This call aims to provide support to national and regional research and innovation (R&I) initiatives in EU enlargement countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The action focuses on pooling resources and aligning national and regional R&I policies to strengthen R&I ecosystems, improve technology transfer processes, promote networking, and optimize participation in Horizon Europe across the region.

Objectives include fostering capacity-building efforts, advancing R&I ecosystems, supporting institutional reforms, enhancing digital skills, and contributing to reducing the innovation performance divide with the EU. The action also supports the implementation of the Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, and aligns with the European Research Area (ERA) objectives.

The initiative will support a platform for coordination among various services addressing research and innovation in enlargement countries, facilitating increased participation in relevant European funding programs and creating economies of scale. Activities will strengthen the human capital base, promote open and inclusive national R&I ecosystems, support evidence-based policymaking, and assist in developing and implementing Smart Specialisation Strategies.

Expected outcomes include supporting the Western Balkans Steering Platforms, facilitating the implementation of the Western Balkans Agenda, fostering integration into the ERA, providing support to the accession process, identifying common priorities, contributing to joint initiatives, and supporting other joint activities.

Opening Date: 06 May 2025
Deadline: 16 September 2025

Data provided by Sciencebusiness.net

This funding opportunity represents a pre-agreed draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. The final, approved version is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantees or warranties.