Croatian Position on

the 10th European Framework Programme

for Research and Innovation 2028-2034

https://mzom.gov.hr/
Croatian Position on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034

Table of Content

Introduction 3

1  FP10 should have a predictable, but simplified,

structure and access for participation 4

2 First pillar should remain inherent to the future programme

structure and an autonomous emblem not only for blue-sky
research 5

3 Collaborative nature of the programme should directly

reflect the industrial, technological and societal demands
contributing to the R&I Union 5

4 We ought to continue fine-tuning the instruments

covering the whole innovation cycle insisting on
getting to impactful innovation 6

5 Missions and partnerships should be

simplified and redefined 6

6 FP10 should significantly contribute

to overcoming the RDI gap along with
recognition and utilization of talent and
innovation potential across the Union 7
Croatian Position on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034

Introduction

We are at the crossroads where the Union needs Croatia strongly supports the continuation
to choose the path to remain globally relevant of an ambitious and independent framework
in research and innovation through ambitious programme for research and innovation. With
goals, agile and efficient approach and concerted this paper, we are sharing such vision of the up-
efforts of its member states accompanied coming framework programme (FP10). Croatia
by extensive investments. While the Union believes that FP10 should take into account
generates exquisite knowledge, it is failing to the successes as well as the limitations of its
overcome the existing barriers in successfully predecessors. While FP10 should strengthen
transforming that knowledge into relevant and excellence and promote the availability of
competitive innovation. synergies with other EU programmes, it should
also contribute to building research and
We recognise the green, digital, and just
innovation capacity in EU member states that
transition, alongside climate adaptation, as
are still lagging behind in research excellence
pivotal challenges that call for immediate action.
and innovation.
These transitions are not only environmental
and technological imperatives but also
socio-economic opportunities that require
This paper has been co-created based on
comprehensive and coordinated action. For that
extensive public and interservice consultations
reason, research and innovation must be at the
during the second half of 2024. However, the
core of these efforts, serving as the primary
document does neither reflect nor anticipate the
drivers of transformative solutions that ensure
yet-to-be-determined position of Croatia on the
sustainable development, economic resilience,
next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) or
and social cohesion.
the official national position on FP10.

Ministry of Science, Education and Youth | January 2025 3

Croatian Position on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034

1 FP10 should have a predictable, but simplified,

structure and access for participation
Predictability is a highly valuable trait of further development of the European Research
funding programmes. Hence, maintaining a Area should be also driven by excellence and
familiar structure with vertical and horizontal anchored in equity, while enabling synergies and
pillars in FP10 would provide continuity and coordination with other EU policy and financial
consistency relevant for the efficient and instruments through actions with expected
successful engagement of beneficiaries. Areas significant impact.
encompassed by those pillars, particularly those
At the same time, collaboration outside the Union
relating to industrial and societal challenges,
should be encouraged as an indispensable feature
would benefit from simplification by downsizing
of this global programme. However, it should
the number of topics covered. Reduction of and
also be limited when necessary to preserve the
clear delineation between funded topics across
Union’s strategic interests, following the OECD’s
the programme would enhance their clarity while
“protection, project, promote” principles.
diminishing fragmentation and overlaps.
To make the programme far more accessible
Efforts under FP10 should aim for results that
to all those we want to attract, structural and
can have a more direct impact on the quality
procedural simplification and user-friendliness
of life of European citizens. Additionally, FP10
need to be all-encompassing. This includes
should support balanced brain circulation
simplified application and reporting requirements
without compromising the empowerment of
and an overall reduction of administrative burden.
research careers.
Because of its simplification, potential lump sum
FP10 should be designed to include instruments funding should be further expanded throughout
tailored to each member state’s unique capacities the programme. In addition, a larger number of
and capabilities. Furthermore, mechanisms in smaller projects that can make a strong impact
place should continue mobilising SMEs along should be financed.
with training and education in innovation skills
Synergies and synchronisation with other Union
across the Union.
instruments (cohesion policy) should be further
To provide such solutions, the future framework enhanced. Alignment with national and regional
programme must be guided by the principle of instruments that contribute to the overall
excellence. Excellence should be supported stability and accessibility of the programme
by a more robust interdisciplinary approach should continue to be promoted. In that
underpinned by openness, flexibility and regard, we eagerly await further utilisation and
transparency; reinforced through synergies, synchronisation of different streams of funding.
and focused on effectiveness. Flexibility, both The budget of the programme should cater to
thematic and budgetary, should be enabled for the ambitious expectations we have envisaged
the unforeseen events such as the ones we for it in this paper.
witnessed in the recent years. Respectively,

