of Research and Higher Education has established a Climate/Biodiversity Plan for Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development (TEDS), which aims to help the sector meet national objectives. |
| Georgia | Georgia is building the region's leading innovation and startup ecosystem by enhancing infrastructure, improving connectivity, expanding tech parks, and innovation centres, and engaging both local and international stakeholders. Starting in 2025, the Georgia Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA) will operate four full-scale accelerators annually, mentoring 160 startups. To stimulate growth, GITA will offer tax incentives including a 0% tax rate for innovative startups, 500% tax credits, and 30% cashback opportunities. Additionally, GITA is currently developing the Startup in Georgia digital platform. This platform will consolidate essential information about ecosystem stakeholders, available support programmes, applicable tax incentives, and emerging opportunities for entrepreneurs into a single, accessible resource. |
| Georgia | Georgia's participation in “Horizon Europe” program has facilitated a structured dialogue on utilizing Research and Innovation (R&I) to tackle societal challenges, aligning with EU missions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These discussions emphasize the role of STI policy not only in enhancing economic competitiveness but also as a mechanism for fostering inclusive and resilient societies. This is achieved by strengthening human capital, digital skills, and regional development. The Horizon Europe National Office supports stakeholders in identifying relevant EU calls, fostering international consortia, and aligning national innovation efforts with European thematic priorities in areas such as climate, health, and digitalization. Debates are ongoing around how to further embed these frameworks in national programming and support structures. The Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA) is at the forefront of formulating and executing innovation policies that meet societal needs. This role includes overseeing the design and management of various grant programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure projects. These efforts aim to broaden the national innovation talent pool and enhance competitive skills. Notable initiatives spearheaded by GITA include the development of an AI Excellence Center, the nationwide DoITinGeorgia digital literacy programme, regional Technoparks, and both targeted and large-scale startup support programmes. Through these initiatives, GITA fosters an inclusive innovation ecosystem that empowers youth and regional innovators, thereby contributing to a more competitive, knowledge-based economy that aligns with Georgia's sustainable development goals. Additionally, the Horizon Europe National Office plays a crucial role in assisting stakeholders to identify relevant EU calls, form international consortia, and ensure that national innovation efforts are in sync with European thematic priorities in sectors such as climate, health, and digitalization. There are ongoing debates about how to further integrate these frameworks into national programming and support structures. |
| Germany | Innovation support and transfer into application, while protecting the environment, coupled with a bolstering of the start-up scene, constitute key tasks of the German STI policy. The Federal Government is promoting the development of innovation ecosystems, as well as individual research-based transfer steps and innovations, through a diverse set of policy measures. An essential measure to foster business innovation taken by the Federal Government are tax incentives. The Growth Opportunities Act came into force in 2024 with the aim of improving growth and competitiveness among companies in Germany and providing tax incentives for investment in climate-friendly technologies. A key component of the act is the expansion of the research allowance, a tax incentive for research activities by companies, a further expansion is planned for 2026. Furthermore, the Federal Government intends to use tax incentives to support the games industry, as it is a driver of innovation. Another important aspect currently being discussed is the development of a national IP strategy in order to utilise the protection and use of intellectual property more systematically to promote innovation. Start-ups and SMEs are important transfer channels for results from research into practice and, at the same time, essential drivers of transformation. Thus, the Federal Government's STI policy continues to prioritize the support of innovation in SMEs. Examples of such initiatives include ZIM, IGF, KMU-innovative and the Transfer initiative. To bundle these existing funding programmes and facilitate the transfer into application, the Federal Government plans to establish an umbrella initiative called "Initiative Forschung & Anwendung”. Moreover, the Federal Government continues to support Start-ups in line with the National Start-up Strategy through the EXIST funding programme and the EXIST lighthouse competition Startup Factories. It will further improve the framework conditions for start-ups, in particular, by increasing the availability of venture capital through better investment opportunities for institutional investors. To this end, the Federal Government aims to create a Future Fund II with a strong focus on spin-offs in the deep-tech and biotech sectors. In order to reduce hurdles for spin-offs from universities and research institutions, it is planned to introduce standardised contracts to enable spin-offs in 24 hours. The Federal Government is continuing to strengthen regional networks and clusters in selected fields of technology by supporting innovation regions through the Clusters4Future initiative. The objective of the initiative is to create internationally visible deep-tech flagships in Germany. |
| Germany | Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the global level continues to be a high priority for the Federal Government. Germany is committed to its role as a cooperation partner in advancing research and innovation in partner countries. As part of its science diplomacy and development cooperation aid activities, it advocates for the development of sustainable science and innovation infrastructures worldwide. The Federal Government has created important frameworks for this, for instance through the National Sustainable Development Strategy and the Strategy on Climate Foreign Policy. Moreover, within the context of the National Sustainable Development Strategy and the UN Agenda 2030, the BMFTR has its own strategy in place, the Sustainable Development Strategy of the BMFTR, in order to foster an innovative culture for sustainability and integrate SDGs in German STI policies. The strategy aims to anchor sustainability in administrative processes, include sustainability goals in STI policies and focus STI funding on sustainability transformations. Sustainability innovations bring together many future technologies - from the bioeconomy to artificial intelligence (AI) - and develop pioneering solutions. Space-based technologies play also an important role in terms of security, innovation and climate research, particularly with regard to observation and early warning. The Research for Sustainability (FONA) Strategy acts as a complementary building block. It is geared towards the SDGs and sets out how to achieve these sustainability goals through research. The focus of the FONA Strategy lies on future technologies in the fields of green hydrogen, the circular economy, climate and biodiversity protection and the bioeconomy. FONA is aiming to make Germany technology leader in energy system transformation, resource efficiency and climate and biodiversity protection. In addition, strengthening structurally weak regions and creating equivalent living conditions and social cohesion are also integral parts of the FONA Strategy. In order to guarantee that security, well-being and social resilience continue to increase for Germany's society, and that we are better prepared for the crises of tomorrow, the Federal Government is continuing its commitment to security research in the new framework programme Research for Civil Security – Working Together for a Safe Life Within a Resilient Society. |
| Greece | Major challenges for Research and Innovation (R&I) policies in Greece include increasing R&D intensity, particularly with a higher contribution from the business sector, and improving the country's overall innovation performance. According to the 2024 European Innovation Scoreboard, Greece is categorized as a "Moderate Innovator." However, there has been a notable improvement in innovation performance in recent years, primarily due to advancements in innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This positive trend indicates that recent efforts are beginning to yield results. A pivotal development in fostering a dynamic start-up ecosystem in Greece was the establishment of the National Registry for Innovative Start-ups, known as Elevate Greece, in 2020. This initiative serves as a digital gateway for Greek start-ups to gain official accreditation from the General Secretariat for Research & Innovation, thereby accessing various benefits such as funding opportunities, awards, networking, and enhanced visibility. The Elevate Greece web platform has evolved into a public company dedicated to promoting and facilitating international networking within the Greek innovation ecosystem. Additionally, a 2021 law (Ν. 4864/2021) has streamlined the process for creating spin-offs and valorising knowledge from universities and public research centres. A new law (L.5162/2024) was introduced in 2024, offering substantial tax incentives (up to 315% deduction from gross revenues) for enterprises engaged in RDI activities. This law also encourages business angels to invest in enterprises registered with Elevate Greece and offers enhanced Golden Visa incentives. Furthermore, to address the underutilization of patenting in SMEs, an amendment to the existing law (L.3842/2010) now provides an increased tax deduction (+10%) for a longer duration (+7 years after the initial 3) for income derived from an international patent. |
| Greece | Greece remains staunchly committed to the UN Agenda 2030, integrating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all its major binding political plans. The country has developed compact strategies, policies, and institutional reforms aimed at accelerating the full implementation of the SDGs and building back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Greece was one of only two countries in the European Union that managed to adhere to all 17 Goals in 2021 without deviation. In 2025, according to UN’s Sustainable Development Report (SDR), Greece ranks in the 27th position out of 167 countries with an overall score of 78.7%. Focusing on SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and particularly on Innovation, Greece’s position is improving - R&D Expenditure is showing steady growth, patent applications remain low compared to EU peers, but as for progress in green and digital technologies and start-up ecosystem, Athens and Thessaloniki remain emerging hubs. The Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan introduced forward-thinking reforms and investments designed to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable growth model and enhance economic, social, and institutional resilience. Supported by a budget of EUR 31 billion up to 2026, the Plan is structured around four key pillars directly linked to the core priorities of the SDGs: green transition, digital transition, employment, skills and social cohesion, and private investment and economic and institutional transformation. All SDGs are significantly addressed by the national Plan, with a particular focus on healthcare sustainability and economic productivity. Additionally, flagship initiatives have been launched to harness the response of the research and academic community to the social and economic challenges Greece is currently facing. These challenges include health issues such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, sudden death in young people, as well as climate change and food-nutrition concerns. |
| Hungary | One of the government's key economic strategic goals is to maximize the production of higher added value within the country. To achieve this, domestic companies, especially SMEs, are encouraged to engage in more knowledge-intensive, higher value-added activities, primarily through independent or collaborative research, development, and innovation. These activities are expected to enhance efficiency, automation, and digitalization. Various initiatives in the Hungarian innovation system support innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship, including: • The Demján Sándor Program, launched in 2024 to develop the Hungarian SME sector has a grant and financing scheme worth HUF 1400 billion for 2025 to improve technological development, and export capacity and HUF 4.3 billion in support for digitization packages and capital programs for SMEs. • The Hungarian Startup University Program (HSUP) and Startup Factory Incubator Program prepare higher education students for innovative entrepreneurship and provide non-refundable support to technology incubators, respectively. Over 20 thousand young people have participated in HSUP. • The Startup Roundtable, initiated at the beginning of the year, identified key areas for state support in the startup and venture capital ecosystem: education to attract entrepreneurial talent, improvements in regulation and financing, including the introduction of the Convertible Note, an employee share scheme, and regulatory changes benefiting spin-offs and technology companies. • In 2025, the National Research, Development and Innovation Office will launch a venture capital program where the state will co-invest with market investors to mitigate risks. This program will offer a broad range of RDI services, including business planning, and the marketing of innovative products and services. • The Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme (GINOP) Plus project is part of the Széchenyi Plan Plus program and with HUF 5 billion in non-reimbursable EU funding and co-financing by the Hungarian state, aims to build the RDI ecosystem by supporting international market entry of innovative enterprises, preparation for international R&D cooperation, and exploitation of results. The Hungarian Competitiveness Strategy, adopted by the Ministry of National Economy in 2024, identifies main industrial sectors such as the health industry, food industry, raw materials industry, chemical industry, metal industry, plastics industry, information and communication technologies, and the creative industry. A principal focus of this strategy is fostering deeper RDI links among universities, research centers, and industry. This alignment is supported by the John von Neumann Programme, which helps to facilitate easier financing for innovative startups. In addition, the SME Strategy 2019-2030 (as set in Govt. Decree No. 440/2021. (VII. 23.)) focuses on supporting the green and high-tech renewal of businesses, reducing administrative burdens, recognizing high-performing businesses, and enhancing the business environment and e-government tools. This strategy, prepared in cooperation with the OECD, includes training and awareness-raising activities to boost entrepreneurial knowledge. |
| Hungary | The government aims to address socio- economic challenges relevant to the Hungarian community through mission-driven research. This includes areas such as healthy ageing, the climate-neutral transition of our energy system, and emerging technologies like AI and quantum technology. The Missions Sub-fund, to be launched in 2025, may be supported with up to HUF 10 billion to conduct high-profile research along well-defined goals, as set in the 2025 Programme Strategy of the NRDI Fund. This new sub-fund was established through the amendment of the Act LXXVI of 2014 (RDI Act), effective from January 1, 2025. Its primary aim is to implement R&D programmes targeting the achievement of major socio-economic impacts in strategically important areas. The National Sustainability Framework Strategy of Hungary aims to promote the material, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of all generations through the development of knowledge and technological innovation. To this end, a new phase of innovation is essential in Hungary, which will allow for the expansion of economic resources without increasing the negative effects on natural resources, respecting the ecological limits imposed by nature and natural processes. Research, development, and innovation enable the production of more efficient and economically viable devices while considering sustainability. The Strategy also emphasizes the significant roles of skilled human resources, institutional infrastructure, and private sector enterprises in fostering innovation. Hungary has prioritized accelerating the pace of innovation in its Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) policy to maintain its manufacturing leadership and develop new breakthrough technologies, including the development of human resources, while considering sustainability. The National Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027 outlines priorities such as "Energy, Climate" and "Resource-efficient Economy." Sustainability is a goal or a horizontal aspect in most priorities of the Strategy. To achieve net zero transition goals, there is a special focus on increasing energy research, innovation, and competitiveness. The Hungarian Government supports the strengthening of industries that can promote the green transition under the "European Green Deal" through clean technological innovations. According to the main strategic package of measures of the Hungarian RDI policy, the John von Neumann Programme approved by the Hungarian Parliament in 2023, the green transition and circular economy are important among the 3+1 focus areas of its innovation investments. |
| Iceland | The main policy debates in Iceland concerning government support for business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship focus on several areas. These include optimising funding mechanisms, improving access to finance, strategically prioritising sectors, fostering collaboration, developing human capital, streamlining bureaucracy, and ensuring effective impact measurement. There is a continuous discussion regarding the optimal mix of direct financial support, such as grants and seed funding, versus indirect support through tax incentives for R&D and innovation activities. Another debate centres on improving access to capital for startups and innovative SMEs. It also discusses whether government support should be more strategically focused on specific sectors where Iceland has a competitive advantage or faces critical challenges, such as sustainable energy, the blue economy, and health tech. |
| Iceland | Iceland employs Agenda 2030 as a comprehensive framework for its crucial national strategies, incorporating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its five-year fiscal plans and various governmental policies and programmes. This approach includes the identification of 65 "priority targets" from the 169 SDG targets, which are deemed particularly relevant to Iceland's context. The government's Science and Technology Policy Council has explicitly framed its vision and objectives to contribute to a sustainable future. This includes a focus on environmental protection, equality, and enhancing quality of life, all of which are directly linked to the principles of the SDGs. Strategically funded research initiatives in Iceland are designed to address societal challenges that align with multiple SDGs. There is an ongoing debate on the best methods to apply a cross-government approach to tackle these societal challenges effectively and to prevent the creation of policy silos. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on promoting public understanding and participation in science, alongside improving science literacy among citizens. |
