Methods

This paper presents an exploration of the challenges faced in research and development (R&D) in the EU13 and consequently their lower participation and success rates in the FPs compared to the EU15.

A number of hypotheses have been developed under five domains, with each being empirically tested:

1. R&I systems

Hypothesis 1 - Relative weakness of the research and innovation (R&I) systems of the EU13 compared to the EU15.

2. Scientific level of the EU13 R&D institutions and quality of proposals from the EU13

Hypothesis 2 - Relative lack of scientific excellence in institutions from the EU13 compared to the EU15.

Hypothesis 3 - The quality of proposals involving EU13 participants is lower than those that do not involve them.

3. Quantity of proposals from EU13 participants and alternative funding

Hypothesis 4 - EU13 organisations submit fewer proposals than EU15 organisations.

Hypothesis 5 - Participants in the EU13 have greater means of accessing alternative funding.

4. Collaboration and networks

Hypothesis 6 - The level of internationalisation in the EU13 is weaker than that of the EU15.

Hypothesis 7 - Participants from the EU13 have weaker connections to the collaboration network in FPs than those from the EU15.

5. The framework programme

Hypothesis 8 - The problem of FP participation is related to the specific funding schemes of the FPs.

Hypothesis 9 - The EU13 have an insufficient influence on the work programmes of the FPs.

Data were extracted from numerous sources, such as the European innovation scoreboard, the E-corda database, the Eurostat database and other European Commission databases. Following  analysis,  a  number  of  policy  options  were  drawn-up to  provide  direction on the potential ways in  which the disproportionate participation and success rates in FPs  between EU13 and EU15 MSs could be mitigated.