Ministry of Science, Education and Youth | January 2025 4

Croatian Position on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034

2
First pillar should remain inherent to the future
programme structure and an autonomous emblem
not only for blue-sky research
FP10 should ensure adequate funding the need to empower the existing flagships such
mechanisms for fundamental research that as Marie Skłodowska Curie actions that provide
transcends current technological paradigms significant added value through various modes
and enables transformative breakthroughs in of mobility thus enriching the talent pool.
scientific and societal development. In that
Additionally, research infrastructures play a
regard, we would welcome a stronger focus
critical role in producing excellent research
towards projects on the lower end of TRLs
while fostering talent retention. Therefore, it is
and not aiming for immediate technological
necessary to ensure that less developed regions
application.
can benefit from these strategic assets through
We note that the ERC is duly reserved for the balanced access. RIs need to be enhanced
very end of a spectrum of scientific excellence. across all sectoral domains addressing global
As such, it is oriented towards an extremely challenges to contribute to the European
small pool of European scientific talent and strategic agenda and competitiveness, not only
thus insufficient to achieve the broad vision we as a cross-cutting element of the FP10.
have. Having this in mind, we advocate for the
introduction of specific grants for fundamental
research intended for widening countries. In this
context, while frontier blue-sky research should
be supported even more strongly, we recognise

3
Collaborative nature of the programme should
directly reflect the industrial, technological and
societal demands contributing to the R&I Union

To get the research and innovation at the heart computing), clean energy and clean transport
of devising solutions to identified challenges, the - along with the overarching topic of security,
top-down pillar should comprise areas defined including cybersecurity - are largest contributors
as wide enough to include relevant topics, but to the Union we want to see.
as narrow as possible to avoid fragmentation.
Social sciences and humanities (SSH) are
A larger number of smaller projects would
indispensable for ensuring ethical conduct of
contribute more effectively to the set goals.
research, meeting societal needs and identifying
In that regard, we are certain that solutions opportunities for societal benefits. Hence, their
in the areas that cover food (esp. healthy and integration into all relevant aspects of FP10
functional food) and bioeconomy, health (esp. should be ensured, particularly through support
personalised medicine), climate adaptation for projects aimed at transforming knowledge
and blue economy, digitalisation and advanced into concrete public policies and services.
technologies (AI, quantum, high-performance

Ministry of Science, Education and Youth | January 2025 5

Croatian Position on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034

4
We ought to continue fine-tuning the instruments
covering the whole innovation cycle insisting on
getting to impactful innovation
Particular attention should be given to the EIC Setting an objective to increase participation,
Pathfinder and EIC Transition as instruments we support proactive measures listed by the EIC
crucial for the transitional phase from R&D to Board and aimed at doubling the participation
commercialisation. across all EIC instruments.
While more support should be given to There are exceptional differences in the maturity
instruments that result in incubators, accelerators of innovation ecosystems reflected in the
and innovation clusters connecting startups variation of knowledge and engagement with
with mentors, investors and industries, we are the EIC programmes, perception of the potential
to avoid further strengthening of concentrated success, availability of a public or private
innovation hubs in the EU at the expense of a support system to the applicants, unconscious
more balanced geographical spread across the bias representation at the Union level etc.
Union. Absolute mobilisation of all scientific These distinctions, together with differences in
niches is necessary to create opportunities and accessibility to innovation-related instruments,
space for the development of research capacities need to be taken into account and dealt with
and a culture of innovation in the Union. This is in effectively by taking up evidence-based piloting
line with the already proposed recommendations across the FP. This approach also includes
by the EIC Board itself, which noted the untapped discontinuation of the instruments/bodies that
potential for excellence in the widening countries contribute to the exacerbated concentration.
by barely having an 8% share in participation.