| India | The stimulation of deep tech startups in the country is a critical area of focus, necessitating the introduction and allocation of high magnitude, risk-oriented funds specifically designed for these enterprises. Additionally, the availability and allocation of funds for business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship are paramount for India to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is designed to play a transformative role in India’s research and innovation landscape. One of its core objectives is to promote innovation within firms and foster innovative entrepreneurship, especially by bridging the gap between academic research, industry needs, and societal challenges. Recently, the government has launched a corpus fund viz. Research Development and Innovation (RDI) for business firms to scale up their research, development and innovation in strategic and sunrise sectors. Creating a conducive environment for doing business is also essential. This can be achieved by streamlining registration, monitoring, evaluation, and regulation processes to simplify the bureaucratic hurdles that currently impede innovative business activities. Furthermore, human resource development and skill-building are crucial for inculcating an entrepreneurial and industrial innovation culture. This involves not only training in specific technical skills but also promoting an innovative mindset among the workforce. Support for innovation in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is another critical area, given that MSMEs contribute to nearly 70% of the Indian private sector. Evaluating the impact of industrial innovation and entrepreneurship on local, regional, and national problems is necessary to understand its reach and effectiveness in solving end-user community issues. Moreover, providing test beds for Indian startups and unicorns to explore international markets can significantly enhance their global competitiveness. Lastly, supporting inclusive, frugal, and grassroots innovations is essential for their integration into the national innovation and entrepreneurship support framework. |
| India | India has been strategically prioritising and planning across the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) landscape to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This approach includes a mix of short-term, mission-mode programmes and long-term initiatives. Several policy debates are currently underway in India to address societal challenges through STI. These debates focus on enhancing global and local linkages in the STI sector and developing indigenous technologies in critical areas such as health, agriculture, energy, and the environment. These technologies are tailored to meet the needs of local communities. Additionally, there is an emphasis on facilitating seamless knowledge flow among all stakeholders in the STI ecosystem, including the government (both central and state), R&D institutions, academia, enterprises (industry, start-ups, and Small and Medium Enterprises), and society. This is aimed at enhancing the applicability of R&D and technology development outcomes, including the tangible impact of science and technology on society. Another key area of discussion is the catalysation of innovation and value creation within the system, with significant attention given to the recognition, incentivisation, and promotion of Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) and grassroots innovation. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that the benefits of STI reach all sections of society and contribute effectively to addressing societal challenges. |
| Indonesia | In Indonesia, government support for innovation is predominantly focused on large industries and high-tech sectors. This approach leaves micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local tech startups with insufficient systemic support. Despite MSMEs contributing over 60% to the GDP, their role in national innovation remains limited. Recent survey on MSME suggests more than halve (56,4%) of MSME view that innovation are not needed for their business. Even when a lot of MSME consider innovation is important for business, lack of knowledge, human resources and funding limit them in conducting research and development for their business. Another reason is that uncertainty of demand for their new products (result of their own R&D) and protection for their innovations from being hijacked by competitors. Many startups also struggle to secure support beyond the initial incubation stages. This situation raises a critical policy question: should the government primarily act as a facilitator, regulator, or direct actor in promoting innovative enterprises? However, if government directly involve in promoting innovative enterprises, the capacity of government in terms of resources and skills does not match the demand of accelerated startups that grow faster. Another way to resolve this issue is that by facilitating startup to connect with research institutions (e.g. universities), capital ventures, and big companies. Currently, institutions such as BRIN, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Communication and Information administer overlapping funding, incubation, and acceleration programmes. Often, these efforts lack clear coordination. Critics argue that the state plays an overly dominant role in shaping the innovation ecosystem, while failing to sufficiently empower private sector and community-based actors. Furthermore, private sector engagement is impeded by a lack of meaningful incentives. For example, the research tax incentive scheme, known as super deduction tax, is underutilized due to burdensome bureaucratic procedures. Additionally, there is no mechanism in place to promote long-term collaboration between businesses and R&D institutions. Consequently, many research outputs from universities and public research bodies are not commercialized or adopted by the market. This is largely due to the absence of strong and professional Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), a lack of policies supporting the translation of research into market-ready products, and limited institutional support for the development of university spin-offs. Addressing these challenges requires a more coordinated, inclusive, and innovation-friendly policy environment that effectively bridges the gap between research, entrepreneurship, and public value creation. |
| Indonesia | Indonesia is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies. A central debate is whether STI should primarily advance knowledge or be explicitly oriented towards addressing societal challenges. In response, Indonesia has adopted a "mission-oriented research" paradigm, aligning STI agendas with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as net-zero emissions (SDG 13), food security (SDG 2), health innovation (SDG 3), digital education (SDG 4), and social inclusion (SDG 10). This shift necessitates a broader re-evaluation of STI policy, moving from a narrow, techno-centric focus to one that includes social transformation, public policy, and behavioural change. Technological solutions alone are often insufficient for systemic social issues like poverty or digital inequality. Consequently, STI strategies now emphasise the integration of social sciences and humanities and stress the importance of co-creation with local communities, rather than relying solely on top-down technological interventions. Efforts to mainstream the SDGs in Indonesia’s STI policy are pursued across three dimensions: objectives, design, and implementation. National research priorities now strategically include global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and food resilience. For instance, BRIN has shifted its focus towards green energy, public health security, and the downstream processing of local food. However, designing effective STI policies is challenging due to fragmented coordination between ministries, weak synergy with regional governments, and a lack of baseline data for research-linked SDG metrics. On the implementation front, there are ongoing debates about fostering innovation that is both inclusive and sustainable, questioning whether innovation should be driven solely by patents and economic incentives and how to ensure that marginalised groups benefit from research outcomes. Open science and data-sharing practices are increasingly vital to prevent knowledge capture by elite academic or industrial actors. Moreover, Indonesia faces challenges in measuring the real societal impact of research. Many projects are labelled as supporting SDGs, yet they lack concrete indicators that reflect changes in community well-being or environmental outcomes. Current evaluation models are still focused on inputs and outputs, such as publication counts and patent registrations, rather than on transformative impacts. There is a growing call for outcome-based evaluations that utilise foresight and impact pathways. Additionally, there is a need to bridge global SDG targets with local realities. Localised STI and grassroots innovations are gaining attention, particularly as communities across Indonesia—such as those facing water crises in NTT, stunting in Papua, or coastal disasters—require tailored, context-specific research solutions rooted in indigenous knowledge and local participation. |
| Ireland | Ireland's core ambition centres on driving enterprise success through innovation in products, processes, and services. This innovation underpins the growth of the existing enterprise base, drives Irish business expansion in international markets, and enhances overall business competitiveness. The national enterprise policy, “Enterprise 2025”, focuses on 'stepping up enterprise innovation', which is crucial for reinforcing Ireland’s competitiveness in the global economy and for driving the climate and digital transition. A successor strategy is also in development. The government's broad objectives include enabling and encouraging enterprises of all sizes to innovate and conduct R&D. It aims to ensure that industry benefits from knowledge transfer, with funding for impactful research partnerships, an excellent talent pipeline, and active IP exploitation. Ireland is set to realise opportunities for the commercialisation of new knowledge and ideas, which will accelerate business growth and lead to ambitious and high-growth deep tech start-ups. This will reinforce Ireland's position as a leading location for disruptive innovation, especially in key technology areas and sectors, with the right investment focus and a competitive and secure RD&I ecosystem. Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, Ireland’s enterprise agencies, are leading the implementation of corporate strategies aligned with these objectives, with an overall budget of just under €300 million for 2025. Ireland is also advancing policy initiatives in key sectors such as AI, Space, Semiconductors, Offshore Wind, Construction, and Life Sciences, all of which have a strong research and innovation focus. Additionally, Ireland is implementing its Smart Specialisation Strategy, which has a place-based and sectoral focus on innovation policy. Significant developments at the EU level, including the appointment of the new Commission and an emerging work programme informed by key policy perspectives from figures such as Letta and Draghi, will require close monitoring to assess potential impacts and opportunities for Ireland, including funding availability. |
| Ireland | Through the implementation of Impact 2030, the Government is ensuring that Research and Innovation (R&I) is central to Ireland’s response to social, economic, and environmental challenges, further advancing the strategic development of the nation’s R&I system. The Government is dedicated to accelerating Ireland's progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. These goals focus on critical areas such as poverty eradication, climate action, and improving living standards for all. The Government’s mission includes leading the sustainable development of the agri-food and marine sector to optimise its contribution to national economic and social development and the natural environment. Current policy debates around R&I for Climate and the Environment are centred on achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction, climate neutrality, and environmental sustainability while maintaining food security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity. A major focus is on integrating climate action into agri-food innovation policy through sustainable farming practices, technological advancement, and systemic transformation. The SDGs are being incorporated into STI policy by aligning funding and research priorities with climate-resilient food systems. Initiatives like Food Vision 2030 promote integrated innovation strategies that aim to deliver co-benefits across health, environment, and the bioeconomy. The Government is advancing R&I as a key driver in addressing societal challenges, particularly in climate action, energy transition, digital connectivity, and environmental protection. Departmental research funding and policy are closely aligned with SDGs, notably SDGs 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13. These include the annual Climate Action Plan, which sets binding targets for emissions reduction, renewable energy, and decarbonisation across all sectors; the National Energy and Climate Plan; the Digital Connectivity Strategy; and the National Broadband Plan, which supports equitable access to digital infrastructure. Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals embeds the framework provided by the SDGs into national and local government work to ensure a coherent system-wide approach, as well as greater dialogue and joined-up thinking between policymakers across sectors. As part of the EPA Research Framework 2030, the EPA is generating evidence to support Ireland’s response to global challenges, including climate disruption and biodiversity loss, and supporting the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by collaborating with policymakers, research funders, and other key stakeholders through Environmental Research Coordination to identify and invest in key and emerging research priorities. These policy priorities are reflected by establishing regular thematic assessment of research priorities. Sustain-FIT, an Enterprise Ireland programme co-funded by EU MSCA and following Career-FIT Plus, will recruit 50 high-calibre researchers internationally to build competences in industrially focused climate action mitigation and sustainability research. Other targets linked to the SDGs are reflected in various Departmental policy initiatives including the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, Transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, our national Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World, and Ireland’s Employment Rights enforcement and Protection. The SDG Senior Officials Group and the Sustainable Development Goals Interdepartmental Working Group are also integral to this work. Departmental officials also actively participate in the SDG Champions Programme’s Sub-Group and have contributed to the shortlisting process of SDG Champions for the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 editions. The Government is also supporting research that improves people’s health, promotes evidence-informed care, and creates solutions to societal challenges. It does this through a strategic, well-balanced funding portfolio that responds to real-world needs – collaborating with partners to address challenges and drive innovation in our health system, and supporting meaningful involvement of patients, carers, and the public in research. The Health Research Board (HRB) funds clinical research, health services and policy research, and population health research, which includes the broad-based determinants of health such as socioeconomic status, education, housing, and climate. The HRB has recently joined the funders' interest group for the Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative. The goal is to enable real-time aggregation of scientific data, support open science practices, and give policymakers, clinicians, and other decision-makers access to the most up-to-date evidence. Spanning any and all sectors, it aims to reduce the cost and time it takes to produce evidence syntheses, making them more accessible for researchers in the Global South or in underfunded fields. |
| Israel | Recent debates have highlighted the need to sustain Israel's start-up ecosystem amidst market and security shocks. In response, the government introduced emergency measures in late 2023 to support industry R&D. For instance, fast-track grants were made available in October 2023 for distressed early-stage startups. Additionally, a new "Startup Fund" was established, allocating ₪500 million in 2024 to provide grants to high-risk technology firms. The Israel Innovation Authority's Yozma 2.0 programme was also launched to attract institutional investors, such as insurance and pension funds, into Israeli venture capitals by offering yield-enhancement support. These initiatives are designed to create a more robust financing ecosystem, transitioning from initial grants to long-term capital. Another focal point is the strategic areas for business innovation support. There is an increasing interest in deep-tech sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technology, as well as climate-tech. This is balanced against Israel’s traditional strengths in software and cybersecurity. For example, there are calls to expand industrial R&D incentives in strategic sectors, such as chip and chip fabrication, to reduce import dependence. Additionally, there is a push towards democratizing entrepreneurship by fostering innovation in non-traditional regions or communities through incubators and accelerators. Regulatory reforms are also under discussion. Proposals being considered include easing bureaucratic barriers for new businesses, clearing the tax track for investors, streamlining permits, and facilitating academic founders in spinning out companies. Policy options being weighed include tweaking the balance between grants and loans and tailoring support for under-served sectors or demographics within the business innovation landscape. |
| Israel | Israeli Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy is increasingly intertwined with social and environmental objectives, focusing particularly on addressing inequality and marginalization. Subsidized programmes are designed to prepare underrepresented populations, including Arab, Ultra-Orthodox, and Ethiopian communities, for employment in the high-tech sector. Furthermore, the National AI Programme is explicitly aimed at integrating AI into public services and local government to reduce disparities and make AI accessible to all citizens. The recent Innovation Centers initiative plans to establish nine hubs across the country, with eight located in development towns. These hubs will concentrate on sectors such as climate, agri-tech, and food-tech, reflecting a broader vision of inclusive innovation. Policymakers and NGOs are engaged in debates on how to ensure that marginalized groups such as Arab and ultra-orthodox communities benefit from the high-tech economy. There is advocacy for dedicated "social innovation" funds targeting health, education, and poverty alleviation technologies, while others emphasise the integration of diverse demographics into mainstream tech programmes. Climate technology, aligned with SDG13, is a clear priority. Other significant areas include water conservation (SDG6), food security (SDG2), and health (SDG3), which are supported through targeted R&D calls, such as water tech accelerators and medical innovation grants. In 2023, Israel published its first National Adaptation Plan and climate risk maps, a move spearheaded by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Innovation Authority, marking a shift towards climate-resilient innovation. However, the formal incorporation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into programme metrics remains a topic of debate. While some stakeholders advocate for more explicit SDG targets to guide R&D funding, others argue that Israel's unique needs might not align with a one-size-fits-all SDG model. The discourse is evolving, with a growing consensus that innovation policy should advance national welfare goals, such as reducing regional and social disparities. However, the methods to achieve these goals—whether through dedicated missions, multi-sector partnerships, or redistributive funding—continue to be debated. |
| Italy | Investment grants play a crucial role in fostering collaboration between universities, research institutes, and private companies. The Italian Ministry of University and Research actively promotes projects aimed at developing new technology infrastructures through public-private partnerships (PPPs). This initiative not only enhances the technological capabilities of the country but also strengthens the ties between academia and industry, ensuring a more integrated approach to innovation. Additionally, the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research has financed five national centers in priority research areas. These centers involve both public and private entities, further emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting research and development through collaborative efforts. This strategy not only boosts innovation within firms but also contributes to the broader national economic development by focusing on key technological sectors. |
