The European Commission notes some progress on alignment with European research and innovation standards
Certain progress has been achieved in harmonizing with European standards for research and innovation, the European Commission states in the published Annual Report on the progress of the country in the field of science.
– In 2023, the State Industrial Property Office registered 581 patents, while the Ministry of Education and Science announced calls for six new actions in the European Research Area. In December 2023, the Smart Specialization Strategy, the main innovation and research policy document with clear sector-specific priorities, and a two-year Action Plan for 2024-2025 were adopted. Implementation started slowly because no significant state budget was allocated for 2024, the EC notes.
Total investments in research and innovation remained low (only 0,38 percent of GDP 2022), while the participation of the private sector in research remains as in past years (0,1 percent of GDP). It is indicated that the National Technology Transfer Map has not yet been developed and that the authorities should strengthen their participation in the new European Research Area and the new European Innovation Agenda.
-The country's participation in the EU framework program for research and innovation Horizon Europe continued, while in 2023 17 projects received funds of 3,4 million euros (30 percent less funds than in 2022), it is indicated in the Science and Research Chapter of the published Annual Report of the EC on the state's progress.
In terms of innovation, the European Innovation Scoreboard 2024 classifies the country as an "emerging innovator" with a score of 45,1 percent of the EU average, a decrease of 4,5 percent compared to 2023.
- The Fund for Innovation and Technological Development has begun restructuring in order to comply with the findings of the State Audit Office. Academic-business cooperation has been strengthened by a special grant program, launched in early 2024, the report states.
The establishment of a national EIT RIS center was also noted, which began to promote the support of the EIT in the field of education, innovation, science.
