Little progress can be reported in the area of research policy, in particular as regards the strategy to increase the national research capacity. The budget for the 2009 research and technological development programme, originally €2.45 million, was reduced to about €1.8 million when the budget was revised in April 2009. The public and private funding for science and research remained below 0.5% of GDP and private-sector participation in particular is very low. Some reform of the research institutes took place by integrating them into the universities. New equipment procured in September 2009 will strengthen the capacity of universities and research institutes. However, the small budget, weak administrative capacity and lack of funding for the research facilities hinder significantly the development or research capacity in the country. Preparations in this area are moderately advanced.
Good progress was achieved in the area of Framework Programmes. The number of projects selected and funded under the Seventh EC research framework programme (FP7) increased compared to last year. However, the capacity of the unit responsible for promotion and national coordination of FP7 within the Ministry of Education and Science is weak and prevents to engage in more promotion activities on FP7. In this area, preparations are
advanced.
Given the lack of a national research strategy and weak administrative capacity, little progress can be reported on the integration into the European Research Area. The Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility, designated as the main body responsible for establishing the national EURAXESS Jobs Portal, as well as the EURAXESS Services Network, have not be realised within the contractual time frame. Preparations in this
area are moderately advanced.
Conclusion
Some progress has been made in the area of science and research. Administrative capacity to support participation in the Framework Programmes is not sufficiently developed. Greater participation in the Framework Programmes is also hampered by the weak capacity of the research institutes and their poor links with industry. Overall, preparations in the area of science and research are on track.