| Italy | In 2024, the Italian policy debate on research and innovation increasingly focuses on the strategic role of science and technology in tackling major societal challenges, such as climate change, health crises, the digital transition, demographic change, and geopolitical instability. These challenges are addressed through a mission-oriented STI policy that is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key national frameworks such as the National Research Programme (PNR) 2021–2027 and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) play a pivotal role in translating SDG-oriented priorities into action. These priorities include the green transition, clean energy, sustainable mobility, and inclusive education, reflecting Italy’s commitment to leveraging research and innovation for sustainable development. Moreover, National Doctorate Programmes and extended partnerships focus on SDG-related themes like health, environment, circular economy, and digital inclusion. In addition, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, and digital platforms raise new governance questions, particularly around ethics, societal impact, and citizen engagement. Italy is actively participating in international dialogues to ensure that STI governance frameworks are future-oriented, inclusive, and aligned with democratic values. STI policy in Italy is increasingly shaped by societal needs, with implementation mechanisms designed to ensure that research outputs contribute directly to sustainable and inclusive development. There are also initiatives specifically dedicated to supporting research and innovation in developing and less technologically advanced countries. The Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) supports the active role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in delivering both educational and research missions within Africa–Europe partnerships. Within the G7 context, MUR has launched the “Research Capacity Building with Africa” initiative. This initiative aims to foster collaborative higher education, research, and innovation projects between Africa, Italy, and other G7 members, with a strong focus on the involvement of the private sector. This initiative is linked to the mandate of the G7 Declaration and the priorities set forth in UNESCO's 'Campus Africa.' The main goal is to strengthen the innovation ecosystem of African countries, benefiting all parties involved. Building on existing collaborations, within the context of the Mattei Plan for Africa, the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research engages universities, public research and artistic institutions, and private entities in developing concrete actions related to their first and second missions, namely higher education and scientific research. Among these actions, the call for funding for Transnational Education initiatives (TNE) with African countries should be emphasized. The implementation of this measure provides funding, made available by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, for activities such as double degree programs, collaborative research projects, joint PhD programs, study programs for professionals, and academic partnerships. These partnerships allow students to study abroad for a semester or a year, with recognition of credits and degrees. |
| Japan | Amidst intense international competition, the government is not only working to increase R&D investment to lead globally but also implementing measures to stimulate private sector investment. These measures include utilising various policy tools such as the R&D Promotion Tax System, the SBIR system, innovation in government projects, and public procurement of research findings. The government's approach seeks to leverage both public and private financial resources to expand business and maintain a competitive edge in international R&D arenas. A world-class startup ecosystem is essential to unleash the potential of young people with outstanding skills and abilities produced at universities and other institutions. It continuously creates innovations that lead to new industries and societal change. Particularly from the perspective of creating an innovation ecosystem, it is important to establish startups and realise large-scale growth. This can be achieved by having universities and other institutions as the source of innovation, utilising new technologies (deep tech) born from high-quality basic research, and encouraging highly creative individuals to embark on entrepreneurship without hesitation. In November 2022, the government formulated the "Startup Development Five-year Plan" with the goal of increasing investment in startups more than tenfold (to 10-trillion-yen) by FY 2027. To create an innovation ecosystem centred on universities and other institutions as a source of innovation, and to create large-scale startups, particularly in the field of deep-tech, the government will utilise the enhanced SBIR system. It aims to realise the Global Startup Campus Initiative, strengthen support for commercialisation and social implementation of startups in the deep tech field through the Deep Tech Startup Support Project, expand public procurement, broaden the entrepreneurial base, form a growth-oriented funding cycle, and further promote the enhancement of university IP governance. In April 2021, control of the SBIR system was transferred to the Cabinet Office under the provisions of the Law Concerning the Revitalisation of Science, Technology and Innovation Creation (Law No. 63, 2008). The Cabinet Office was tasked with strengthening continuous support by selecting initiatives across ministries and agencies in a phased manner, focusing on innovation creation. From FY2021 onward, specific operation rules have been established. Under the accompaniment and support of the programme manager, R&D tasks based on policy and government procurement needs have been set, and proof of concept, R&D, etc. (Phase 1 and 2) have been steadily implemented. Additionally, the project has been drastically expanded with the addition of Phase 3, which supports technology demonstrations, to the operation rules starting in FY2023. Based on the “Startup Development Five-year Plan”, this project will be utilised to strongly promote the early social implementation of advanced technologies owned by startups. It is also important to use government procurement to nurture startups. Government procurement procedures will be revisited to facilitate the participation of startups, such as the qualifications to participate in bidding. The government will consider making it possible to enter into discretionary contracts with companies selected as J-Startup with advanced new technologies in the same manner as the procurement method for R&D results under the SBIR system. To provide incentives to entrepreneurs and employees to create startups that will drive growth, we will review the stock option system as necessary. At the same time, we will steadily promote the programme to dispatch 1,000 employees for five years and expand initiatives to foster young human resources through mentors. And based on the "Policy Package on Education and Human Resource Development for the Realisation of Society 5.0," at the elementary and high school levels, the government will drastically strengthen inquiry-based, STEAM and entrepreneurship education. It will provide opportunities for all university students who wish to start their own businesses to receive high-quality entrepreneurship education. In addition, we will discover and nurture management personnel and support efforts to match them with the excellent technology seeds of universities and other organisations. At the same time, we will carry out initiatives such as promoting carve-outs by personnel with excellent technologies from business corporations, etc., in order to stimulate innovation and create start-ups in the deep-tech field by utilising the technologies of business corporations, etc. |
| Japan | Solving wide-ranging and complex social issues requires the improvement of social systems and the consideration of ethical, legal, and social implications from the initial stages of research and development (R&D). This involves exploiting outstanding research results that push the frontiers of knowledge in society and linking them to innovation. To achieve this, the government will systematically and consistently formulate evidence-based strategies for the central government, ministries, and implementing agencies. It will promote mission-oriented R&D programmes and institutional reforms, and develop a system that can review strategies flexibly as needed. Furthermore, both the government and the private sector will promote the strategic and international use of standards as a crucial means to accelerate the implementation of advanced technologies. These technologies are intended to help solve social issues, stimulate the overseas expansion of Japanese companies through international competition, and acquire new international markets. Public and private-sector projects will drive the social implementation of science, technology, and innovation (STI) and the accompanying R&D. Finally, the public and private sectors will undergo reforms through enhanced use of strategic and international standards, which will be integrated into government policies and corporate management strategies. |
| Kazakhstan | Kazakhstan’s innovation policy agenda is increasingly shaped by the objective of stimulating private sector R&D, supporting high-growth technology ventures, and fostering an innovation-driven economy. A central policy debate focuses on the limited participation of businesses in innovation activities and how to create more effective incentives for private-sector engagement. Although public funding for R&D has increased, the private sector continues to account for less than 20% of national research expenditure (this information was provided by national sources and is not yet available in OECD databases as of July 2025). This raises concerns about structural disincentives and a lack of scalable support instruments. The introduction of a national venture financing system, including the creation of a state-backed Venture Science Fund, has triggered discussions around risk-sharing, exit mechanisms, and governance models for public-private co-investment. Policymakers and stakeholders are also debating the best institutional model to facilitate commercialisation—from centralised innovation hubs to regionally embedded incubators and accelerators. The Science Fund has been tasked with piloting new mechanisms such as technology brokerage, startup acceleration, and industrial challenge grants. However, questions remain about scale, industry uptake, and continuity of funding. Furthermore, the launch of industrial hackathons and open innovation calls has reinvigorated debate on the most effective tools for stimulating demand-driven innovation. These formats, co-organised by ministries and industrial companies, aim to connect SMEs and corporations with researchers and developers to co-design solutions to sector-specific challenges. While these initiatives are considered successful in increasing visibility and idea generation, concerns persist about follow-up mechanisms, technology adoption, and IP frameworks. Another dimension of the debate concerns regional and sectoral equity in access to innovation support. While tech ecosystems in Almaty and Astana continue to grow, other regions lag behind due to infrastructure gaps and limited institutional capacity. The government has responded by launching regional innovation centres and integrating entrepreneurship modules into university curricula nationwide. Nevertheless, stakeholders are calling for clearer frameworks to align innovation policy with regional industrial strategies and the broader goals of diversification. Kazakhstan’s ongoing policy debates in this domain are centred on improving the innovation-enabling environment for business, expanding access to financing, localising innovation infrastructure, and creating systemic pathways for technology transfer and venture growth. The challenge ahead lies in translating these policy ambitions into integrated instruments with measurable outcomes for both startups and mature enterprises. |
| Kazakhstan | Kazakhstan’s science and innovation policy is increasingly shaped by the need to respond to major societal challenges such as climate change, food and water security, public health, digital inequality, and sustainable industrialisation. A key area of debate concerns the strategic alignment of national R&D priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how STI policy frameworks can be reoriented to deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes. The 2024 Law on Science and Technological Policy marked a turning point by explicitly referencing science's role in contributing to sustainable development. Since then, several national programmes have been launched to support SDG-relevant fields, including green hydrogen, critical minerals, agricultural innovation, and climate resilience. However, ongoing debates highlight the need for a more structured integration of SDG targets into project funding criteria, performance indicators, and interministerial planning. Stakeholders have called for clearer mandates, cross-sectoral coordination, and the establishment of a dedicated STI-SDG monitoring framework. Another important policy discussion centres on the geographical and societal inclusivity of research benefits. There is a growing recognition that research and innovation efforts must be more attuned to regional disparities and local development priorities. In this context, the establishment of regional science and education hubs, as well as open innovation platforms and community-driven research initiatives, are seen as essential to achieving SDG principles of equity and resilience. Additionally, debates focus on how to enhance public engagement and co-creation in addressing societal challenges. Initiatives such as industrial hackathons, citizen science pilots, and open data platforms are being explored as mechanisms to mobilise collective intelligence and align scientific activity with real-world needs. While these efforts are still emerging, they reflect a growing policy interest in transforming the STI system into a more responsive, mission-oriented, and impact-driven framework aligned with the 2030 Agenda. |
| Korea | One of the central issues in government support for business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship is the debate around deregulation, specifically the transition from a positive to a negative regulatory system. Historically, Korea has operated under a positive regulatory system since the onset of industrialisation, which was primarily designed to boost the manufacturing industries and facilitate the acquisition of advanced technologies. This system mandates explicit permission for business activities, thereby establishing a primary layer of control. Under this regime, businesses are required to assume risk for any actions not explicitly authorised by law, contrasting with a negative regulatory system that delineates only the activities that are prohibited. This established positive regulatory framework, combined with pervasive informal regulatory practices, has been criticised for creating uncertainty and hindering digital innovation. Critics have advocated for the dismantling of this system in favour of increased transparency to create a more favourable environment for innovation, particularly in the digital sector. In response to these criticisms, numerous national presidents have emphasised the importance of deregulation and have mandated significant reforms aimed at transitioning the Korean regulatory system to a negative model. However, these efforts have consistently encountered formidable resistance from political, bureaucratic, and social sectors, persisting for decades. Consequently, the Korean government has opted for implementing partial deregulatory measures. These include the introduction of Sandboxes, which apply negative regulation at the programme level, and a more lenient interpretation of existing regulatory laws. |
| Korea | Korea is currently grappling with three significant societal challenges. The first is the world's lowest fertility rate of 0.78 (2022), which is accelerating the ageing of the population and slowing economic growth. In response, the Korean government established the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy in 2010 to coordinate policies targeting these demographic issues. These policies are twofold: one aims to reverse the declining birth rate through social welfare initiatives, and the other prepares for a "super-aged society" by focusing on STI policies that promote innovations in high-quality healthcare services for seniors. The second challenge is climate change, with Korea's greenhouse gas emissions continuing to rise due to its predominantly carbon-based industrial ecosystem. To address this, the government is advancing a green transformation, encapsulated in the development of Cross-governmental 2050 Long-term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies. A notable political and societal debate during this transformation has been the role of nuclear power as a major energy source for a green economy. The Yoon Administration (2022-2025) has advocated for nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source, contrasting with the stance of the Moon Administration (2017-2022). The stance of the upcoming Lee Administration on this issue remains uncertain. The third challenge involves public health and safety, particularly in protecting the underprivileged from various natural disasters, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19. To mitigate the impact of such crises and close any potential gaps, the Korean government is working to establish a robust social and employment safety net for the entire population. This commitment is reflected in the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan (2023–2027) and the 3rd Plan for Solving Social Problems with Science and Technology (2023-2027), which emphasise leveraging STI to address pressing societal issues such as climate change, public health, and demographic shifts. |
| Latvia | While private R&D funding has increased over the years, it was still outpaced by public R&D funding, with the exception of 2022. The need to boost private sector investment remains a specific challenge for Latvia and a broader issue within the EU, as highlighted by the Draghi report in 2024. This ongoing challenge underscores the importance of finding a balance between public and private investment in research to foster a robust innovation ecosystem. Support for innovative entrepreneurship is primarily focused within Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) areas, offering a range of initiatives such as business incubation, digitalisation support, innovation vouchers, and startup support programmes. Efforts are also being made to facilitate technology transfer and IP commercialisation, especially from public research institutions. Significant amendments were made to the Scientific Activity Law in 2024 to aid this process, and further legislative work is ongoing to enhance these efforts. The main Latvian policy document that outlines activities and goals for supporting business R&D is the National Industrial Policy Guidelines for 2021-2027. This document emphasises the growth of business R&D investment, which, while increasing annually, remains nearly equal to government investment in R&D. Additionally, an AI centre was established in early 2025 through a collaboration between the government, academia, and the ICT sector. This centre aims to promote responsible research and investment and provides a regulatory sandbox for AI initiatives, fostering an environment conducive to innovation in this cutting-edge field. |
| Latvia | There is an increasing focus on the ability of research and innovation (R&I) to address societal challenges. The Guidelines for Science, Technology Development, and Innovation for 2021-2027 highlight various global trends and challenges, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), EU strategic goals, as well as skills transition and demographic challenges. One of the goals outlined in the guidelines is "Finding innovative solutions for relevant societal challenges." Efforts are underway to strengthen the science-for-policy ecosystem at both national and international levels, such as the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the OECD-led project on "Building capacity for evidence-informed policymaking in governance and public administration in a post-pandemic Europe." Various programmes exist at different levels (EU, interregional, national) to fund research that addresses societal challenges. At the national level, the primary instrument for addressing such challenges since 2018 has been the State Research Programmes (SRPs), which allow sectoral ministries to commission top-down research. As of 2025, SRPs have been established by several ministries, including the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Economics, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and others. Several initiatives have been launched to promote the societal impact of scientific research. Impact criteria carry a weight of 50% when applying for State Research Programmes. The Latvian Council of Science has developed impact guidelines to assist researchers in achieving societal, policy, and economic impact. Seminars and discussions have also been conducted to help researchers enhance the societal impact of their work. |
