Deep tech champions from Widening countries must first be nurtured within their local ecosystems

This month marks 20 years since the EU’s largest single enlargement, when 10 countries joined the union. In today’s newsletter, we look at how the research and innovation landscape has changed in those countries over the past two decades. There are a lot of encouraging signs, but also a few areas of decline and stagnation. The European Institute of Innovation and Technology is also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Regional Innovation Scheme, aimed at closing Europe’s innovation gap. It’s been a huge success, the EIT says, but now is time for evolution. We also take a deep dive into the Teaming instrument of the Widening measures, and look at how Estonia is using the EU’s post-pandemic funds to propel investment in green tech start-ups

While it is supporting R&I activities and addressing the brain drain, the Teaming instrument can be unpredictable and complex

Since the 10 countries joined there has been significant improvement in R&I performance, but not all the signs are positive

A long-term strategy is needed to ensure the sustainability of projects funded by Horizon Europe

The US has finally managed to push through a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, a vital and timely boost for the country as it continues to fend off Russia’s invasion. While for many in the US and western Europe the war can seem distant, it is very real and its impact stretches far and wide. One example that we look at in this week’s newsletter is cooled interest from foreign investors in Latvia’s market as businesses opt for caution in uncertain times. On the ground in Ukraine, we look at why the country needs big companies, not just start-ups, to support its resilient innovation ecosystem. Finally, we get Poland’s view on the war in a wide-ranging, two-part interview with ministers from the country’s newly re-established Ministry of Science and Higher Education. 

Spring is here and that means the Hungarian presidency of the EU, scheduled for the second half of this year, is fast approaching. One plan in the works is to propose a new partnership to boost development of the bioeconomy of central and eastern European countries. The Hungarians want to model this on the Mediterranean PRIMA partnership. Elsewhere, we look at the impact of the EU unfreezing €137 billion of funding for Poland, the possible effect of two new European Investment Bank offices opening in the Baltics, and a foresight report that sets out policy suggestions for boosting innovation in the Western Balkans

A new paper on how the next 12 years could play out in the region shows there is high potential, but  policymakers must adopt forward-looking measures

Reform of Poland’s judiciary has opened access to long-delayed EU payments and sparked hopes of increased R&D funding. But experts say there is now a need for long-term planning and a strategic use of resources