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Launch of the POLICY ENLARGE Project under Horizon Europe

The Institute of Economic Sciences is one of the partners in the new Horizon Europe project POLICY ENLARGE (R&I Policy Support for Enlargement Countries), officially launched in April 2026. The project will be implemented over a three-year period, until March 2029.

POLICY ENLARGE builds on the results of the previous project POLICY ANSWERS, while significantly expanding its geographical and strategic scope. In addition to the six Western Balkan economies covered under the earlier initiative, the new project now also includes Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine, creating a common framework for research and innovation policy support across all ten enlargement economies.

The overall objective of the project is to strengthen evidence-based R&I policy-making, implementation and support in enlargement countries. Through structured and continuous cooperation among policymakers, research organisations, universities, innovation agencies, businesses and public authorities, the project will contribute to stronger alignment with key European frameworks, including the European Research Area, the European Education Area and the European Innovation Agenda.

To achieve these goals, POLICY ENLARGE will implement a broad range of activities, including:

  • high-level policy dialogue and ministerial meetings
  • thematic workshops and peer-learning exchanges
  • capacity-building activities in R&I governance and reform
  • support for Smart Specialisation strategies
  • promotion of gender equality in research and innovation systems
  • financial support to third parties through dedicated grant schemes
  • actions fostering cross-border cooperation and innovation uptake
  • development of an upgraded online information hub for stakeholders across the region

A particularly important component of the project is the introduction of a new third-party funding scheme that will support joint innovation actions, people-to-people cooperation, and wider use of research and innovation results. These instruments are expected to stimulate collaboration, strengthen regional cohesion, and create new opportunities for institutions, businesses and civil society organisations throughout the enlargement region.

By participating in POLICY ENLARGE, the Institute of Economic Sciences further reinforces its commitment to international cooperation, policy-relevant research, and active contribution to the development of stronger and more connected innovation ecosystems in Serbia and the wider region.