| Lithuania | The "New Generation Lithuania" plan is designed to enhance the start-up ecosystem through a series of strategic measures. These measures include the improvement and expansion of the business acceleration system to ensure consistency and integrity. Furthermore, the plan aims to increase the availability of financing for business investments in technological progress and innovation by expanding the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation and introducing new composite measures. In addition to financial support, the plan promotes a closer collaboration between science and business. This is being facilitated by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, through the implementation of national mission-based science and innovation programmes. These programs are aligned with EU missions but are tailored to address the specific priorities and needs of Lithuania's research and innovation (R&I) ecosystem. Under the EU Investment Fund for the period 2021-2027, investments are being directed towards research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) with the aim of transitioning the economy towards the production of high value-added products. These investments are particularly focused on creating favorable conditions for start-ups and aiding the transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into high value-added entities in Lithuania’s Mid-West Region. The strategy includes directing SMEs towards the commercialization of final products, providing innovation support and advisory services to less knowledge-intensive SMEs, strengthening the capacity of the public sector for pre-commercial procurement, and encouraging SMEs to develop innovative products. Governmeent measures for SMEs in digitalization and AI use: • In Lithuania €48 M was earmarked for SMEs to develop AI solutions. Currently, they are implementing 227 projects intended for the development of AI solutions, which bring practical benefits to businesses and citizens alike. AI solutions that are being developed cover a broad spectrum, from a virtual longevity assistant to an analytical business insight tool. It is expected that these projects will increase competitiveness both nationally and internationally and will create new jobs. In the period of 2026–2028 we are planning to increase these investments, by allocating additionally €15 M to this goal. • In 2024, Lithuania developed a National Plan for the Digital Decade to contribute to the EU's target of at least 75% of businesses would use AI, big data and/or cloud computing by 2030. During 2026-2028 we are going to allocate more than €7.5 M for SME’s in order to promote the application of AI solutions so that they could increase their productivity. According to a study by the Mckinsey Institute, it is estimated that by 2040, generative AI alone could annually increase labor productivity by 0.1–0.6%. In combination with other AI technologies, automation of job tasks could increase the growth of labor productivity from 0.2 to 3.3 percentage points. • €4,11 M was allocated for Lithuanian businesses to develop innovative solutions and digital services using open data. With this investment, the country is promoting the use of demand-driven open data to develop innovative solutions and digital services, and thereby cementing its position as a digital state. Currently, 63 projects are being implemented. Additional calls are planned for October of 2025 (€5 M) and 2027 (€4 M). • Moreover, regulatory AI sandbox is being established in the Innovation Agency (€3M for period of 2026–2028). From Autumn of 2025 it will be the place where SME’s will receive trainings and expert advice on the compliance of their solutions with the AI Act, GDPR, UNESCO's AI Ethics Recommendations and other relevant AI regulations. In the event of non-compliance with the AI Act, the financial risk to the business is extremely high, and large fines are provided, so SME’s can turn to AI sandbox’s experts to reduce this risk and also to prepare properly for the conformity assessment (certification) procedures. |
| Lithuania | In 2024, Lithuania inaugurated its first and only Science and Innovation Promotion Centre, "Mokslo sala" (Science Island), located in Kaunas. Modeled after leading international science centers, Mokslo sala is designed to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public. It achieves this by making scientific knowledge accessible and engaging through hands-on experiences. The center not only promotes the understanding and application of research but also fosters citizen science and strengthens public trust in science. Furthermore, Lithuania actively involves its citizens in science via EU-wide initiatives. One such program is "Plastic Pirates – Go Europe!" where students, with the support of professional researchers, collect and analyze plastic waste. Additionally, Lithuania's participation in the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) plays a crucial role in encouraging students to showcase their projects at a European level, thereby inspiring future generations of scientists. Lithuania has also implemented creative methods to connect science with society and business. An example is the establishment of a Linktree account, www.linktr.ee/MokslasVerslui, which serves as a centralized access point to a curated directory of research system resources relevant to businesses. This directory is available in Lithuanian and includes links to R&D calls from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, contact information for Knowledge and Technology Transfer Offices (KTOs/TTOs) at research and higher education institutions, National Contact Points (NCPs) for the Horizon Europe programme, and contacts for science and innovation advisors across ministries. Additionally, Lithuania hosts annual informal science-business breakfast sessions to further these connections. |
| Malta | In line with the PSF Peer Review, the National R&I Strategic Plan 2023-2027 has made several recommendations for 'Local Ecosystem development.' These include leveraging private sector R&I to enhance intersectoral mobility and knowledge transfer, as well as implementing a differentiated approach to supporting private sector R&I. The Plan emphasizes the need to establish appropriate R&I enabling structures that are accessible and close to industry. It also aims to increase demand for R&I through public procurement. The PSF report highlighted the necessity for Malta to streamline, simplify, and clarify the landscape of funding schemes available to innovative enterprises significantly. Consequently, the Community of Practice for Research Funding Organisations, established in 2024, is tasked with examining overlaps and gaps within these funding programs. The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) launched the European Digital Innovation Hub (DiHubMT), which plays a pivotal role in supporting business innovation and entrepreneurship. DiHubMT acts as a one-stop-shop for advanced digital services, helping companies adapt to the evolving digital landscape and enhance their competitiveness locally and internationally. By creating a more integrated ecosystem of start-ups and SMEs, DiHubMT encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, which drives economic growth and development. Companies can leverage advanced technologies, access cutting-edge research facilities, and tap into the expertise of skilled professionals with the support of DiHubMT. Additionally, Malta's participation in the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on 'Knowledge Valorisation, Skills, Intersectoral Cooperation, and Incentive Systems' has broadened its understanding of the challenges and strategies employed by other Member States in fostering inter-sectoral mobility. |
| Malta | Goal 3 of the National R&I Strategic Plan 2023-2027 emphasizes 'Enhanced directionality through "Missions" and Smart Specialisation'. The selection criteria for these missions are centered on addressing economic and societal challenges, responding to urgent needs, or capitalizing on emerging opportunities. The progress Malta makes on the Sustainable Development Goals is set to guide the selection of these national missions. In January 2022, Malta introduced its Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027, identifying six thematic areas with innovative potential: Health and Well-Being, Sustainable Use of Resources for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Smart Manufacturing, Marine & Maritime Technologies, Aviation and Aerospace, and Future Digital Technologies. The latter serves as both a vertical priority and a horizontal enabler for the other priorities. The implementation of this Strategy is managed by six Thematic Committees, each representing one of the thematic areas. These committees were established in mid-2022 and are responsible for presenting work plans that propose measures to achieve the Strategy's implementation goals. Malta’s Smart Specialisation Strategy for 2021-2027 aims to not only drive economic growth through investments in research and innovation but also to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals and support societal challenges. This strategy is designed to balance the focus between economic sustainability and the broader needs of the country. |
| Mexico | On February 28, 2025, the 2025-2030 National Development Plan was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. It integrates one objective and two strategies for government support for innovation and technological development. This policy document establishes Objective T.2.4, under Cross-Cutting Axis 2: Public Innovation for National Technological Development. The objective is to promote collaborative research, technological development, and innovation in strategic sectors, aiming to transform Mexico into a sovereign scientific and technological power. This approach is focused on development with well-being and prosperity and will promote scientific training, knowledge generation, and technology transfer with a humanistic vision, contributing to the country's overall progress. To achieve this objective, the goal is to promote technological development through the maturation and scaling of technologies aligned with regional and national priorities. This ensures technological independence and contributes to social well-being. The goal includes implementing mechanisms for linkage, modernisation, and technology transfer and innovation among the academic, productive, public, and social sectors. These mechanisms are aligned with national priorities and are oriented toward social well-being. Furthermore, on January 13, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo presented Plan Mexico, which includes a mission to strengthen scientific and technological development and innovation. Additionally, the Sectoral Programme for Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation 2025-2030 and the Special Programme for Humanities, Science, Technology, and Innovation 2025-2030 are currently being developed. These documents will include strategies and lines of action related to innovation. |
| Mexico | In the development of the 2025-2030 National Development Plan, SECIHTI coordinated two consultation forums. These forums presented a diverse range of topics, with significant emphasis on coordination, water, energy, strengthening of universities and schools, teacher support, health, gender and inclusion policies, and scientific dissemination. During the programming and budgeting process of the Draft Federal Expenditure Budget (PPEF), one of the key activities was to align the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda with the budget programs. By 2025, the budget programs of Branch 38, which focuses on Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation, were aligned with seven of the 17 SDGs outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda. |
| Netherlands | In the long term, the Netherlands aims to remain among the frontrunners in the field of innovation and digitalisation in Europe and beyond. This ambition is not only to enhance the productivity of the Netherlands but also to address social challenges and the current labour shortage. The Dutch Cabinet is focused on using promising research and stimulating valorisation to ensure that research is applied in products and services. The government is committed to maintaining the objective that the Netherlands will spend 3% of its gross domestic product on research and development (R&D) by 2030, with 2% of this investment expected to come from private sources. Due to current budget constraints, new policy initiatives will primarily aim to create the right climate for businesses to increase their investment in R&D. Furthermore, the government is strengthening global value chains and ecosystems through targeted industrial and innovation policies, for example, in the semiconductor industry. A renewed Top Sectors policy is being designed in collaboration with the business community and knowledge institutions. This revision of the Netherlands’ main public-private governance structure leverages strengths such as the collaboration between science, government, the business community, and the combination of social tasks and earning capacity. Nationally, the focus is on the National Technology Strategy, growth markets, and sectoral programmes such as the defence industry strategy and the maritime manufacturing industry action plan. The Cabinet is also simplifying the mission-driven innovation policy to better connect innovative Dutch companies with it. This involves drawing up action agendas for the ten priority technologies from the National Technology Strategy (NTS), as well as for the five technology areas for the Dutch defence industry by the Ministry of Defence. The government aims to align these action agendas as closely as possible. The focus of innovation extends to solving problems in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, energy transition, and defence. The involvement of social organisations is crucial, and efforts are being made to bridge social and technological knowledge. |
| Netherlands | The main debates in the field of Research and Innovation for Society focus on the Science for Policy movement within the government, which operates in collaboration with the knowledge sector. This movement aims to integrate scientific insights directly into policy-making processes, enhancing the government's ability to address complex societal challenges effectively. Another significant framework is the Dutch mission-oriented innovation policy, outlined in the Knowledge Innovation Covenant (KIC). The KIC identifies key societal challenges such as the energy transition, circular economy, health, agriculture, water and food, and security. It provides a structured approach for various sectors and departments to collaborate on these issues, fostering a unified response to each challenge. The governance structure of this mission-oriented innovation policy is currently undergoing a review. A detailed update, including potential changes, will be communicated to parliament in a letter scheduled for later in 2025. |
| New Zealand | The New Zealand Government, under the Innovation, Technology and Science pillar of Going for Growth, has set an objective to encourage and foster an environment for business research and development (R&D) and innovation. This includes incentivizing businesses to invest in advanced technologies such as AI, enhancing collaboration between industries and research institutions, and supporting the commercialization of public research and innovative ideas. By doing so, the Government aims to drive economic growth, diversify industries within the economy, and create high-value jobs for New Zealanders. As part of the SIT reforms announced in 2025, the Government disclosed that Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand’s innovation agency, will be disestablished and its most important functions redistributed to other parts of the SIT system, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the newly announced Public Research Organisations. The decision aims to maximize the value of public investment and create a more dynamic SIT system that can respond to priorities and keep pace with technological advances to grow the New Zealand economy. It is acknowledged that since its establishment in 2013, Callaghan Innovation had been tasked with many often conflicting functions, which made it difficult to focus on effective delivery. There have been mixed reactions from stakeholders to this decision, with concerns about whether it will improve the delivery of support to innovative businesses or might leave critical gaps in the system. Despite steady increases in New Zealand’s R&D expenditure, the country still underperforms in R&D expenditure compared to the OECD average and Small, Advanced Economies, both in terms of gross expenditure and the private sector’s contribution. There has been a public debate on how the Government can better support and incentivize business R&D. The R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) is one of the main initiatives that support and seek to incentivize greater business R&D expenditure. Although perceived as valuable by the sector, there is a range of stakeholder perspectives on how the RDTI scheme could be improved, such as offering a more competitive rate, better access for small- to medium-sized enterprises, and the treatment of software development. The RDTI is required by legislation to be evaluated every five years; the first of these reviews has recently been completed, and the results are due to be published in 2025. |
| New Zealand | The current main policy debates in New Zealand regarding how research and innovation can address societal challenges focus on strategically aligning research priorities with pressing national issues. A key focus is ensuring that government funding, such as the $1.2 billion allocated annually to the science sector, is directed towards research that yields tangible benefits in areas like climate change, health, and economic growth. The recent reforms of the science and innovation system, announced in January 2025, emphasize a more targeted approach. This approach aims to maximize the impact of research on economic growth and societal well-being. It includes the establishment of new public research organizations focused on advanced technologies and a greater emphasis on commercializing research outcomes to address real-world problems. Another significant debate revolves around fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between researchers, industry, and communities to ensure that research is relevant and effectively translated into solutions for societal challenges. The now concluded National Science Challenges, which ran until June 2024, exemplified a mission-led approach to tackle key issues like health, sustainable seas, and resilience to natural disasters by encouraging collaboration across research providers and engaging with stakeholders. Current discussions are likely to build on this experience, exploring how to best structure research initiatives and funding mechanisms to promote interdisciplinary work and ensure that Māori knowledge (Mātauranga) is effectively integrated into research addressing societal issues, as highlighted by the Vision Mātauranga policy. Furthermore, there is ongoing discussion about the balance between fundamental research and more applied, solutions-focused research. While "blue skies" research, such as that funded by the Marsden Fund, is recognized for its potential to generate new knowledge and unexpected breakthroughs, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring that a significant portion of research funding is directed towards addressing immediate societal needs and contributing to economic growth. The recent changes to the Marsden Fund, requiring at least 50% of funding to go to projects with clear economic benefits, reflect this shift in focus. The debates also encompass how to incentivize researchers and institutions to engage in translational research and commercialization activities, ensuring that innovative solutions reach the communities and sectors that need them most. |
