R&I POLICY support for ENLARGEment countries

Objective

POLICY ENLARGE aims to strengthen evidence-based R&I policy making, implementation and support in EU enlargement countries. Building on the foundation of POLICY ANSWERS, the new action addresses the wider geographical scope and new strategic needs in the evolving EU Research and Innovation (R&I) landscape. The proposed action supports structured, inclusive and continuous policy dialogue through high-level ministerial meetings, thematic workshops and peer learning exchanges. It facilitates integration into the European Research Area (ERA), the European Education Area and the European Innovation Agenda. The project aligns with the EU’s geopolitical and financial priorities by enhancing resilience, accelerating the green and digital transitions, and preparing candidate countries for closer integration with EU frameworks. A major innovation is the launch of a new third-party funding scheme with three flexible instruments to foster joint innovation actions, uptake of R&I results and people-to-people cooperation. These FSTP grants will catalyse collaboration across all ten enlargement countries and promote regional cohesion, cross-border cooperation, and bottom-up innovation. The project activates tailored capacity building in R&I policy reform, technology transfer, digitalisation, and evidence-based decision-making. It supports the implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies, gender equality plans and synergies with national and regional programmes. An upgraded online information hub and targeted dissemination actions will enhance stakeholder engagement, while inclusive actions ensure the participation of underrepresented groups. POLICY ENLARGE mobilises national and regional institutions, civil society, industry and academia, ensuring durable impact beyond the project’s lifetime.