5 Missions and partnerships should be

simplified and redefined

Partnerships remain a strong feature of a lighthouse of a pan-European collaboration

the collaborating nature of the framework dedicated to the large-scale infrastructure that
programme. They should only be applied in areas successfully mobilises national efforts on a Union
and to address societal challenges that no other level.
FP instrument can address. For partnerships
Following up on the results of the missions it is
to reach their envisioned potential, there is a
clear that their needs go above and beyond the
need for their comprehensive revision as well as
FP and not only budget-wise. While constrained
the investment of stronger efforts aimed at the
to the FP, they fail to reach their set goals.
exploitation of other sources for co-financing. This
Missions present an excellent example of
primarily refers to cohesion-related instruments
putting the R&D at the centre of policy-making.
for widening countries that should contribute to
To avoid losing their comprehensiveness and
further synchronisation of European and national
policy relevance, the budget for all their non-
priorities and a stronger dedication to openness.
R&I related activities should be mobilised from
Partnerships need to be simplified and redefined in
other Union programmes as well as regional and
agreement with Member States, while also taking
national sources, and their ownership lifted to a
into account their added value to the national and
government level. A mission-oriented approach
European ecosystem and European research area
in RDI should embed placing the research and
at large. Furthermore, appropriate funding should
innovation at the core of policy-making on
be available for open calls. On the other hand,
a Union level, with the timely involvement of
partnerships in the area of digital and advanced
Member States.
technologies, such as EuroHPC, continue being

Ministry of Science, Education and Youth | January 2025 6

Croatian Position on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034

6
FP10 should significantly contribute to overcoming
the RDI gap along with recognition and utilisation of
talent and innovation potential across the Union

Tailor-made and diversified activities for schemes for widening countries should be
countries with underperforming RDI systems developed within the ERC and EIC instruments.
should continue to be financed within the FP10,
Support should also be given to the existing
providing indispensable support to widening
supporting structures on a national level, both
countries in the area of research and innovation.
through empowering NCPs and supporting their
The importance of having a separate horizontal collaboration as well as providing continuous
pillar dedicated to the countries with a lower RDI support to research managers. This is especially
intensity in the FP cannot be overstated. The important for the support provided for the
recognition of this need and efforts put in place innovation-related activities.
to address it go way back and before Horizon
Further development of innovation-related
Europe. We commend the extensive effort put
instruments that should facilitate widening
in creating mechanisms and measures that
countries participation in other parts of the FP
include - but also go beyond - the core actions
exclusively dedicated to innovation is especially
of the “widening” component in Horizon Europe
important.
as praiseworthy. These instruments have set
the bar for the future high but attainable goals Finally, and in recognition of the utmost
and are to be treated as a starting position for importance of agility from the level of those same
the FP10. Such an approach presupposes an member states – instruments that recognise
even more pronounced financial support going the interplay of all other available financing with
beyond the current 3% as well as potential new that of the FP should be encouraged, be that
instruments that ought to empower the widening through the downstream or upstream synergies
countries in the area of innovation. This path, if or the usage of the Seal of Excellence. To ensure
incorporated in FP10, would continue helping the maximum effectiveness of synergies, FP10
burgeoning of national R&D spending. should align administrative requirements and
procedures with other EU funding instruments
Building up, enhancing and empowering research
(especially decentralised activities and Cohesion
infrastructures; strengthening capacities
Fund), thereby reducing administrative burdens
through providing technical support, training
for applicants and increasing accessibility for
and mentorships; and providing dedicated
stakeholders from different Member States. This
programmes for excellence and fundamental
goal also requires efforts outside the remit of FP
research, skills development, mobility and
programming - a more coordinated and aligned
collaborating programmes with the non-widening
programming on national, regional and European
countries should be continuously supported
levels.
along with the core activities.
In line with the necessity of financing a larger
number of smaller projects, a line of financing With this, we look forward to engaging with other
research projects (RA/RIA) with a coordinator Member States and the Commission on the
from a widening country would boost the upcoming FP10 proposal.
development of national ecosystems through
increased organisational capacities.
Also, the hop-on instrument should be revised
to allow joining projects that already include a
widening country in their consortium. On that
note, specific measures resulting in dedicated

Ministry of Science, Education and Youth | January 2025 7