| Norway | The ongoing debate on the directionality of public funding for innovation activities in industry has intensified recently. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in political initiatives that aim to direct funds towards specific industries and value chains, especially those within the green sector. This shift towards top-down funding approaches comes at a time when the competitive landscape for new green industries in Europe, such as the battery industry, is rapidly changing and generally deteriorating. Consequently, there is growing public skepticism regarding what is perceived as harmful rent-seeking activities within these industries. Another pressing issue is the need for alternative funding mechanisms to stimulate private investments in research and innovation. This need has become more urgent due to increased budgetary constraints in recent years and the persistent underperformance in achieving the national goal of raising industry R&D spending to 2 percent of GDP. The discussion around these alternative mechanisms is crucial for addressing the challenges faced by the industry in increasing its innovation capacity. |
| Norway | The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a crucial aspect of Norway's Long-term Plan for Research and Higher Education, with universities and university colleges playing a key role in implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda through education and research. Since 2017, higher education institutions in Norway have been working on linking the need for new knowledge for sustainable development with multidisciplinary research communities through scientific advice. The Research Council of Norway aims to prioritise sustainability in its funding of research and development (R&D), develop instruments that target sustainability-related challenges, and enhance the sustainability perspective in international cooperation. The same goes for innovation grants scheme. The government regularly provides annual reports to Stortinget on progress towards achieving the SDGs. The sustainable use of the ocean is a key priority for the Norwegian government, as highlighted in the strategy called Blue Opportunities. This strategy recognises the importance of sound ocean policy and a sustainable ocean economy in achieving the SDGs, and advocates for an international framework for sustainable ocean management. Additionally, Norway co-chairs the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, which focuses on responsible ocean management based on sustainable use and the best available scientific knowledge. Norway has participated in a PSF MLE on Public Engagement in Research and Innovation, with several recommendations from the final report being relevant to the country. The Research Council of Norway has established a network for citizen science, and efforts are being made to map existing citizen science projects and provide guidance for researchers interested in using citizen engagement and citizen science methods in their projects. A guide to citizen involvement in research was launched fall 2023. The Research Council of Norway provides funding for Sami research through a Sami portfolio, which is supported by the Norwegian Ministries of Education and Research, and of Local Government and Regional Development. The aim of the portfolio is to generate new knowledge that strengthens the Sami people's languages, culture, and community. The research programme primarily focuses on humanities and social sciences research related to Sami issues, but it is also open to natural science research with direct links to the humanities and social sciences in areas such as health, climate, and the environment. The Centre for Sami Health Research (CSHR) at the University of Tromsø is responsible for the SAMINOR Study, a large population-based study on health and living conditions in regions with Sami and Norwegian populations. SAMINOR provides valuable insights into the health and living conditions of the Sami, and its indigenous perspective makes it a unique database nationally and internationally. The CSHR collaborates with research teams involved in health research in indigenous communities across various countries. Efforts have been made to produce statistics on the Sami communities in Norway. The project "Sami-related statistics in Norway" was initiated in 2003, resulting in the first official Sami statistics being published in 2006. Due to privacy regulations, national authorities in Norway are not allowed to register ethnicity, making it challenging to produce statistics specifically on the Sami population as a group. However, statistics are available based on the geographical area of activity of the Sámediggi subsidy schemes for business development. These statistics cover various relevant topics, including elections, population size and composition, education, language use, income, employment, reindeer husbandry, agriculture, hunting, and fishing. The Expert Analysis Group for Sami Statistics, established in 2007, produces an annual publication called "Sámi logut muitalit" (Sami Statistics Speak). This publication provides a general overview of topics relevant to those seeking information about Sami conditions and society. The publication is available in both Sami and Norwegian languages. |
| Peru | Innovation serves as a catalyst for economic growth and development across both emerging and developed nations. Recognizing this, Peru emphasizes the importance of investment in innovation due to the significant economic, social, and environmental returns it offers. It is crucial to support the development of innovative products, processes, and services within industries and social services by participants of SINACTI. This initiative aims to enhance the country's productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability. Peru is also advancing coherent, sustained, and decentralized public policies that prioritize innovation at the heart of sectoral and territorial agendas. This approach necessitates the establishment of an appropriate regulatory environment, access to financing, qualified human capital, and institutional frameworks that promote experimentation, continuous learning, and effective knowledge transfer. |
| Peru | Peru recognizes the importance of popularizing science, technology, and innovation, ensuring that its activities and results are known and recognized by society at large. To achieve this goal, a series of strategies have been developed. These include the National Science Fair, Peru with Science, departmental forums on science, technology, and innovation, and the creation of Science and Technology Clubs. In response to the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Peru has adopted an approach focused on the ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of these tools. This approach promotes the development and application of technologies in a way that contributes positively to collective welfare, while avoiding the creation of gaps or discrimination based on race, gender, or other personal or social conditions. |
| Poland | In technologically leading countries, most of the expenditure on research and development (R&D) is usually undertaken by enterprises. In Poland, however, the share of private entities in innovation expenditure remains relatively low. The aim of state policy, supported by EU funds, is to boost entrepreneurs' interest in implementing innovative research results. Support for enterprise innovativeness is provided through a system of tax reliefs and direct co-financing, which includes both repayable and non-returnable options, with a significant contribution from European Union funds. A substantial budget to support innovation in firms and innovative entrepreneurship is available at the regional level through 16 regional programmes co-funded with structural funds for the period 2021-2027. Almost EUR 2.5 billion is allocated to support R&D, R&D infrastructure, commercialisation of knowledge, support for local clusters, and innovation in SMEs, including innovative services provided by business support institutions. The recent discourse on public support for business innovation has centred on the utilisation of European Union funds, public funds, and the creation of start-ups, clusters, and scientific spin-offs. Discussions have also covered the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Productivity Strategy 2030, which aims for a progressive, sustainable, and inclusive enhancement of productivity through knowledge and new technologies, especially digital ones. In recent years, Poland has introduced numerous public instruments to aid innovation-driven companies. These include subsidies for R&D expenditures and large grants, primarily from programmes co-funded by the European Union, awarded through open competitions. There are also national programmes for industries with high growth potential that align with national smart specialisations. Attractive incentives for entrepreneurs include tax reliefs for R&D activities and a preferential tax rate for income from intellectual property rights, known as the IP Box. The number of companies benefiting from these tax incentives increases annually. The newly launched national programme FENG (European Funds for a Smart Economy 2021-2027), with a budget of EUR 7.9 billion, offers innovative flexible solutions for project implementation. These solutions include modular support, digital and green transformation of enterprises, and support for MID-CAPS (companies with 250-3,000 employees). The debate on support for innovative companies encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, such as increasing the number of innovating companies, encouraging companies to utilise the public research system more extensively, and strengthening cooperation between science and industry. There is also a focus on simplifying existing support instruments to enhance their appeal to enterprises, identifying the most effective types of support (e.g., tax reliefs, subsidies, or support through investment funds), and preparing companies for the challenges posed by the digital revolution and climate change. |
| Poland | In Poland, the main policy debates around how research and innovation can help address societal challenges centre on aligning innovation policies with the country’s broader economic, social, and environmental goals. This alignment is increasingly shaped by global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are coherent with the policy of the European Union. There is a growing focus on integrating sustainability, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility into the country's innovation ecosystem. Poland has a tradition of tackling the country's social and economic issues through the lens of sustainable development. The Constitution of Poland (1997) recognises sustainable development as a fundamental right. Article 5 of the Basic Act states that the Republic of Poland shall safeguard the independence and inviolability of its territory, ensure the freedoms and rights of man and citizen, the security of citizens, safeguard the national heritage, and ensure the protection of the environment, guided by the principle of sustainable development. As early as 2000, the Council of Ministers adopted the "Poland 2025 – Long-term strategy for sustainable development," an innovative document that directed the country's development according to sustainable development principles. However, this strategy is currently not in operation. Economic policy is programmed with consideration of outcomes from six strategic research programmes conducted by the National Centre for Research and Development: New technologies in the field of energy, Gospostrateg, Infostrateg, Biostrateg, Strategmed, and Techmatstrateg. The primary aim of the GOSPOSTRATEG Programme is to increase the use of socio-economic research results in shaping national and regional development policies by 2028. The Programme's objectives are twofold: implementation of policies, strategies, operational documents, and specific solutions developed under the Programme; and application of solutions created under the Programme, strengthening social capital necessary for implementing national and regional development policies. Other national programmes and initiatives specifically designed for STI policy are in development or being implemented, including the Productivity Strategy, National Regional Development Strategy 2030, and State Science Policy. The State Science Policy (2022) outlines a broad scope of science's social responsibility and the role of science in addressing key social and economic problems. It encompasses participation in tackling global challenges, including implementing the Sustainable Development Goals to meet the needs of the current generation sustainably, with respect for the environment and consideration of future generations' needs, and climate change adaptation and mitigation; resolving social and economic problems through the use of new technologies and their implementation in the economy, such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and open science; preparing for challenges associated with improving quality of life, demographic changes, labour market and migration challenges, health policy issues; and emphasising the importance of research in the humanities and social sciences, community, culture, and tradition; and defence and security of the state. One of the primary discussions is how to ensure that research and innovation activities in Poland contribute to achieving the SDGs. While Poland has embraced the SDGs in national strategies, there is ongoing debate about how effectively these goals are incorporated into R&I policies, both at the national and regional levels. National Science Policy (PNP) aims to create conditions for conducting scientific research and development work and to facilitate access to high-quality education for future generations. The priorities set out in this document will also have an impact on coherence, synergy, and development of international cooperation in the higher education and science system. The State Science Policy is the basis for implementing the state's strategic and development programmes. The State Science Policy must promote the role of science and higher education, which will contribute to raising their prestige and increasing public confidence in the results of scientific research. |
| Portugal | Currently, the main policy debates around support for business innovation in Portugal focus on the need to strengthen the country's competitiveness and strategic autonomy within a European context marked by digital, green, and geopolitical transitions. Discussions have centred on the effectiveness of funding instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), Portugal 2030, and SIFIDE, and their ability to promote innovation aligned with emerging societal and technological challenges. Portugal 2030 and the PRR are the primary vehicles for innovation funding, with a strong emphasis on digitalisation, sustainability, and industrial transformation. The PRR, in particular, has been updated to include new reforms and investments, notably in science, digital skills, and advanced manufacturing technologies. SIFIDE, the tax incentive scheme for R&D, continues to play a critical role in stimulating private investment in innovation, with a notable increase in applications and approved investments between 2020 and 2023. Another key area of debate concerns the articulation between public policies and the innovation ecosystem, particularly through competitiveness clusters, collaborative laboratories, and technology and innovation centres. Public procurement for innovation (PPI) is also gaining traction as a strategic tool to stimulate demand for innovative solutions, especially in sectors such as defence, transport, and public administration, with a particular mention of the Procure+i Competence Centre, which has been instrumental in promoting PPI. In this context, the role of the state as a facilitator of consortia and promoter of mission-oriented innovation policies is widely discussed, with emphasis on the need for greater inter-ministerial coordination, administrative simplification, and a focus on results. This includes the development of flagship projects in defence and space, such as Aero.Next Portugal and New Space Portugal. The emergence of a “new defence” paradigm—based on agile innovation and public-private collaboration—reinforces the urgency for more responsive and impact-driven policies. Beyond these strategic developments, entrepreneurship has been fostered through the Startup Portugal+ (2025), which refers to the broader set of initiatives and programmes promoted by Startup Portugal, a government-backed organisation supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Portugal. The most important initiatives under this umbrella include the Startup Visa & Tech Visa, designed to attract international talent and entrepreneurs; Vouchers for Startups – New Digital/Technological Products, co-funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP); Business Abroad, helping startups access international markets through events, investor meetings, and global networking; Empreende XXI, aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs with funding and mentoring; and One Stop Shop – Balcão do Empreendedor, providing centralised support for setting up and growing a startup in Portugal. |
| Portugal | Portugal is currently immersed in vibrant policy debates on how research and innovation (R&I) can address pressing societal challenges, particularly those tied to the green and digital transitions, demographic changes, and post-pandemic recovery. One of the central discussions revolves around aligning national strategies, such as the National Digital Strategy, with broader EU initiatives like the Digital Decade 2030 programme, ensuring that they prioritise inclusion, sustainability, and responsible innovation. Policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions are actively exploring how R&I investments can simultaneously enhance competitiveness and contribute to long-term sustainability and social cohesion. Key themes include fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening collaborations between science and industry, and advancing net-zero emissions through sustainable energy systems and environmentally conscious practices. Another prominent debate concerns the governance and inclusiveness of STI policy. There is growing pressure for more participatory and transparent decision-making, especially in the allocation of EU and national funds. The ambitious target of reaching 3% R&D intensity by 2030 has sparked discussions on how to double public and quadruple private R&D investment. These debates may reflect a broader shift toward a mission-oriented approach to R&I, emphasising anticipatory governance, improved foresight, and stronger science-policy interfaces. Portugal has made significant strides in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into STI policy. The SDGs are explicitly considered in public policy formulation and planning instruments, with particular emphasis on SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 13 (Climate Action), and 14 (Life Below Water). The National Reform Programme 2023 references SDGs in the context of a digital society, creativity, and innovation, linking them to initiatives in higher education, R&D investment, and support for start-ups. Other initiatives such as the FCT’s Scientific Employment Stimulus and the Atlantic International Research Centre further demonstrate Portugal’s commitment to sustainable development through science and innovation, even when SDGs are not explicitly named. The emergence of the defence area, and the integration of defence and security into STI policy are also crucial aspects, given the expected societal impacts and challenges in terms of military operations and critical infrastructure, escalation of conflicts in fragile states and regions, and environmental sustainability in the defence sector, as a key contribution to increase national resilience. There is growing attention to dual-use innovation (civil and military), in the context of the European Defence Industrial Strategy and NATO initiatives, with emphasis on integrating disruptive technologies—such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and cybersecurity—into strategic sectors like defence, space, health, and energy. The National Smart Specialisation Strategy (ENEI 2030) and the National Semiconductor Strategy are examples of policies aiming to align scientific and technological capabilities with market opportunities, promoting an evidence-based and entrepreneurial discovery approach. |
