National Research, Development and Innovation Office

National Research, Development and Innovation Office is a key organization in Hungary responsible for promoting innovation and research and development in the country, working closely with European Commission, European Research Council, and European Institute of Innovation and Technology. The office plays a crucial role in supporting Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and other research institutions in Hungary. It also collaborates with international organizations such as Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and World Health Organization to advance scientific research and technological development.

● Introduction

The National Research, Development and Innovation Office is responsible for implementing the research and innovation policy of the Government of Hungary, in line with the Europe 2020 strategy and the Lisbon Strategy. The office works closely with Ministry of Innovation and Technology (Hungary), Hungarian National Bank, and other government agencies to promote entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises, and startups in Hungary. It also supports the development of research infrastructure, including laboratories, libraries, and data centers, in collaboration with European Research Infrastructure Consortium, CERN, and European Organization for Nuclear Research. The office's activities are aligned with the European Union's Horizon 2020 program and the European Union's Horizon Europe program, which aim to promote excellence in science, industrial leadership, and societal challenges.

● History

The National Research, Development and Innovation Office was established in 2015 as a result of the merger of the National Office for Research and Technology and the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund, with the aim of creating a single, integrated organization to support research and development in Hungary. The office's predecessor organizations had a long history of supporting scientific research and innovation in Hungary, dating back to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences founded in 1825 by Count István Széchenyi. The office has also been influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire's Ministry of Culture and Education, which played a significant role in promoting education and research in the region. The office's history is also connected to the Council of Europe, European Space Agency, and International Council for Science.

● Organization

The National Research, Development and Innovation Office is headed by a President appointed by the Prime Minister of Hungary, and is organized into several departments, including the Department of Research and Development, the Department of Innovation, and the Department of International Cooperation. The office also has a Scientific Council composed of renowned scientists and experts from Hungarian universities, research institutions, and industry, including Eötvös Loránd University, University of Szeged, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The office works closely with other government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Hungary), Ministry of Human Resources (Hungary), and National Media and Infocommunications Authority, to promote international cooperation and knowledge transfer.

● Funding and Grants

The National Research, Development and Innovation Office provides funding for research projects and innovation initiatives through various grant schemes, including the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, which is supported by the European Union's Structural Funds and the European Investment Bank. The office also manages the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund, which provides support for basic research and applied research in Hungary. The office's funding programs are designed to support research and development in priority areas, such as information and communication technologies, biotechnology, and renewable energy, in collaboration with European Commission, European Investment Bank, and International Energy Agency.

● Research Areas

The National Research, Development and Innovation Office supports research and development in a wide range of areas, including natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The office has a particular focus on supporting research and innovation in priority areas, such as climate change, sustainable development, and public health, in collaboration with World Health Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The office also supports the development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things, in collaboration with European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council.

● International Cooperation

The National Research, Development and Innovation Office has a strong focus on international cooperation and knowledge transfer, and works closely with international organizations such as Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and World Health Organization. The office participates in European Union programs, such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, and collaborates with other European research funding agencies, including the German Research Foundation, French National Research Agency, and UK Research and Innovation. The office also has partnerships with research institutions and universities around the world, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and University of Cambridge, to promote international collaboration and exchange of ideas. Category:Research institutes in Hungary