| Republic of Moldova | The national debate around the business innovation system is evolving within the context of EU accession goals, policy alignment, and the broader aspiration to build a modern, competitive knowledge economy. Central to these discussions is the challenge of bridging the persistent gap between research institutions and the private sector. Concerns have been raised by policymakers, academia, and industry stakeholders regarding the low level of commercialisation of research results, limited joint projects, and weak incentives for business-driven innovation. A suite of National Policy documents has been developed to support and respond to these challenges, targeting innovation across various sectors including ICT, biopharma, agri-food, and green technologies. These documents aim to foster digital transformation and encourage collaborative research and innovation (R&I) projects, voucher schemes, and the establishment of innovation incubators, hubs, or communities. Notable policies include the National Development Strategy "European Moldova 2030", the Code of Science and Innovation No 259/2004, and the "Moldova Vremurilor Bune". Additionally, laws such as No 226/2018 and No 193/2021 regulate the creation and operation of science and technology parks and Moldova's participation in the Horizon Europe framework programme, respectively. Various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Digitalisation and Economic Development with the Organisation for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA), the Ministry of Education and Research, and the National Agency for Research and Development (NARD), are actively discussing how to strengthen performance-based funding mechanisms and improve governance within the innovation ecosystem. These discussions also extend to the creation of innovative SMEs and the implementation of innovation by existing SMEs. Moreover, there is a focus on increasing the low absorption and participation rates of SMEs in Horizon Europe and other policy working groups, which highlights the need for SME-tailored support schemes and capacity building across National Contact Points (NCPs) and research-performing organisations. Additionally, there is increasing pressure from civil society and transparency advocates to enforce anti-corruption measures and integrity standards within R&D funding distribution, project evaluation, and academic governance. These debates underscore a growing consensus that Moldova’s innovation policy must transition from fragmented support tools to a coordinated, mission-driven, and integrity-based system. |
| Republic of Moldova | The main policy debates on how research and innovation (R&I) can address societal challenges focus on integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national science, technology, and innovation (STI) strategies. A key issue under discussion is the alignment of the national research agenda with urgent societal needs, including climate change mitigation, public health, social inequality reduction, and the transition to a green and digital economy. As awareness of the SDGs grows among policymakers and the research community, stakeholders such as public institutions, researchers, and international partners are calling for a clearer alignment between Moldova’s STI policies and its global sustainability commitments. Another significant area of debate is the move towards more cross-sectoral and impact-driven approaches in STI policy design and implementation. There is a growing demand for publicly funded research to be more responsive to community needs through applied projects in areas like sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, inclusive education, and healthcare. Discussions are also ongoing about introducing SDG-related indicators into the evaluation of research outcomes and establishing better inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms to embed STI into broader national development strategies. Within this context, Moldova’s research and innovation programmes are gradually evolving to serve not only economic competitiveness but also long-term social transformation, in line with international development goals. |
| Romania | Innovative entrepreneurship in Romania has shown promising growth, supported by several national and European initiatives. The National Strategy for Research, Innovation and Smart Specialisation 2022-2027 (SNCISI) includes a programme titled 'Partnership for Innovation', which focuses on fostering innovation. Furthermore, the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation features a subprogramme specifically for innovative entrepreneurship, named '5.7.2. Innovative Entrepreneurship and Open Innovation'. This subprogramme aims to develop innovation entrepreneurship and support innovative start-ups by facilitating access to venture capital, enhancing incubation and acceleration capacities, and promoting an entrepreneurial culture. It anticipates several project types such as an innovative business matching fund, a seed capital matching fund, high-tech university contests, an Incubator Grant, and an Accelerator Grant. Additionally, the Operational Programme for Smart Growth, Digitalisation and Financial Instruments POCIDIF 2021-2027 (POCIDIF) focuses on developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition, and entrepreneurship. This objective is also a key component of the eight Regional Operational Programmes (ROPs). Innovative Entrepreneurship is further supported by STEP priorities in various European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) funded programmes, beyond PoCIDIF and Regional Programmes. The National RDI Plan 2022-2027 also aims to enhance private enterprises' access to research infrastructures and to develop testing capacities at a regional level through various provided instruments. These comprehensive efforts indicate a strong commitment to nurturing a mature and functional innovative ecosystem in Romania. |
| Romania | The significance of science and research for society cannot be overstated, and there is a pressing need to enhance the public's understanding of the importance of investing in these areas. Despite their crucial role in driving competitiveness and sustaining economic growth, the justification for funding science, research, and innovation has not been fully articulated. A comprehensive public debate should be initiated in all major cities, with active participation from national, regional, and social media. This debate would focus on the implementation of the National Strategy for Research, Innovation and Smart Specialisation 2022-2027 (SNCISI) and promote the vision of 'science for society'. Such an initiative would help to amplify the voices of stakeholders and underscore the relevance of research and innovation (R&I) activities. National RTOs are strongly encouraged to participate into HE missions engaging society and citizens. A concrete example includes a collaborative project with the OECD that national RDA Association in Romania has recently implemented (among its outcomes: Regional Innovation Agencies). This initiative sought to emphasise the largely untapped potential of community participation in innovation, particularly harnessing the creativity of young individuals. The National RDI Plan 2022 – 2027 will continue to target, in its second half of the agenda, the specific programme dedicated to “Science and Society”. To further engage the public and foster research democratisation, enable citizen participation in data collection and collaborative research, citizen science platforms have been developed by some major universities: Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca and West University of Timișoara. Additionally, to enhance the performance of the R&I system, it is essential to improve the predictability of funding. This improvement will foster trust and ensure alignment between strategic intentions and their practical implementation. High levels of instability are detrimental to any research and innovation system. It is therefore critical that all elements within this tiered system are committed and well-coordinated. Existing bodies must ensure a consistent and coherent promotion and coordination of the R&I system, which includes the SNCISI, European Union Cohesion Policy funds, and the EC-backed National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNNR). Furthermore, the specific RDI national legislation and the national legislation targeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are designed to complement each other. For example, the 5th specific objective of the Action Plan for implementing the National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2030, approved by Government Decision no. 754/2022, explicitly mentions the need to strengthen the RDI system. This strengthening aims to consolidate the capacity to develop evidence-based public policies dedicated to sustainable development. |
| Serbia | Support for business innovation and the development of the start-up ecosystem remains a central element of Serbia's innovation policy landscape. The implementation of the Action Plan for the Development of the Start-up Ecosystem, coordinated by NITRA and supported by a range of stakeholders, , has led to notable advancements. In addition to targeted tax incentives, a variety of startup support instruments have been implemented. These include financial schemes provided by the Innovation Fund, including Mini Grants, Matching Grants, Proof of Concept, and Smart Start funding aimed at providing financial support in the form of grants to early-stage startups. Capacity-building measures have also been implemented, including mentorship programs, accelerator support, and entrepreneurship education initiatives integrated into university curricula. Furthermore, efforts have been made to strengthen startup infrastructure, such as science and technology parks and incubators, and to encourage access to private capital through the development of co-investment mechanisms, notably through the Innovation Fund’s Serbia Ventures Programme, which enables public-private investment in early-stage startups. These combined measures contributed to a more structured and enabling environment for startup creation, growth, and international visibility. Examples include the Innovation Fund's 4th public call for the Katapult Accelerator programme with over 60 companies completing a rigorous 3-month mentorship, significantly boosting their capacity to attract investments. Currently, a significant policy debate is taking place regarding the potential creation of a dedicated body responsible for the coordination and management of Serbia’s start-up and innovation ecosystem. At present, this role is primarily carried out by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation (NITRA), which oversees the implementation of the Action Plan for the Development of the Start-up Ecosystem and other related initiatives. However, there is growing recognition that the complexity and cross-sectoral nature of the ecosystem may require a more specialized or autonomous coordination entity to support NITRA’s efforts. This proposed body would operate in close cooperation with NITRA and other key stakeholders. Its main goal would be to ensure better strategic alignment, coordinate support programmes, and foster long-term development of the ecosystem. Although discussions are still ongoing, no final decision has been made yet. |
| Serbia | Serbia is strongly committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has developed the first Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Roadmap for the SDGs based on the smart specialisation approach. This initiative has been supported by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and UNIDO, leading to the inclusion of an SDGs component in the Smart Specialisation Strategy Serbia (4S). The roadmap does not address all SDGs equally. It focuses on those goals that are directly or indirectly supported by the country’s identified smart specialisation priority areas: Food for the future, ICT, Future machine and production processes and Creative industries. The strategy's action plan and the pilot methodology developed as part of this process are considered best practices and have been included in the "Guidebook for the Preparation of Science, Technology, and Innovation for SDGs Roadmap" published jointly by the UN and European Commission.The STI Roadmap for the SDGs is now in the implementation phase. It was incorporated into the Smart Specialisation Strategy Serbia (4S) and its action plan. Strengthening the role of STI as key drivers for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a strategic priority, reflected in ongoing debates on how to better align national research efforts with the SDGs. Furthermore, following an initiative led by Serbia, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution on the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). This initiative positions Serbia as an active contributor to strengthening the role of STI in advancing sustainable development globally and further reinforces national efforts to integrate sustainability goals into research and innovation policy design and implementation. |
| Slovak Republic | Businesses in Slovakia face various obstacles that affect their innovativeness, primarily due to cost factors, a lack of information, and market factors such as insufficient demand for innovative products and services. A significant issue is the transformation and sharing of information from the scientific industry to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In Slovakia, SMEs often overlook the importance of information from universities and public research institutions for their innovation activities, typically relying more on customer feedback and the operational environment for innovation insights. The proportion of knowledge-intensive services in Slovakia's GDP is notably low, and the adoption of innovation processes in services, creative industries, and the social sphere has only recently begun. Consequently, there is an urgent need to enhance the technological capabilities of companies, support the funding of development activities, and promote cooperation among innovative actors. We are currently revising the Slovak Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3), which is aimed at fostering the growth of technology companies and startups in the 21st century. This includes making support for SMEs and startups in the health sector more effective through improved access to existing research infrastructures, financial support for company creation and development, professional support, and the removal of regulatory barriers and regional disparities. A particularly effective financial tool from the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic, in cooperation with the Slovak Investment Holding, is the Seed financial instrument. This instrument supports start-up innovative SMEs engaged in research, development, and innovation activities, aiming to deliver innovative products or services. |
| Slovak Republic | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Slovenia | The Resolution on the Slovenian Scientific Research and Innovation Strategy 2030 sets ambitious targets for public investment in science, research, and innovation. By 2030, public investment is expected to reach 1.25% of GDP, with an interim target of 1% by 2027. Furthermore, total investment in science, research, development, and innovation is projected to reach 3.5% of GDP by the same year. To achieve these goals, it is crucial to increase funding for innovation, ensuring more stable financing from national funds rather than primarily relying on European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). There is a need to enhance and provide stable, annually available support for research and innovation projects that address the challenges of today's society and economy, particularly focusing on the green and digital transitions and the development of strategic technologies and other strategic priorities. A holistic government approach is essential to improve funding, targeting, and the innovation ecosystem. Key measures outlined in the Resolution include the introduction of an efficient and results-oriented research and innovation environment and improving the management and integration of the development and innovation ecosystem. This includes ensuring the stability and predictability of key financing instruments. Additionally, the legislation now allows research organisations to establish companies such as start-ups, spin-outs, and spin-offs, which is a significant step towards enhancing knowledge transfer and integrating innovation ecosystem stakeholders. Further steps are being taken to establish a two-pillar system for managing the scientific and innovation aspects of research activities and to strengthen the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency - ARIS. ARIS is set to implement incentives for scientific research projects and will also oversee the implementation of research and innovation projects. A platform for connecting all innovation ecosystem stakeholders through a hub is also being established. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in developing the venture capital market in Slovenia. Issues such as access to seed capital, a shortage of experienced investors, and limited connections between research institutions and the economy persist. However, the success of Slovenian startups, which have achieved global breakthroughs with the help of venture capital, highlights the significant potential of the domestic innovation environment. |
| Slovenia | The Resolution on the Slovenian Scientific Research and Innovation Strategy 2030 provides a strategic framework for addressing societal challenges, including the twin transition. The Smart Specialisation Strategy S5 and its priority areas focus on sustainability, aiming for a green transition of the economy and society. This approach embodies "smart directionality", notably through the integration of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in various sectoral policies. New instruments are being developed to tackle the twin transition, which includes digitalisation, low-carbon technologies, and the circular economy. These are a major focus of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Additionally, new European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)-funded collaborative projects between Public Research Organisations (PROs) and the business sector will further support the green transition, aligning with the Smart Specialisation Strategy. The Training and Carbon-Free Technologies Centre in Trbovlje, co-funded by the Just Transition Fund, forms part of a thematic ecosystem in the fields of batteries and hydrogen. Moreover, the establishment of the Institute of Chemistry's Biomass Biorefinery Laboratory, also financed by the Just Transition Fund, holds significant potential for future biorefinery advancements. Broader strategic documents such as the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan and the Slovenian Industrial Strategy also include STI-related components, highlighting the pervasive role of innovation across multiple sectors. The Slovenian Development Strategy and Industrial Strategy align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting objectives for the economy’s transition towards a green, creative, and smart economy. Addressing societal challenges requires a shift in thinking and operations across all areas. Innovative thinking at all stages has become essential. Without a structural restoration towards sustainable, inclusive, and regionally balanced development, these goals will remain unattainable. Slovenia must seize the opportunity provided by European funds to secure the necessary investments in research and development, innovation, digitalisation, education, and training for future professions. This approach is crucial to harnessing the potential of the fourth industrial revolution. |
| South Africa | In addressing the ongoing policy debate on government support for business innovation and entrepreneurial innovation, a critical focus is on bridging the innovation chasm, which is the gap between research results and their commercialisation. Since 1996, South Africa's innovation performance, as measured by patents and products, has remained relatively flat. The world's rapid technological advancements and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution necessitate updated policy responses from South Africa. These policies should aim to expand the role of STI in re-industrialisation, service delivery, modernising the agricultural sector, and mitigating environmental degradation. Another key area of policy discussion involves boosting innovation to promote South Africa as an innovative country, which could attract foreign investment. This can be achieved by supporting social and grassroots innovation and utilising public procurement. Progress has been made with the establishment of the Small Business and Innovation Fund. Furthermore, the country has launched innovation funding programmes to support the growth of innovative startups and tech-enabled small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This strategy aligns with global efforts to stimulate industrial growth. |
| South Africa | The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) actively supports the creation of an innovation ecosystem with a broader geographical reach. This is evident in the implementation of programmes such as “Regional Innovation Support and Innovation” and “Innovation for Local Economic Development”. These initiatives are integral to policy discussions that aim to enhance understanding of Provincial Growth and Development as well as Local Economic Development (LED) strategies. Furthermore, they contribute innovative methods to the Integrated Development Planning processes. To meet our climate commitments and Sustainable Development Goals, it is essential that these sectors incorporate circular economy principles to facilitate a just transition to a low-carbon economy. In an effort to promote LED, the DSTI provides essential support to local governments, enabling them to spearhead innovation-driven local economic development. This involves supplying human resources to assist in strategic planning and attracting investments from National System of Innovation (NSI) institutions. Such efforts are crucial in bolstering local systems of innovation and production, thereby strengthening the overall infrastructure. |
| Spain | Within the framework of Spain's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), several normative and regulatory reforms have been implemented, along with various investment programmes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and business creation, business growth, the digitalisation of SMEs, and their internationalisation. As a result, Spanish investment in business R&D has experienced significant growth, reaching 12,615.7 million euros in 2023, which represents a 43.9% increase over the last three years. Business R&D now accounts for 56.4% of all R&D in Spain. This growth illustrates the notable efforts Spanish companies are making to increase their R&D spending. However, despite these achievements, it is necessary to continue advancing the stimulation of R&D. It is crucial to promote R&D among Spanish companies that are already innovative and to support potentially innovative companies, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises, which represent the majority of firms in the Spanish business landscape. Spain faces the challenge of increasing the number of innovative companies and their contribution to national RDI funding. To achieve these objectives, new initiatives are being launched to help innovative companies grow and stimulate entrepreneurial culture. These initiatives include facilitating access to testing and experimentation environments (testbeds) and providing personalized and cross-functional assistance in entrepreneurship, particularly relating to financing mechanisms and business models. |
| Spain | Technological innovation is increasingly recognized as a crucial element that permeates the entire economy, capable of addressing major socioeconomic challenges and enhancing prosperity. However, the social impact of technological innovation, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and automation, is a subject of intense debate. Concerns about the risks associated with these technologies underscore the need for greater openness, improved transparency, and the establishment of an accountability framework based on socially responsible innovation. The Energy transition, digitalisation, and decarbonisation are key action vectors for the Spanish economy, targeting social, economic, and environmental challenges as outlined in the strategic agenda of the European Union and Spain, all within the framework of the 2030 Agenda. These efforts are characterised by a cross-cutting focus on inclusion, a gender perspective, and the development of socially responsible technology. The Action Plan for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Spain highlights scientific and technical research as a critical policy lever to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first goal of the Spanish Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy (EECTI 2021-2027) specifically focuses on leveraging the Spanish RDI system to meet the SDGs. Within these goals, addressing the demographic challenge is crucial for Spain, impacting the workforce, social security system, and the care sector. Science, technology, and innovation are vital in maintaining productivity with a smaller workforce and in developing treatments and technologies that reduce the fragility of dependent individuals, support the social and care economy, and alleviate pressure on healthcare services. In this context, open science, science for public policy, communication and dissemination of science, global science, and science for democracy are seen as fundamental pillars. These efforts aim to promote the valorisation of knowledge for society, improve decision-making, and generate public value. |
| Sweden | Sweden boasts a successful and vibrant start-up ecosystem, yet scaling innovative start-ups remains a significant challenge, primarily due to the limited size of the country. Enhanced linkages to and leverage on the EU market, along with mechanisms for scaling, are crucial for overcoming these challenges. In terms of government R&D funding to business enterprise research and development (BERD) in relation to GDP, Sweden's investment is relatively small in an international comparison. Over time, direct support for businesses has declined in relation to GDP, and although tax incentive support introduced in 2014 has become more generous, it remains comparatively modest. In the 2024 budget proposal, the government recognised the need to use public funds more effectively and to better understand the impact of government initiatives. Consequently, in late 2024, several agencies were tasked with developing and implementing a government-wide method for information exchange and data sharing. This method aims to make data and digital information about government funding accessible to businesses and business support actors, covering both the state's revenue and expenditure. Business innovation and the rapid scaling of new ventures related to the green industrial transition are currently major focuses and subjects of debate in Sweden. Numerous parallel innovative ventures in various green industrial transitions are underway, requiring substantial investments and strong demand in both global and national value chains to succeed and scale. These transitions are closely linked to the EU's ambitions to secure competitiveness through green industrial leadership and technological sovereignty. The uncertainties involved are considerable, with large-scale investments made by companies, venture capital, pension funds, government funds of various kinds, and EU funding. In policy terms, this represents a blend of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy and industrial policy. There is considerable debate about the prudence of taking large risks with public money in a small country like Sweden. However, large segments of the industry and the government argue that this development is necessary for future competitiveness, which will rely on leading industrial performance in green sectors. |
| Sweden | The integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy in Sweden is evident in various strategic aspects such as programme targeting, design, criteria for project evaluations, and the monitoring and evaluation of initiatives. The most recent National STI Bill from 2024 clearly articulates this integration with its primary motives for the forthcoming four years: "The basis for the investments presented in the bill is excellence, internationalisation, and innovation. The aim is for the investments to provide conditions for research and innovation environments of the highest quality, a high degree of responsible internationalisation, and for research to address societal problems and the need for strengthened competitiveness, both today and in the future." The bill also emphasises the societal relevance of research, which can contribute to quality, and underscores the fundamental role of internationalisation in achieving excellence and quality in both research and education. The UN's recently adopted future pact further highlights the need to promote science and technology, recognising that the knowledge generated is relevant not only for Sweden but also for other countries. It acknowledges that in a world where societal problems are increasingly complex and technology is advancing rapidly, progress in multiple areas is required to address these challenges effectively. In response to the rapidly changing geopolitical context and the competitive landscape of STI, national security, technological sovereignty, and the fossil-free electrification of society and industry have emerged as critical societal challenges. This shift is reflected in the STI Bill and the Energy Bill. Mission-orientation and addressing societal challenges are central driving mechanisms in large programmes' targeting and design. This approach is evident in various programme initiatives, such as Impact Innovation, launched in 2022 and designed to drive strategic innovation programmes in collaboration between Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, and Formas. Sweden's active participation in the EU's five missions, particularly in the EU City Mission through the Strategic Innovation Programme Viable Cities, showcases significant governance innovations. These include City Climate Contracts, which connect city governance to national governance and Net Zero City processes within the EU City Mission. Sweden also plays an active role in the EU Cancer Mission, mobilising efforts through the "Zero Vision Cancer" framework, and is engaged in the other three EU Missions, albeit to a lesser extent than the City Mission and Cancer Mission. Challenge-oriented research is integrated into numerous programmes and initiatives, with 13 national research programmes being particularly significant. These programmes, based on national research agendas, have a duration of 10 years and contribute to addressing specific challenges. Overall, the integration of the SDGs into STI policy in Sweden is demonstrated through mission-oriented initiatives, challenge-oriented research programmes, and active participation in EU missions. These approaches prioritise and address societal challenges and drive sustainable development through targeted STI interventions. |
| Switzerland | Policy discussions on government support for business innovation and entrepreneurship in Switzerland are continually evolving, with a particular focus on adapting to international developments. The debates are centred around finding a balance between established support mechanisms, such as the funding of cooperation projects between research and implementation partners, and responding to newly emerging demands. These demands include support for start-ups, thematically oriented innovation promotion, and enhancing international cooperation. Additionally, there is an ongoing effort to improve the coordination between different sectoral support instruments and to explore the potential introduction of ARPA-like models. In June 2022, the Federal Council made a directional decision to establish a Swiss innovation fund. However, due to the financially strained situation of the federal government, the further development of this fund has been postponed. As these debates progress, Switzerland continues to refine its approach to fostering innovation, ensuring its long-term competitiveness. This involves strengthening research and innovation in cutting-edge technologies, recently by introducing initiatives in areas such as quantum or chips, and expanding international cooperation by specifically strengthening bilateral partnerships with selected countries. |
| Switzerland | Switzerland, in keeping with its constitutional framework, recognises the relevance of sustainable development and seeks to support its promotion where appropriate. In September 2015, Switzerland, along with all UN member states, adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This commitment led to the adoption of 17 sustainable development goals at both national and international levels. Building on this commitment, the Federal Council introduced the Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 (SDS 2030) in June 2021. This strategy sets clear guidelines for integrating sustainable development across all government policies. It also calls on cantons, municipalities, civil society, industry, and the education, research, and innovation sectors to collaborate in advancing these objectives. Sustainable development is a transversal theme of the latest Dispatch on Education, Research and Innovation for 2025-2028. Consequently, ERI institutions aim to further reinforce education, research, and innovation as catalysts for sustainable development. This is achieved through various instruments, measures, and activities that have been implemented or are planned for the future. The Swiss Confederation and the cantons coordinate efforts to integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the national education system. ESD is considered at all levels of education, including vocational and professional education and training, higher education, and continuing education. In the promotion of research and innovation, sustainable development is taken into account in several key initiatives. For example, it is a focus in the National Research Programmes and the National Centres of Competence in Research, both launched by the Federal Council. Additionally, Switzerland participates in several international research infrastructures that address sustainable development issues. |
| Thailand | In 2022, R&D spending in the private sector in Thailand was 146 billion THB, accounting for 72.43% of the gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD), a slight decrease from 147 billion THB in the previous year. Large enterprises were responsible for 119.99 billion THB (82.01%) of this spending, medium-sized enterprises for 15.30 billion THB (10.45%), and small enterprises for 10.81 billion THB (7.39%). The top three sectors in R&D spending were the food industry with 22.3 billion THB, financial services with 21.9 billion THB, and wholesale and distribution with 17.2 billion THB. The food industry saw a decline in spending due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts, the impact of drought, and forthcoming regulations such as the salt and sugar taxes. Financial services spending was driven by the expansion of fintech companies and virtual banks, while wholesale and distribution benefited from shifts in business models toward Business to Business to Consumer (or B2B2C), the rise of digital platforms, and the global economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve funding access for SMEs and startups, the government launched the ‘Innovation One Fund’ in 2023. This three-year pilot initiative, co-founded by MHESI and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), is supported by a 1-billion-THB government fund, with additional contributions from the private sector. In its first year, FTI, serving as the fund manager, partnered with four venture capital firms—InnoSpace (Thailand), CU Enterprise, IRPC, and Origgin Ventures—and disbursed more than 360 million THB in grants to Thai enterprises. FTI also facilitates business connections and expands market opportunities for its members. MHESI aims to increase the number of Innovation-driven Enterprises (IDEs) generating at least 1 billion THB in annual revenue to 1,000. To achieve this, several initiatives have been introduced: - The Technology and Innovation-based Enterprise Development Fund (TED Fund) supports innovation among university students, researchers, SMEs, and startups. - The Innovation Business Development Service (iBDS) Programme connects businesses with expert service providers to enhance innovation capabilities. - Green Enterprise Indicators (GEI) assess enterprise performance and encourage the adoption of circular and green economy practices. - The E-Commerce and Innovation Platform (ECIP) facilitates global market access, focusing on the Chinese market. - An offset policy mandates technology transfer and economic collaboration in government and public-private procurement projects involving foreign suppliers with contract values exceeding 1 billion THB. Several sector-specific initiatives include the ‘MHESI for EV’ initiative which supports the government’s ‘30@30’ policy for zero-emission vehicles by promoting research, skill development, and EV adoption within MHESI agencies; a workforce development project in the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry; a project to expand positive lists for health claims in the future food sector; and capacity-building programs in the creative industry aimed at leveraging digital technologies to strengthen business capacities. Most Thai firms, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have yet to develop strong in-house innovation capabilities and continue to depend on the expertise of public academic and research institutions. To bridge this gap, the Thailand Research and Innovation Utilisation Promotion (TRIUP) Act B.E. 2564 (2021) and the university holding company (UHC) model play a pivotal role in unlocking the commercial potential of publicly funded research. These mechanisms encourage universities and research institutes to actively engage with industry, strengthen innovation capacity in firms, and co-invest in new ventures. As of April 2025, 12 universities in Thailand have established UHCs, collectively managing over 100 subsidiaries with combined investments exceeding 500 million THB. Other measures to promote innovation in the industrial sector include investment promotion incentives by the Board of Investment (BOI); the Thai Innovation Catalogue; tax deductions for R&D expenses; digital transformation initiatives for SMEs by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, tax incentives for high-skilled manpower development and STEM employment under the Thailand Plus Package, capital gains tax exemption for investments in startups, and the Thailand Business Innovation Research (TBIR) funding program. |
| Thailand | Thailand recognizes the critical importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundation for long-term national development. This commitment is reflected in both the 20-Year National Strategy (2018-2037) and the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027). The 20-Year National Strategy is the country’s long-term blueprint to position Thailand as a developed country with security, prosperity, and sustainability, in accordance with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. In alignment, the 13th Plan, serves as a key mechanism for translating the 20-year National Strategy into action, providing a strategic framework for shaping development agendas across ministries and sub-national levels. The Plan is underpinned by four core principles: the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, Resiliency, the SDGs, and the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Model. Declared a national agenda in 2021, the BCG Model serves as a central policy framework to drive progress towards the SDGs. It is structured around four strategic pillars: promoting the sustainable use of biological resources, strengthening communities and the grassroots economy, enhancing the competitiveness of Thai BCG industries through sustainable practices, and building resilience to global challenges. The National BCG Policy Board, chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising key ministers, facilitates inter-ministerial coordination to advance this sustainability agenda. In alignment with national priorities, MHESI integrates the SDGs into the Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy and Strategy (2023–2027). The third strategic pillar of this policy focuses specifically on advancing social and environmental sustainability. Flagship SDG-focused programs outlined in the Science, Research and Innovation Plan (2023–2027) address key challenges such as an aging society, poverty and inequality, local economic development, and carbon neutrality. MHESI is actively addressing social inequality and poverty through a multi-dimensional approach that leverages data, innovation, and inclusive economic development. The Border City Development and Economic Corridor initiative promotes collaborative economies in border areas by uniting the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and local communities to create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and foster social enterprises for people living in the border areas, particularly for marginalized groups. The Learning and Innovation Platform empowers communities at the sub-district level through participatory development, encouraging local innovators to tackle challenges with appropriate technologies while advancing grassroots and circular economy principles. Additionally, the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform (TPMAP) enables data-driven, targeted poverty alleviation by integrating household data on human, economic, natural, physical, and social capital to design tailored solutions. Beyond identifying and enrolling poor individuals in welfare programs, TPMAP involves local universities and communities in co-developing strategies to strengthen grassroots economies. Capacity-building programs for skill development and enterprise promotion have been rolled out, supporting long-term, sustainable poverty eradication. In 2023, MHESI established the Thailand Academy for Area Collaboration, Innovation, and Transformation (TACIT) under the Programme Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU A). TACIT serves as a knowledge management hub and catalyst for area-based development. It is designed to form a nationwide network with universities to translate knowledge and innovation into practical applications that strengthen local development and enhance the grassroots economy. The strategy aims to alleviate poverty and expand access to education and technology to support career advancement. TACIT comprises five specialized institutes: the Cultural Capital Management Institute, which focuses on transforming local cultural assets into innovative cultural products and services to stimulate the local economy; the Local Economy Development Institute, which promotes the use of local resources to build the local economy, generate employment, and ensure equitable income distribution, and will establish a Local Economy Business Platform to provide coaching and consulting for local entrepreneurs; the Poverty Alleviation and Social Mobility Enhancement Institute, which expands MHESI’s targeted poverty alleviation program, piloted in 20 provinces, using a data-driven, knowledge-based, and participatory approach, engaging all relevant sectors to identify individuals in poverty, integrate them into the government welfare system, and provide skill development for improved employment opportunities; the City Development Institute, which supports urban development through participatory systems, data infrastructure, social impact funding, social and solidarity enterprise programs, and leadership development initiatives; and the Local Government Capacity Building Institute, which prepares local governments for long-term development by building capacity and establishing systems in key areas such as digital transformation, public finance and resource management, knowledge and technology transfer, public-private partnerships and social enterprises, and public participation. Sustainable production and consumption are vital to minimizing environmental impacts. MHESI supports this through initiatives such as a circular design course, adapted from the Dutch organization CIRCO to suit the needs of Thai enterprises, and the development of Green Enterprise Indicators (GEI), promoting the adoption of circular economy and green business practices. The Sustainable Manufacturing Centre (SMC) has supported the transformation of Thai industry towards Industry 4.0, promoting the use of automation, robotics, and intelligent systems to enhance resource efficiency and optimize operations. |
| Türkiye | The 12th Development Plan serves as a primary public policy roadmap, outlining main STI policies and setting goals for R&D and innovation activities. Building upon previous strategies and in line with the Development Plans, the 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy provides a strategic direction with key objectives including high technology, digital economy, green transformation, global integration, and structural transformation of the manufacturing industry. A central focus of recent policy is the green transformation of Türkiye's economy and industry, which is deemed critical for maintaining competitiveness and strengthening trade relations, particularly with the European Union. This transformation is closely aligned with Türkiye's 2053 net-zero emission target and overarching green development policy. The Green Deal Action Plan, coordinated by the Ministry of Trade, provides a comprehensive strategy to facilitate this transition across all sectors. Within the scope of this plan, the Green Growth Technology Roadmap is developed under the coordination of the MoIT and TÜBİTAK, which identifies the technological requirements necessary for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The roadmap emphasizes advancing green transformation in key sectors, including iron and steel, aluminum, cement, chemicals, plastics, and fertilizers—industries that are both vital to the national economy and significant contributors to carbon emissions. These technological needs were determined through a product life cycle approach and extensive collaboration with sector representatives, academics, and researchers. Moreover, the National Startup Strategy and Action Plan comprehensively addresses Türkiye’s technology entrepreneurship ecosystem and outlines a detailed roadmap. Ambitious goals have been set for the development of Türkiye’s startup ecosystem by 2025 and 2030. By 2025, the aim is to achieve 15 Turcorns (Türkiye’s unicorns) and 5 Decacorns (privately held company), along with the establishment of 5,000 angel investors and 2.5 billion TRY in crowdfunding. A number of programmes have been introduced or continued to support these goals, including: • The High-Tech Investment Programme (HIT-30) by MoIT focuses on cutting-edge sectors such as semiconductors, mobility, green energy, advanced manufacturing, healthy living, digital technologies, communication, and space, and investments to complement the value chain. • The “TÜBİTAK1812 Investment Based Entrepreneurship Support Programme (BiGG Investment)” aims to support the activities of entrepreneurs from the idea stage to the market so that they can transform their technology and innovation-oriented business ideas into enterprises with high potential to create added value and qualified employment. Thus, encouraging qualified entrepreneurship and creating technology-based start-up companies that can develop innovative products and processes and compete in international markets. • The Technology Focused Industrial Movement Programme also continues with the purpose of increasing the value-added production in Türkiye, supported and incentivised by MoIT, TÜBİTAK, and KOSGEB. This Programme is targeted towards investments aiming to produce high-value added products in high-tech or medium-high-tech sectors. • The SME Support Call For Order-Based R&D Projects Program (TÜBİTAK 1707) guides and co-finances the R&D projects of SME suppliers to large firms with high commercialization potential. • The Frontier R&D Laboratory Support Program (TÜBİTAK 1515) provides direct financial grants to multinational companies establishing R&D laboratories in Türkiye with the aim of attracting global R&D investment. |
| Türkiye | The "Competitive Production through Green and Digital Transformation" chapter of the 12th Development Plan, along with the recently released 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy (2025-2030), forms the basis for STI policy in Türkiye. These documents emphasise the importance of knowledge production, R&D, and innovation ecosystems in enhancing value-added production and supporting high-tech sectors, while aiming to achieve SDGs, particularly the SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 13, Climate Action. STIPC has prepared technology roadmaps for national initiatives in areas such as fusion technologies, digital agriculture, saltwater treatment, critical and strategic raw materials, and hyperloop transportation. Further roadmaps are being prepared for disaster management, intelligent transportation systems, wind energy systems, concentrated thermal solar energy systems, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies. The 12th Development Plan of Türkiye (2024-2028) prioritises the development of a production ecosystem that is environmentally friendly, disaster-resilient, and based on high value-added technologies. The plan emphasises the need to enrich qualified R&D human resources and enhance the innovation capabilities of the private sector for green and digital transformation. It further calls for the acceleration of green transformation in the manufacturing sector and digital transformation in service sectors. It also highlights critical technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Quantum Technologies, Cybersecurity, Advanced Materials, Robotics, Micro/Nano/Opto-electronics and Chips, Biotechnology, Hydrogen Technologies, Genome Editing, and Next-Generation Nuclear Reactors. These technologies are identified as enablers for achieving SDGs, addressing global challenges such as climate change and energy transition, and supporting Türkiye’s long-term economic and social development. The 2030 Industrial and Technology Strategy is aligned with the vision of the National Technology Initiative, which aims to develop Türkiye's domestic and national production capacity, ensure its independence in strategic sectors, and achieve leadership in critical technologies. This strategy focuses on transforming Türkiye's industrial and technological ecosystem into a structure that produces higher added value, is focused on innovation, and has completed its digital and green transformation. It is structured around the necessity to increase domestic and national production capacity in high-technology areas defined as priorities, particularly in defence, artificial intelligence, chip/semiconductor, pharmaceutical, medical device, mobility, and renewable energy technologies. Lastly, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Türkiye have strategies and activities related to the country's commitments to the UN's SDGs. Each thematic ministry has its own strategy and research centres to develop technologies that will enable Türkiye to contribute to the SDGs. These ministries also provide RDI support in their relevant technology areas. |
| Ukraine | The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) of Ukraine has been actively developing normative and legal frameworks to foster innovation within the country. Several key legislative measures have been proposed to create a conducive environment for innovative activities and the development of an innovative infrastructure. Among these, the Bill "On Support and Development of Innovative Activity" is noteworthy. Currently pending approval from central executive bodies, this Bill aims to establish a conceptual framework that aligns with European standards. It intends to distribute responsibilities across various ministries based on their areas of accountability, define types of state support, enhance conditions for startup development, and outline the key elements and actors in the innovation sector. Additionally, the Bill "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Stimulating the Development of Science Parks" (Science City policy) has been developed to support science parks, which are vital to Ukraine's innovation ecosystem. This policy introduces a special legal regime to improve the operations of science parks, thereby fostering collaboration between businesses and research institutions to develop new technologies. This project has successfully completed its public consultation phase. Another legislative initiative, the Bill "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine to Stimulate Activities in the Field of Technology Transfer," is designed to streamline the technology transfer process. This aims to boost the competitiveness of national production, enhance cooperation between research institutions, higher education institutions, and businesses, and facilitate Ukraine's integration into the international innovation space. This Bill is currently under consideration in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The MES is also revising the procedure for awarding the Cabinet of Ministers Prize for innovative technologies. This annual competitive prize recognises significant achievements in the development and implementation of innovative technologies in production and the introduction of domestic innovative products to the market. The revisions include an expansion of the competition's participant list to encompass more entities engaged in innovation activities. An experimental project titled Startup-School – Accelerator – Incubator has been launched to foster entrepreneurship within universities and research institutions. Initiated in 2024, this project aims to establish a network to support both new and existing startups through financial aid, expert guidance, business connections, and investor attraction. Six competition winners have already received initial funding to develop innovation departments at universities, with the implementation phase scheduled from September 2024 to March 2026. |
| Ukraine | Recent events in Ukraine have highlighted the uncertain and turbulent times we live in. The challenges posed by a global pandemic, military actions, and the demand for economic restoration at global, national, and especially regional levels can only be resolved through science, new technologies, and innovative management methods. In 2023, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) approved the Roadmap of Science, Technology, Innovation (STI) for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. This roadmap, prepared as part of Ukraine's commitments to the UN under the Global Pilot Programme for the development of STI roadmaps to achieve the SDGs, is seen as a crucial instrument for the comprehensive and effective accomplishment of the SDGs. It aims for a resilient and sustainable recovery of the country's economy and society post-conflict, leveraging existing international methodologies and aligning national steps towards achieving SDGs with STI activities at both national and regional levels. The government's strategic documents on STI focus on fostering effective interaction between science, education, and industry to develop innovative activities and advance high-tech sectors. These documents also emphasise the introduction of energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies. However, the integration of these tasks into all sectoral strategic documents is insufficient, complicating the country's adaptation to rapid technological changes and environmental challenges, especially given the reorientation of the R&D sector towards defence needs. Additionally, the business community has developed a draft strategy for Industry 4.0, highlighting a collaborative effort towards innovation. In 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved an updated list of national targets for achieving the SDGs until 2030, which considers the current challenges related to military activities and their consequences. Furthermore, the Bill "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Renewal of the System of Priority Areas in Scientific, Scientific-Technical, and Innovation Activities" was developed. This legislation aims to update the priority areas in these fields to ensure national security, competitiveness of production, sustainable development, and improved quality of life. The dual funding model introduced by this law includes baseline funding for higher education and research institutions based on state accreditation results, and competitive funding allocated based on defined priorities. The draft has undergone public discussion and has been sent to the respective public authorities for consideration. The MES of Ukraine has also introduced a new mechanism for state procurement of R&D to address high-tech challenges in defence, security, economy, and civil sectors. This includes expanded oversight by ten ministries and public authorities, the introduction of development supervisors representing customers and end users, increased funding with a maximum of EUR 238 thousand per R&D project, a fully online competitive selection process through the National Electronic Scientific Information System, and an enhanced evaluation procedure that combines detailed expert evaluation with an additional assessment stage by an independent expert group. This process includes a pitch presentation involving a customer representative and opportunities for co-financing from enterprises of all sizes. The Strategy for the Digital Development of Innovation Activities in Ukraine until 2030 outlines a comprehensive vision and specific steps to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Ukraine. It focuses on effective regulation, opening new markets, and prioritising key development areas such as Defence Tech, MedTech, AgriFoodTech, XR, AUV, BioTech, GreenTech, AI, Semiconductors, Secure Cyberspace, Fluid Economy, and EdTech. This strategy will enable entrepreneurs to create innovative products with added value in Ukraine, helping to overcome internal challenges associated with the war, restore the quality of life, and address social issues. |
| United Kingdom | In the UK, current policy debates on support for business innovation and entrepreneurship are centered on several key areas. These include the government's role in de-risking early-stage innovation and improving access to scale-up finance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, there is a focus on using public procurement to stimulate demand for new technologies. The 2023 independent review has particularly emphasized the importance of enhancing the commercialisation of university research, especially for spin-outs. Regionally, the discussion revolves around supporting high-potential innovation clusters and ensuring that local strategies are well-aligned with long-term funding. Initiatives such as Innovation Accelerators and Launchpads are instrumental in building capabilities. However, there remain concerns regarding the coordination and sustainability of these programmes. On a broader scale, the government is exploring how regulation, infrastructure, and skills policy can more effectively support emerging technologies. The recently updated Science and Technology Framework adopts a structured, systems-level approach using ten key policy levers. This framework, along with the forthcoming Industrial Strategy and a multi-year Spending Review, is expected to establish long-term priorities for R&D investment and innovation support in the UK. |
| United Kingdom | The UK's engagement in international Science and Technology (S&T) is pivotal, fostering partnerships that drive growth, innovation, and address global societal challenges, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through international collaborations with governments, industry, and academia, the UK enhances its S&T capabilities. These partnerships allow the UK to influence the global technology landscape, embedding values that ensure technology is open, responsible, secure, and resilient. The commitment extends to shaping the global governance of technologies and strengthening science cooperation through platforms such as the G7, G20, and the United Nations Global Digital Compact. Participation in Horizon Europe, the world's largest research cooperation programme, is facilitated through our association, benefiting UK researchers and businesses. Additionally, the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) supports UK researchers and innovators in collaborating internationally on critical themes such as Planet, Health, Talent, and Technologies, fostering potential and prosperity. The UK International Climate Finance (ICF) is instrumental in fulfilling commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement, aiding developing countries in adopting green-growth pathways. This includes initiatives to access clean energy, reduce deforestation, protect nature, develop green infrastructure, and enhance climate adaptation and resilience. Simultaneously, the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities presents significant opportunities. AI is poised to become a major tool for the government, particularly in achieving broad-based economic growth. The UK aims to guide the AI revolution based on principles of shared economic prosperity, enhanced public services, and expanded personal opportunities. AI is expected to drive economic growth, benefit working people by improving healthcare and education, and transform how citizens interact with their government. Furthermore, as AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, it should create new opportunities rather than merely disrupt existing employment patterns. |